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.
