Town of Ponoka Coun. Teri Underhill asked administration to look for active ways to get some of the town’s surplus lands off their books during council’s regular meeting Nov. 22.
Underhill said some of the properties have been “stagnant” on the list for over two years.
Although there’s been some interest, the properties haven’t sold, council heard.
She wondered if the properties could be more actively marketed somehow.
“Nothing’s happening, so let’s make it happen,” she said.
Angie Schumacher, general manager of corporate services, responded because the properties are municipal lands, they have to be developed within a certain time frame from purchasing, which may be a deterrent for buyers.
Underhill asked if the development bylaw allowed for extensions and chief administrative officer Sandra Lund said administration would have to get back to her on that.
The town’s current surplus land properties and listed sales prices are:
• 5501 50 Street, $20,000;
• 5503 50 Street’ $20,000 and,
• 5402 55 Street, $164,000.
The properties on 50 Street, 5501 and 5503, are adjoining vacant properties on the east side of 50
Street, backing onto the railway.
The site is in the C1 district and the town says it might accommodate a freestanding office-type use. The total land area of each property is 5,024 square feet.
The former Lucas Heights playground site at 5402 55 Street has a land designation of R4. The town says it could accommodate a duplex or other small multi-family development. The total land area is 21,789 square feet.
Electrical distribution tariff
Council approved second and third reading of a new electrical distribution tariff bylaw that will see rates increase slightly come Jan. 1, 2023.
Coun. Carla Prediger commented she appreciated the change that allowed council to look at the possible rate change during budget deliberations, rather than before.
The new rates will be as follows:
- Residential changes from $0.76/day to $0.92/day – which equates to approximately a $0.15/day increase.
- For small commercial – equates to a $0.79/day increase.
- For medium commercial – equates to a $0.99/day increase.
- For large commercial – equates to a $3.35/day increase.
“Distribution tariffs are charged by the town to electrical retailers to recover the costs the town incurs for owning and operating the electrical distribution system in Ponoka — electrical lines, poles, technology advancements, etcetera,” said town communications manager Sandra Smith.
“The town is responsible for the costs related to maintenance, replacement and expansion (as needed) of its electric system. The distribution tariffs are used to maintain and ensure the continued safety and reliability of the town’s electric system.”
Ponoka Community Golf Club
Jae Stiles and Ed Bauchman from the Ponoka Community Golf Club presented their annual report to council Nov. 22.
Financial statements, as well as a list of activities hosted by the golf club at no charge, demonstrating benefit to the community, were provided to the town.
The question was raised, if, in light of the recent announcement of Wolf Creek Golf Resort going into receivership, if the Ponoka Golf Club had any outstanding amounts with the town and if they would be able to stay viable in the future.
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The response was the golf club was in a bit of trouble but is currently in a good position. Their volunteer board will be meeting often this winter to ensure a receivership “never happens.”