The Town of Ponoka provided an update on new COVID-19 restrictions on Nov. 27, advising of town facility closures as well as the cancellation of the Santa Claus Parade.
Due to gathering restrictions, and in consultation with the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce, the parade has been cancelled. It was originally postponed from the original date of Nov. 20, and there were hopes it would take place in December.
READ MORE: Santa Claus Parade postponed due to active case numbers
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for the town Christmas tree will go ahead on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the old Town Hall site in Downtown Ponoka. The event will also be livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page.
“The Town’s new Christmas Light Tour, the virtual tree lighting, and the expanded light display at Centennial Park are a few of the fun, COVID-friendly alternative activities that the town is working hard to provide this holiday season for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Andrew Jones, Town of Ponoka recreation coordinator.
Town facilities
In response to new provincial health restrictions announced this week to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Ponoka is implementing the following new restrictions until further notice, effective immediately.
The Ponoka Arena Complex and Curling Rink are temporarily closed. The Outdoor Rink (ODR) at the arena remains open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with a maximum of 10 people allowed on the ice surface at once.
ODR users are asked to limit the length of their time on the ice during each visit to allow other users to use the facility.
The change room at the northeast corner of the arena is closed to public use until further notice.
The Ponoka Aquaplex remains open with existing restrictions continuing until further notice, including the temporary cancellation of swim lessons, Junior Lifeguard Club and Aquafit classes.
Lane swimming, Public Swim and Family Swim are still being offered with occupancy numbers at the facility limited to a maximum of 20 visitors at a time.
Late utility penalties waived
Late payment penalties on utility payments and accounts receivable (with the exception of property taxes) will be waived until Dec. 31.
Town office
The town office at the Ponoka Civic Centre will remain closed to public access until further notice, but the town continues to be “open for business” by phone, email, fax and online.
Citizens can contact the Town Office by phone at 403-783-4431, by email at town@ponoka.ca, by fax at 403-783-6745 or online at www.ponoka.ca.
- With a file from the Town of Ponoka