After more than 10 years, the Town of Ponoka has officially severed ties with the West Central Planning Agency.
Council give final reading to a bylaw that establishes civic administration as the subdivision authority, aided when necessary by Hoskin Planning and Development Agency.
The town had engaged the West Central Planning Agency to act on its behalf since 1999.
“We’re now doing the subdivision approving authority in-house,” explained CAO Brad Watson. Hoskin will be used for the “more complicated” and larger-scale applications.
The bylaw also sets a new rate schedule.
Bylaws updated
Councillors also passed bylaws updating its Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) and Regional Assessment Review Board bylaws.
The SDAB bylaw was updated to conform to new provincial legislation and the town’s current job titles. A new rate schedule was also approved.
The Regional Assessment Review Board bylaw was repealed and replaced with a bylaw that allows the board to hear an appeal prior to formation of the board in 2010.
Road closure approved
Council approved a bylaw to close an undeveloped road plan near at site of the new Agricultural Events Centre.
At the request of the Ponoka Stampede Association and the Ponoka Agricultural Society, the land will be consolidated into the site and alternative roadway created from 39 Avenue south to the new 36 Avenue with Highway 2A.
Town won’t join PAMZ
The Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) will have to get along with the Town of Ponoka as a member for another year.
Councillors decided not to pay the $2,600 to be a member of the regional air quality watchdog.
The town withdrew from the group in 2008 because it saw little benefit from belonging.
CAO Brad Watson said similar information can be obtained from Alberta Environment at no cost.