The Town of Ponoka released its 2016 Annual Report to the Community last week highlighting the town's accomplishments and milestones over the past year. 

Mayor Rick Bonnett said with the downturn in the economy, the town was able to take advantage of low construction costs, making it a good year for projects.

One of those projects included the construction of the new Siding 14 Crossing Bridge, as well as the 50th Avenue road realignment and removal of the old bridge. 

“That’s been something the citizens have wanted for over 25 years. It’s one of those things that have finally come together and we were able to get it built on a year when construction costs were cheaper,” Bonnett said.

A new three-stream, curbside, residential Waste and Recycling Program was also implemented last year, to help reduce household waste, something Bonnett said has seen early success. 

“We still have some bugs to work out, but otherwise we’ve seen a significant drop in the amount of loads we’re taking to the landfill. There’s definitely more recycling being done, being that you don’t have to take it anywhere and it’s picked right up at your doorstep.”

The new recreation complex is another project that was started last year, but will continue in 2017. 

Currently it’s in phase two, the design phase of the planning process, in order to be ready for the town to apply for government grants when they become available. 

“The Federal government goes to budget in March and we want to make sure that we have our business plan and all our ducks in a row, so we can show what we’re planning and what the costs are going to be,” Bonnett said. 

Bonnett added with a government focus on health, fitness and the environment, the new facility will aim to meet those goals. 

Other accomplishments for 2016 included a new year-round hazardous waste program, commencement of the Downtown Action Plan to further revitalize downtown and several successful community events.  

Going into 2017 Bonnett said the Community Learning Centre will be a priority and are close to finalizing the details. 

Last year, Private developer Landrex Incorporated had purchased the old Ponoka hospital and planned on leasing out space to the town and Campus Alberta Central.

Once complete, the centre will allow the town to have its administrative offices and council chambers in one place, along with being a centre for the community, showcasing art work and housing a public library.

With the economy, Bonnett said the budget this year is tight, but depending on costs the town might be able to once again take advantage of lower construction costs.