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Town of Ponoka introduces new temporary restrictions at town facilities

Ponoka civic building closed to public access, town office remains ‘open’ for business
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The Town of Ponoka issued a news release Nov. 13, announcing temporary restrictions at town facilities due to COVID-19.

The new restrictions were in response to the provincial health directives that came down the day before, for communities in ‘Enhanced’ COVID-19 status areas.

The town office at the Ponoka Civic Centre will be closed to public access beginning Monday, Nov. 16, but will remain open for business, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by phone, email, fax and online.

“We’re just asking citizens to do business with us at a distance for the next two weeks to help limit the spread of this virus,” said Sandra Lund, interim CAO.

“We are taking a proactive approach to help protect the health and safety of our citizens, our staff and their families.”

Citizens are encouraged to make bill payments online through their bank, by mail, by credit card using the online credit card payment slip available at www.ponoka.ca or by phoning the town office.

Aquaplex and arena

Other measures being put in place for the next two weeks, effective immediately from November 13 to 27, include:

  • Temporary cancellation of swimming lessons, Junior Lifeguard Club and Aquafit classes at the Aquaplex. Lane swimming, Public Swim and Family Swim will continue to be offered but occupancy numbers at the facility will be reduced to a maximum of 20 visitors at one time.
  • No spectators will be permitted at the Ponoka Arena Complex and the Curling Rink. Those facilities will be limited to athletes and support staff only for the next two weeks. All games are temporarily cancelled at the Arena. Only team practices are permitted.
  • Public skating is also temporarily cancelled at the Arena. Arena staff are working to reopen the outdoor rink as soon as possible.
  • The Hudson’s Green Community Activity Centre is temporarily closed to public bookings.

“These measures will remain in place for two weeks at which time we will re-evaluate based on current information at that time,” said Lund.

Outdoor facilities

Citizens are encouraged to continue using outdoor recreation facilities such as the walking trail system to stay active during the pandemic. Town staff are working to reopen the outdoor rink at the Arena as soon as possible.

Business as usual

Town staff are continuing to ensure the ongoing delivery of essential town services, including clean drinking water, waste water treatment, electrical services, curbside waste collection and solid waste management.

Protect yourself and others

Ponoka citizens are encouraged to protect themselves and others against the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

  • Not holding social gatherings at their homes with anyone who doesn’t already live there;
  • Not attending gatherings in other communities or at other people’s homes;
  • Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing;
  • Cover coughs and sneezes;
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
  • Stay at least 2 metres from others who aren’t part of your cohort or live in your home;
  • Wear a mask in public when you can’t physically distance; and
  • Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others, please visit www.alberta.ca/COVID19.

- With file from the Town of Ponoka



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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