A new name for the Ponoka Civic Building will be decided through a public contest.
The Town of Ponoka launched the contest at the grand opening of the building, which houses town hall, the Ponoka Learning Centre and the Ponoka Jubilee Library, on May 24.
The building, owned by Landrex Inc., was dubbed the “civic building” temporarily after it opened for use in October, 2018, and an official naming was put off to allow all the tenants time to “settle in.”
“Because it is a public-use building and a community hub … the building owner felt it would be appropriate for the local community to help choose a name for the building,” a press release stated in part.
“As the main tenant in the building, the Town has been invited by Landrex to hold a Building Naming Contest that encourages the community to submit suggested names for the new building.”
The winning name will reflect the historical or geographical significance of the old site and be appropriate for a professional-use building that is the seat for the local government and a community hub.
The name must also be “timeless” and remain appropriate regardless of the current tenants at any time.
The winning submission will be awarded a $200 Town of Ponoka gift certificate that can be applied towards a Ponoka Aquaplex membership or a Town of Ponoka utility bill credit.
A panel of judges, that will include the building owner, will make the final decision on the new name after considering all the entries.
The panel will include up to six people who have an interest in local history and who are active supporters of the local community. The town will approach various community groups to nominate members of the panel.
The contest will be open until 4 p.m. on July 5, 2019. The judges will name a winner by fall 2019.
For contest details and entry forms visit www.ponoka.ca or pick up a form at the town office.