Ponoka town council passed second and third reading of an updated fire protection services bylaw during their regular meeting on Nov. 22.
Ponoka County requested the Fire Protection Services Bylaw and Fire/Mutual Aid Agreements be changed to replace references to “Regional Fire Chief” with “Fire Chief” as the regional position was eliminated.
The bylaw was also updated to use gender neutral references.
Amendments to the service agreements included replacing “Regional Fire Chief” with “Director of Emergency Management, Ponoka County East District Fire Chief or duly qualified representative.”
Utility rates
Council passed second and third reading of a bylaw to establish utility rates for water, sewer and solid waste for 2023.
Overall, a family using an average of 20 cubic metres per month will see an estimated increase of 4.48 per cent, or $6.30 per month, for their water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and organic waste collection.
The council agenda states the increase is to provide sufficient funding for day-to-day operations as well as provide funding for current and future capital projects.
The new rates will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Electrical distribution tariff
the Town of Ponoka is required by the Electric Utilities Act
to approve a Distribution Tariff for access to the distribution system.
Council passed second and third reading unanimously.
Commercial Incentive Program
Council approved the Commercial New Build Incentive Bylaw to complete the renewal of all the incentive programs.
The approval period for new commercial builds has now been extended to a three-year timeline.
Businesses with a development permit issued between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2025 may qualify for incentives.