Ponoka Council Ratifies 3-Year Union Contract, Sells Treated Water to Baytex Energy
Ponoka Town Council ratified a new three-year collective agreement with its unionized employees and approved a deal to sell treated effluent to Baytex Energy Ltd. following a closed-door session Tuesday night.
These decisions concluded a meeting that also heard from a resident fed up with speeding on Chicken Hill and saw council give final approval to a new property tax bylaw.
Labour and Revenue Deals Finalized
Council approved a collective agreement with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Local #118 Chapter 004. The deal covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. Details of the agreement negotiated in private were not released to the public.
In a separate motion, council authorized the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to finalize an agreement with Baytex Energy Ltd. The deal allows the town to sell its treated wastewater effluent to the energy company for a net rate of $1.00 per cubic meter. This creates a new revenue stream for the town from a municipal byproduct.
Both motions were passed after a 47-minute closed session to discuss labour and receive advice from officials.
Resident Airs Frustration Over Speeding
During the public forum, resident Jim Chapman called out what he described as excessive speeding and vehicle noise on Chicken Hill.
Chapman told council he filed a complaint with the RCMP but has not seen any police patrols or enforcement in the area since. No action was taken by council, as the public forum is for information only.
Council also received a report for information regarding a citizen petition to re-open 54 Street at Highway 53. The matter was not debated and no decision was made.
New Tax Bylaw Passed
Council gave final approval to Bylaw 05-2025, the Residential Assessment Sub-Class Bylaw. The bylaw, which passed second and third readings without public debate, sets out how different types of residential properties are classified for taxation purposes.
Other Business
Flying Club Asks for $90,000
The Ponoka Flying Club presented an overview of its operations and requested funding of $30,000 per year for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The club also asked for the town's support in applying for provincial grants. Council accepted the presentation but made no decision on the funding request.
Sponsorships Approved
Council approved two sponsorship requests. It will provide a $750 Platinum sponsorship and purchase an $720 table for the 3rd Annual Fire Fighters Gala in November. It also approved a $250 sponsorship and the purchase of two tickets for the Ponoka Arts, Recreation and Culture Society (PARCS) Field & Fork event in October.
Health Foundation Sent Back
A sponsorship request from the Ponoka and District Health Foundation regarding a helipad was deferred. Council directed Administration to ask the Foundation to return with its community partners to make a joint presentation on the project.
Policies Updated
Council passed a series of motions to rescind old policies and replace them with new ones, including updated rules for staff training, manufactured home community property taxes, and a consolidated communications policy that replaces separate social media and media relations policies.