Ponoka Council Directs Staff to Study Town-Wide 40 km/h Speed Limit
Town staff will begin researching a proposal to lower the default speed limit in Ponoka to 40 km/h, after council unanimously approved a motion from Councillor Teri Underhill at its November 10 meeting.
Why It Matters
The proposed change would apply to all town roads not already designated as lower-speed school or playground zones. The move signals a potential town-wide traffic calming effort.
Town administration will now study the implications of the change and bring a report back to council for a final decision. No timeline was given for when that report is expected.
Resident Raises Alarm on Unhoused Death
During the public forum, resident Reginald Gallup addressed council about the recent death of an individual in Tractor Park, who he stated was believed to be unhoused.
Gallup directly asked councillors what resources the Town of Ponoka provides to help prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Council accepted his comments but, per standard procedure for public forums, did not engage in a discussion or take immediate action on the topic. The forum was closed following Gallup’s remarks.
The Debate
There was no recorded debate on any of the motions. All new business items were moved, seconded, and carried without opposition noted in the official minutes.
Other Business
School Zone Safety: Council also passed a second motion from Councillor Underhill directing staff to review traffic safety on 48 Avenue near Ponoka Elementary School. The review will be done with school officials to identify potential traffic calming solutions.
Central Park: Staff will explore ideas for a new interactive play space in Central Park. The motion from Councillor Clayton Nelson specified that any new feature must maintain the current aesthetic of the park.
Future Items: Councillor Carla Lloyd put two items on notice for future meetings: a look into creating Country Residential zoning within town limits and a review of crosswalk markings, including a potential veterans-themed crosswalk by the Legion.
What's Next
Town staff will prepare reports on the speed limit reduction, 48 Avenue safety, and the Central Park play space. These reports will be presented to council for debate and decision at a future, undetermined date.