Mayor Kevin Ferguson spoke to the Ponoka District Chamber of Commerce members during their regular meeting on Jan. 18, highlighting some of the town’s accomplishments from 2021.
Ferguson said that while COVID-19 is still here and remains the biggest issue for small, local businesses, “we’re not where we were a year ago.”
He added that while the present circumstances are still frustrating, that we’re still moving away from that “sad chapter in our lives.”
During the past year, the town has recognized an increased need for recreation as people deal with the collective trauma of the pandemic.
The town put an extra emphasis on recreational improvements and attracting new residents to town.
The Aquaplex has undergone extensive maintenance, and upgrades, with a new slide recently installed and a new air conditioning system that will move moisture out of the building.
The tennis courts are also set to be resurfaced.
At the Ponoka Arena Complex, a new ice plant was installed in 2021, which will lengthen the ice season. It has also been confirmed that because of the longer season, the Black Elk Hockey Camp will be returning to Ponoka.
The town created a new park space last year, turning the empty lot next to the civic centre into The Old Hospital Rotary Park. The park is also to host concerts or theatrical events and is used for the Ponoka Jubilee Library’s programming.
The tractors are also back at the tractor park, after new paths were made and paved, connecting the trail system to downtown Ponoka.
Even though the plumbing improvements at the splash park were completed two years ago, Ferguson said it was worth mentioning, as during this summer that saw record heat waves, there were zero shutdowns at the splash park.
The light display in Lions Centennial Park, which has been extended to allow skaters using the skating trail to enjoy it, was also made better and brighter in 2021.
“We are going to be a victim of our own success because next year we’re planning to do more,” said Ferguson about the light display.
“There will be a day, I think, when we get COVID under control,” he said, adding that even if that day is tomorrow, the town is going to continue to make recreation improvements a priority.
Chamber business
The chamber held 10 general meetings in 2021.
They hosted their first golf social in July, as well as a dinner where Premier Jason Kenney spoke.
Executive secretary Heather Bendera reported that the Santa Claus parade, Almost Midnight Madness and Passport to Christmas all went well.
The chamber held several shop local related contests and initiatives and are setting up their new e-commerce Chamber Market.
Profits were up in 2021, mainly due to government grants.
The chamber plans to hold a tradeshow on April 8 and 9.
Mayor Ferguson swore in Sherry Gummow as chamber president and Trevor Cromartie as vice president during the meeting.