Town Council Inks 3-Year Union Deal, Approves Water Sale to Baytex Energy
PONOKA – Town Council ratified a new three-year collective agreement with its unionized employees and authorized a deal to sell treated wastewater to Baytex Energy Ltd. following a closed session at its September 23 meeting.
The two decisions were the major outcomes of an evening that also saw a resident sound the alarm on dangerous driving and council give final approval to a new property tax bylaw.
Labor Deal and Water Sale
The new contract with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Local #118 Chapter 004 secures a collective agreement for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. Details of the agreement were not released.
Council also authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize an agreement with Baytex Energy Ltd. for the sale of treated effluent. The town will sell the water at a net rate of $1.00 per cubic meter, creating a new revenue stream from a municipal byproduct.
Resident Sounds Alarm on 'Chicken Hill' Speeding
During the public forum, resident Jim Chapman told council about excessive speeding and vehicle noise on Chicken Hill.
Chapman reported that he had filed a complaint with the RCMP but has not seen any subsequent patrols or enforcement in the area. Council accepted his comments as information.
Flying Club Seeks $90,000
The Ponoka Flying Club asked council for a three-year funding commitment totaling $90,000.
Club representatives requested $30,000 for each of 2026, 2027, and 2028 to support airport projects and initiatives. They also asked for the town’s support in applying for provincial grants. Council made no decision on the request.
Other Business
All motions on the public agenda passed without recorded opposition.
* Property Tax Bylaw: Council gave final approval to Bylaw 05-2025, the Residential Assessment Sub-Class Bylaw. This gives the town the tool to apply different municipal tax rates to different classes of residential properties, though rates have not yet been set.
* Community Sponsorships: Council approved a total of $1,470 for the 3rd Annual Fire Fighters Gala ($750 sponsorship and a $720 table purchase) and a $250 sponsorship plus two tickets for the PARCS Field & Fork event.
* Helipad Project Deferred: A sponsorship request from the Ponoka and District Health Foundation for a new helipad was put on hold. Council has asked the foundation to return with its community partners to make a joint presentation.
What's Next
The AUPE collective agreement is now ratified. The town's CAO will proceed with executing the water sale agreement with Baytex. The Residential Assessment Sub-Class Bylaw is now law.