Welcome to Ponoka
Life here moves at the pace of a good story.
In Ponoka, we believe in keeping it real; especially when it comes to the important things in life. Ponoka boasts a growing and dynamic community offering its 6,773 residents a vibrant rural lifestyle in the heart of central Alberta. Nestled in the picturesque and lush Battle River Valley, along the thriving Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, we invite you to come see our community and experience something authentic and fun in a small town that believes in keeping it real.
Be sure to check us out on our Places page on Facebook!
Area Overview
History
Ponoka, whose history goes back over 100 years, is proud of its historic past. Ponoka began in the 1870s at the Battle River Crossing as a supply point on the wagon trail between Fort Edmonton and Calgary. In 1890 the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company was formed. The right of way through this area was completed in the spring of 1891 and named Siding 14. In August 1891 a railway official put a name opposite Siding 14 – “Ponoka”. Ponoka is the Blackfoot word for Elk.
After that, the railway brought a stream of settlers from eastern Canada, the American Midwest and Europe. As there homesteaders made their livelihood on the area’s fine agricultural land, the settlement grew beside the railway into an important service center. 1900 saw Ponoka incorporated as a village and obtained official town status on October 15th, 1904.
The Battle River afforded a great passage way for floating saw logs to the 3 working saw mills at Ponoka. Several million board feet of lumber were cut annually at the Ponoka mills until the lowering of the Battle River in 1905. This site was in for rapid development in the following years. This was the era of cheap land and great dreams.
All in all, Ponoka’s Aboriginal, pioneer and agricultural roots, the 70+ years of history of the world class Ponoka Stampede, and the presence of the Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury have left a diverse legacy of architectural and historic places of interest.
Today....
Ponoka provides family fun year round. Whether your interests are swimming, curling, tennis, cycling, skateboarding or bowling to bingo or movie going, Ponoka will meet your family recreation desires.
For shoppers and 'urban explorers, Ponoka has a wide variety of unique 'niche' market shops, most of which are located in the historical downtown core.
Travelers will find the community full of range of restaurants, convenience services, picnic areas and charm, making Ponoka an ideal stop.
Enjoy Ponoka’s beauty and take a stroll through the lush Battle River Valley or one of Ponoka’s many well kept parks. Pack a lunch and sit by the fountain in the Lion's Centennial Park.
As one of the region’s agricultural service centers, Ponoka is home to Canada’s largest single-day livestock auction (VJV), and with regards to tourism, the world famous Ponoka Stampede. Held at the new Ponoka Agricultural Event Centre, the Ponoka Stampede is Canada's largest outdoor professional rodeo and sells over 70,000 people in 7 days.
Ponoka is also known for its leading centre for psychiatric health care & education. The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, which began in 1911, currently employs over 800 people. One of Canada’s major psychiatric hospitals, the Centennial Centre is recognized as a world leader in the area of brain injury research and rehabilitation treatment.
The Ponoka community, with its rural charm and progressive attitude is sure to welcome any one looking to visit or relocate.
Location
Location Location!
Business, industry & residents benefit from the outstanding transportation networks. Ponoka has access to three major transportation corridors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, which is the heart of the fastest growing corridor in Canada – the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor. Highways 2A and 53 run right through the centre of Ponoka. Calgary is only 2 hours south, Edmonton is 1 hour north, as well, Red Deer (population 83,000) is just 40 minutes south.
Economic Base
DIVERSE ECONOMIC BASE
Ponoka Offers opportunities in:
- Agriculture – beef, equine, grain, dairy, etc.
- Industry - manufacturing, oil & gas, agricultural service, construction, technology
- Business - Professional Services, retail, hospitality
- Health Care
- Hospitality & Tourism
Agriculture
Ponoka has a very strong agricultural base with diversified farming where traditional crops and livestock thrive amid alternative ventures, such as bison, elk and honey bees. Most of the farms in the primary market area are involved in cattle production at a
regional and international export level. Sheep, pork, poultry, horses and even bees are also part of the rural farming mix. The Ponoka region has also seen the expansion of dairy operations.
Rich black soils to the east of Ponoka, consistently produce above-average grain crops and the grey wooded soils to the west are excellent for barley, forage crops and grazing lands.
Another aspect of agricultural diversification is the flourishing market gardens, nurseries, and greenhouses which exist throughout the Ponoka County.
Industry
The Town of Ponoka also has 2 thriving industrial parks with convenient access to major 
transportation corridors. Industry in areas of oil & gas, value-added agriculture and manufacturing, construction and technology have called Ponoka home for many years. Their success is evident in the many recent expansions.
Ponoka is a thriving agriculture service centre with many value-added agriculture industries that complement the farming and ranching community. There are many truck and implement dealerships, as well as a fertilizer company, feed and agric-supply businesses, a seed cleaning plant and two veterinarian clinics.
Ponoka is also home to the reputable Vold Jones Vold Auction Livestock Auction which has been an integral part of the Ponoka picture for more than 40 years. The renowned auction
mart has established an international reputation as being one of North America’s leading markets and is headquarters for the Canadian Satellite Auction. VJV is recognized as being the largest livestock auction market in Canada, selling more than 222,000 head of cattle through its system of three sales rings and its state-of-the-art sales technology. The efforts and success of VJV have served to establish Ponoka as the “Cattle Capital of Canada.”
Ponoka is also a service hub for the oil and gas industry. There are also many businesses related to petroleum exploration and service that specialize in welding, drilling, equipment construction & maintenance, and transportation.
Ponoka also has an innovative and thriving manufacturing and construction sector –from compressor stations to pipeline equipment to screw pilings for the foundation industry. Ponoka has manufacturing companies with solid reputations as industry leaders.
Construction / Development
Residential growth has recently been very strong in the Ponoka area, largely as a resutl of the Alberta 'boom' and the more affordable housing costs. There are many new lots available to build in the Town of Ponoka. Housing starts have been increasing each year for the last five years, with 2007 representing recording breaking numbers. As well, there are many country residential acreage sites in the Ponoka County 
available to develop.
Commercial and Industrial development has maintained a steady rate of growth over the years. Much of the growth has been due to many business expansions.
Business
Commerce is alive and well in Ponoka with its 400+ businesses. With no business tax and it’s excellent central location, Ponoka is an appealing choice for retail and professional service ventures. Ponoka has a great variety of grocery outlets, giftware, hardware, furniture, pharmacy, restaurants and various health and lifestyle professionals. General purpose, as well as many specialty stores and services all cater to the needs of a growing community. Ponoka’s historic downtown has many unique shops and restaurants and buildings that have been restored to their former glory. The quaint streetscape is a delight to explorers and niche market shoppers.
For more information contact the Town's Economic Development Officer at 403-783-0116 or email sarah.olson@ponoka.org.
Chamber of Commerce
Ponoka’s Chamber of Commerce is busy supporting its’ 200 members. The organization also hosts various promotional and tourism events throughout the year. Contact information is:
Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce - www.ponokalive.ca
Box 4188; Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6
Phone: 403-783-3888 Email: chamber@ponoka.org
Health Care
Ponoka is also known for its leading centre for psychiatric health care & education. The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, which began in 1911, currently employs over 800 people. One of Canada’s major psychiatric hospitals, the Centennial Centre is recognized as a world leader in the area of brain injury research and rehabilitation treatment. Its on-site nursing school works closely with the Grant MacEwan Community College School of Psychiatric Nursing program.
Economic Facts
Please note that the economic facts listed below the "MAPS" section on the lefthand side, have yet to be updated to the current census information from 2010. For more information on the current statistics, please visit Ponoka's website.
Ponoka and area is home to about 430 businesses ranging from large corporations to small home based business.
Ponoka is also home to the Centennial Centre For Mental Health and Brain Injury. This state of the art facility, which will soon be celebrating 100 years of service, employs up to 1,200 people.
For more information contact the Town's Economic Development Officer at 403-783-0116 or email sarah.olson@ponoka.org or check out the Town's Economic Development web page.
Major Businesses / Employers
For a complete list of what Ponoka has to offer, please visit our Business Directory.
Financial Institutions
- Agriculture Financial Services Corporation - Ph: 403-782-8200
- ATB Financial - Ph: 403-783-3301
- Bank of Montreal - Ph: 403-783-4401
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce - Ph: 403-783-5581
- Servus Credit Union - Ph: 403-783-4466
- Royal Bank Of Canada – Ph: 403-783-4417
Utilities
Telephone (default service provider-Telus) 1-403-310-2255
Electrical (default service provider-Enmax) - 310-2010
Natural Gas (default service provider-Direct Energy) - 1-866-420-3174
Water, Sewer, and Garbage Services - Town of Ponoka - 403-783-0111
Water Supply
As of May 2006, the Town of Ponoka's water source is the Red Deer River, purchased from the City of Red Deer, via the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission. The Regional Waterline Initiative will secure a safe and viable source of potable water to meet the needs of Ponoka for years to come.
Waste Management
The Town of Ponoka operates a Recycling Depot free of charge, open 24/7, plus conducts annual Toxic Roundup in September. All other waste picked up or taken to the Waste Transfer Facility, including solid waste, white goods, metal, branches, wod, and tires.
Taxation
Town of Ponoka Mill Rate - 2012
Ponoka has one of the lowest tax rates in the province, making it a very competitive place to do business and live.
Residential
Alberta School Foundation Fund/ St. Thomas
Aquinas Roman Catholic Separate Regional
Division No.22 - 2.7398 %
Rimoka Foundation - .1175%
Municipal Purposes = 5.99%
Total Tax Rate = 8.8473%
Non-Residential Properties
Alberta School Foundation Fund/ St. Thomas
Aquinas Roman Catholic Separate Regional
Division No.22 – 3.5895%
Rimoka Foundation .1175%
Municipal Purposes = 7.82%
Total Tax Rate = 11.5270%
Transportation
Ponoka is well connected!
Business and industry benefit from the outstanding transportation networks. Ponoka has access to three major transportation corridors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, which is the heart of the fastest growing corridor in Canada – the Calgary Edmonton Corridor
Highways 2A and 53 run right through the centre of Ponoka.
Calgary is only 2 hours south, Edmonton is 1 hour north, and Red Deer is just 40 minutes south.
Air, Bus & Rail Service
The Edmonton International Airport is only 45 minutes to the north.
An added feature in Ponoka is the local industrial airport – 
Labrie Field - with a 3100 foot (950 metre) runway and the CANPASS designation for customs clearance – ideal for private aircraft.
Greyhound Canada offers the bus transportation option for travelers as well as parcels.
C
anadian Pacific Railway provides rail service in the region.
Couriers and Taxis
Ponoka has a variety of courier companies. They are Loomis Courier, Purolator Courier, Steadfast Courier, Greyhound Courier Express and Canada Post. Local taxi services are provided by Eagle Taxi & Deb's Taxi.
Ports
The closest major seaports are the Ports of Vancouver, Port Alberta, and Prince Rupert, BC.
Community Lifestyle
Recreation 
The Ponoka Aquaplex is equipped with a diving tank, 25 meter pool, wading pool, whirlpool and sauna. Recently the pool has been redesigned and upgraded with the help of the community, businesses, municipal and provincial governments. The Aquaplex provides lessons for all ages, early bird swims, adult swim, family swim and many other swimming programs designed for the community.
The Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex houses two ice surfaces, an outdoor rink, six curling sheets, two racquetball courts, a handicraft room, concession booth and licensed lounge. The Complex is also home to the annual Black Elk Hockey Camp in August, and the Ponoka Farmers Market from May to October each year. The winter months are very busy hosting ice surf time to figure skating, minor hockey, curling, skating programs and family skates.
The Hamilton Skateboard Park offers hours of fun for the 'boarders' in Ponoka. A community effort made possible the building of the park.
The Ponoka Splash Park, open June to September, promotes active play while providing opportunities to explore science with water.
There are approximately 12 ball diamonds, five soccer pitches, a 400 meter track and field facility and several horseshoe pits in and around Ponoka. The Diamond Willow Trail System is a great way for walkers, cyclists and in-line skaters to enjoy trees, open space and wildlife along the beautiful Battle River valley. The 6 kms of paved path, which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail, wanders along the valley amongst the waterfowl, songbirds and wildlife.
The
Ponoka Community Golf Course is billed as Ponoka’s 'best kept secret'. This challenging 18 hole course is set among the
lush trees and rolling terrain. This is an excellent course for any golfer.
For a Scottish-links style course you only need to drive 10 minutes south of Ponoka to
Wolf Creek Golf Resort. Wolf Creek is the home of the annual Henry Singer Alberta Open Tour. This 27 hole course will tests your skills as it is rated as #18 of the Top 20 Courses in Canada.
Ponoka has several community organizations and service clubs, as well as many more recreation and sports programs available to residents. Please call 403-783-4431 for more details and a complete listing.
Calnash Trucking Ag Event Centre
The NEW Ponoka
Agriculture Events Centre Society is a new and unique partnership composed of the Ponoka Agricultural Society, Ponoka Stampede Association, Ponoka County, and the Town of Ponoka. This facility will be an 'anchor attraction' and a tourism and economic driver for Ponoka.
Ponoka Jubilee Library
The Ponoka Jubilee Library is a member of the
Parkland Library System. Located in Ponoka’s downtown, the Jubilee Library offers a variety of services to the Town residents.
Museums
Ponoka is home to the
Fort Ostell Museum which is a tribute to Ponoka's past and is located in the Lion’s Centennial Park. Also of interest is the
Cowboy Museum which is a recount of the story of Ponoka's rodeo cowboys and cattlemen. It is located on the Stampede grounds in the Tourist Booth.
Special Annual Events/Attractions
Accommodations
- Leland Hotel
- Oasis Motel
- Riverside Motor Inn
- Royal Hotel
- Ponoka Stampeder Inn
- Super 8
- Dino’s Motor Inn
Religious Facilities
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Alliance Church
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4215 - 46 Street
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783-3958
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Church Of Open Bible
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3704 - 42 Street
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783-6500
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First Baptist Church
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5109 - 57 Avenue
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783-5533
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Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall
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6307 - 51 Street
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783-5622
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Parkland Reformed Church
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Ponoka County
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783-1888
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Seventh Day Adventist Church
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6102 - 57 Avenue
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783-6404
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Sonrise Christian Reform Church
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46 Street South
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783-6012
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St. Augustine's Catholic Church
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5113 - 52 Avenue
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783-4048
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St. Mary's Anglican Church
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5120 - 49 Avenue
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783-4329
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Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
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5501 - 54 Avenue
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783-4141
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United Church
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5020 - 52 Avenue
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783-4087
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Elks Hall
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5901 Highway 2A
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783-4353
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Kinsmen Community Centre
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5009 - 46 Avenue
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783-0141
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Moose Hall
Morningside Community Hall
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Ponoka County - Hwy 2A
Ponoka County - Hwy 2A
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783-4700
782-4276
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Royal Canadian Legion
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3911 Highway 2A
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783-4076
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Caterers
5026 51 Avenue, Ponoka
Ph: 403-783-2285
#2-4213 Alberta 2 Alt, Ponoka
Ph: 403-783-3377
Bob Hepp & Company
Education
Daycare/Nursery
Ponoka has a Family Day Home Program that can connect parents to licenced day home providers. Visit the Central Alberta Family Day Home Association (CAFDHA) for a provider near you.
Public
Ponoka is part of the Wolf Creek Public Schools [Tel: 403-783-3473].
Schools in Ponoka include:
Crestomere School [1-9] - Ph: 403-783-2141,
Diamond Willow Middle School [6-8] - Ph: 403-783-3386, 
Mecca Glen ECS School - Ph: 403-783-6666,
Mecca Glen School [1-9] - Ph: 403-783-2463,
Ponoka Central ECS School - Ph: 403-783-4740,
Ponoka Composite High School [9-12] - Ph: 403-783-4411,
Ponoka Elementary School [1-5] - Ph: 403-783-3583,
Ponoka Outreach School - Ph: 403-783-3285,
Primary & Elementary School - Ph: 403-783-3583.
Ponoka/Rimbey Adult Learning Center - Ph: 403-783-5464,
Separate
St. Augustine Catholic School - Ph: 403-783-5541
Private
Adventist School - Ph: 403-783-2640
Ponoka Christian School - Ph: 403-783-6563
Post Secondary
Located in Ponoka, the Centennial Center for Mental Health is also home to the Grant MacEwan University, School of Registered Psychiatric Nursing. It is a growing training centre for medical and allied professionals in psychiatric, geriatric, and brain injury specialties. The School of Registered Psychiatric Nursing is located at the Dave Russell Education complex so that students are able to gain real world experience.
Post-secondary institutions within commuting distance are:
Healthcare
Ponoka is serviced by Alberta Health Services. The Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre is an acute care and long-term care facility providing services to the entire region. The hospital is fully equipped for general medicine, obstetrics, surgery, pediatrics and emergency use. It is supported by an in-house laboratory and radiology facilities.
Ponoka also has a medical clinic, a medical laboratory, physiotherapy clinics, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, a psychologist, a denturist, a Community Health Centre, a mental health clinic and a 64 room seniors lodge, and the 72 Bed Northcott Care Facility.
The Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury (formerly known as Alberta Hospital Ponoka) is a nationally renown psychiatric and brain damage treatment centre and educational facility. Programs include adult psychiatry, substance abuse, rehabilitation, as well as treatment and brain injury.
Emergency Services
Ponoka is a safe family community, equipped with the resources to protect your and your investment.
All emergency services are dispatched through a 9-1-1 Emergency System.
Police Services
The community is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP), which also runs programs such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistant Education); Citizens on Patrol and School Resource Officer.
Tel: 403-783-4471 [Non-Emergency Tel: 403-783-4472].
Fire Protection
Ponoka is served by a volunteer fire department which consists of 25 volunteers and a full time Fire Chief. [Non-Emergency Tel: 403-783-0112].
Ambulance Services
The local ambulance service has 3 ambulances and provides Advanced Life Support [Non-Emergency Tel: 403-783-3363].
Community Services
Municipal Governments
Town of Ponoka
5102 - 48 Avenue
Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7
Tel: 403-783-4431
Fax: 403-783-6745
E-mail: town@ponoka.org
Website: www.ponoka.ca
Ponoka County
4205 Highway 2A
Ponoka, AB T4J 1V9
Tel: 403-783-3333 Fax: 403-783-6965
E-mail: ponokacounty@ponokacounty.com
Website: www.ponokacounty.com
Ponoka Family & Community Services (FCSS)
5006 - 52 Avenue; Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5
Ph: 403-783-4462 Fax: 403-783-4483
email: jmcomeau@telusplanet.net
Big Brothers / Big Sisters - Ph: 403-783-3112
Ponoka Youth Centre - Ph: 403-783-3112
Ponoka Food Bank - Ph: 403-783-5910
Fort Ostell Museum Society - Ph: 403-783-5224
Ponoka Chamber of Commerce - Ph: 403-783-3888
Ponoka Adult Learning Society - Ph: 403-783-3285
Ponoka Literacy Project - Ph: 403-783-3027
Ponoka Neighborhood Place - Ph: 403-704-1146
Ponoka Parent LInk Centre - Ph: 403-783-4462
Ponoka RCMP Victim Services - Ph: 403-783-4472
Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society - Ph: 403-783-5810
Ponoka Volunteer Resources - Ph: 403-783-7782
Ponoka Wheelchair Transport Society - Ph: 403-783-2258
The Champions Centre - Ph: 403-783-3601
Welcome Wagon - Ph: 403-782-2490
Contact the Town of Ponoka at 403-783-4431 or email town@ponoka.org for more information or check out the website at www.ponoka.org
Provincial 
Mental Health
Provincial Court
Public Lands Services
Transportation and Utilities
Federal
Canada Post
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Climate
Ponoka enjoys a diverse climate. The area receives heavy snowfall in the winter months from November to March and colder climate temperatures ranging from +5°C to -25°C, excellent weather for snowmobiling, skiing, and skating.
In the summer months of June to August the climate is dry and hot and has temperatures ranging from +13°C to +29°C great for camping and heading to the lake.
Spring months of April to May is the wet time of year where we enjoy the greening of grass and the wide range of flowers and trees blooming.
Fall months of September to October boast beautiful red and yellow leaves on the trees and cool fall weather perfect for walking, biking and nature hiking.
Key Contacts
Municipal
Town of Ponoka
5102 - 48 Avenue Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 
Tel: 403-783-4431 Fax: 403-783-6745
E-Mail: town@ponoka.org
Website: www.ponoka.ca
Larry L. Henkelman, Mayor
Phone: 403-783-0130
Brad Watson, Chief Administrative Officer
Phone: 403-783-0129
Sarah Olson, Economic Development Officer
Phone: 403-783-0116
Ponoka County
4205 Highway 2A Ponoka, AB T4J 1V9
Phone: (403) 783-3333 Fax: (403) 783-6965
email: ponokacounty@ponokacounty.com
website: www.ponokacounty.com
East Parkland Community & Business Development Corporation
Ph: (403) 788-2212 Toll Free: 1-888-788-2829
Fax: (403) 788-2199
Email: info@eastparkland.com
Ponoka Chamber of Commerce
Box 4188; Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6
Ph: (403) 783-3888
Email: chamber@ponoka.org
Municipal
Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education
Dawna Allard
Regional Manager, South Central
Alberta Finance and Enterprise
T: 403.340.5302 | F: 403.340.5231 | E. dawna.allard@gov.ab.ca
Rod Fox, MLA Ponoka-Rimbey
(Constituency Office)
101, 4892 - 46 Street. Lacombe, AB T4L 2B4
Phone: (403) 782-7725 Toll Free: 1-800-565-6432
Fax: (403) 782-3307
lacombe.ponoka@assembly.ab.ca
(Legislature Office) #503 Legislature Building
10800-97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 422-3353 Fax: (780) 422-0351
Federal Member of Parliament - Wetaskiwin, Alberta
CALKINS, Blaine (Conservative)
(Parliamentary Address) House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 995-8886 Fax: (613) 996-9860
E-Mail: Calkins.B@parl.gc.ca
(Constituency Address)
6-4612 - 50th Street Ponoka, AB T4J 1S7
Telephone: (403) 783-5530 Fax: (403) 783-5532
E-Mail: calkib1@parl.gc.ca
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