Ponoka County Secures $1.5M Gravel Deal, Rejects 80-Acre Hobby Farm Rezoning
Ponoka County Council committed $1.5 million to secure long-term gravel supplies and unanimously rejected a request to rezoned 80 acres for a hobby farm during its July 22 meeting.
Gravel and Road Work
Council finalized a deal with Cory and Natalie Key to develop the Key Pit at NW 11 42-27-W4. The County will pay $500,000 annually over the next three years to secure the deposit. Public Works Superintendent Blaine Rose reported that securing future gravel sources is a priority as the County manages over 11 miles of road upgrades and extensive chip sealing.
The County also overhauled its heavy equipment fleet, spending just over $3 million on new graders and trucks. Officials offset the cost by selling older assets, bringing in $2 million in revenue. Ongoing construction on Township Road 450 and bridge replacements on Township Road 424 remain on schedule.
Why It Matters
Road maintenance is the County’s largest recurring expense. By locking in gravel prices and refreshing the equipment fleet now, the County aims to avoid higher contract costs later. For residents, this means continued dust control—which has already reached 338 residences this year—and more durable road surfaces through the planned ‘double lift’ chip sealing on high-traffic routes like the C&E Trail.
Citizen Concerns: Airport and Noise
Residents are pushing back against residential use at the Ponoka Airport. Councillor Mark Matejka confirmed the airport board is now drafting restrictive covenants and land-use amendments to address these complaints.
In the Meridian Beach area, residents raised concerns regarding Airbnb regulations, water levels, and gated community access. Council also heard complaints about noise enforcement for special events. In response, Council discussed using the existing noise bylaw as a primary tool for enforcement rather than drafting new, more restrictive regulations.
One resident reported a specific issue on Highway 795, where calcium dust suppressant was reportedly graded away by contractors shortly after application.
Rezoning Disagreement
Council was split on a 45-acre rezoning request for the Wedlund property (SW-15-42-28-W4). The move from Agricultural to Agricultural Smallholdings passed 4-1, with one councillor dissenting.
There was no such division regarding a proposal by V. Maxwell and S. & L. Mann to reclassify 80 acres for a Country Residential Hobby Farm. Council defeated the motion unanimously, halting the development. A smaller 5.8-acre rezoning for the Stretch family (SW-30-42-24-W4) passed without opposition.
Other Business
* Hoadley Hall: Council approved a $10,000 grant to help the Hoadley Community Hall replace its furnaces.
* Monthly Bills: The County approved the June cheque register totaling $2,168,203.62.
* Golf Carts: Council updated the local pilot project bylaw to align with new provincial safety regulations. Carts must now follow all standard vehicle rules, and permit data will be shared with the provincial Registrar.
* Taxes: Administration is currently pursuing overdue taxes from several oil and power companies.
What’s Next
Election season is approaching. Nominations for County Council close at noon on September 22. The next combined Council meeting is scheduled for August 19, followed by a development-focused meeting on September 9.