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Ponoka, Alberta

Coordinates: 52°41′N 113°34′W / 52.683°N 113.567°W / 52.683; -113.567 (Ponoka)
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Ponoka
Town
Town of Ponoka
Country Canada
Province Alberta
RegionCentral Alberta
Census division8
Municipal districtPonoka County
Founded1905
Incorporated1905
Government
[1]
 • MayorRick Bonnett
 • Governing bodyPonoka Town Council
 • MPBlaine Calkins (Conservative)
 • MLARod Fox (Wildrose)
Area
 (2011)[2]
 • Total13.05 km2 (5.04 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
807 m (2,648 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total6,773
 • Density519.2/km2 (1,345/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
Postal code span
T4J 1E4
HighwaysHighway 2A
Highway 53
WaterwayBattle River
WebsiteOfficial website

Ponoka /pəˈnoʊkə/ is a town in central Alberta, Canada. It is located at the junction of Highway 2A and Highway 53, 59 kilometres (37 mi) north of Red Deer and 95 kilometres (59 mi) south of Edmonton.

The name Ponoka is Blackfoot for "elk", which is the animal depicted in the town flag. Ponoka County's municipal office is located in Ponoka.

History

Ponoka was founded on the land north of Fort Ostell in 1905 as a waypoint for the railway from Edmonton to Calgary.

Demographics

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Ponoka had a population of 6,773 living in 2,785 of its 3,047 total dwellings, a 3% change from its 2006 population of 6,576. With a land area of 13.05 km2 (5.04 sq mi), it had a population density of 519.0/km2 (1,344.2/sq mi) in 2011.[2] In 2012, Statistics Canada adjusted Ponoka's 2011 population by an additional 5 people to 6,778 to reflect its 2011 annexation.[4]

In 2006, Ponoka had a population of 6,576 living in 2,771 dwellings, a 3.5% increase from 2001. The town had a land area of 13.05 km2 (5.04 sq mi) and a population density of 504.1/km2 (1,306/sq mi).[5]

Economy

Industries are agriculture (grain and cattle production) and oil and gas production.

Arts and culture

Ponoka is home to the Ponoka Stampede, a seven-day rodeo[6] held at the end of June or beginning of July, usually coinciding with the Canada Day long weekend. This annual event attracts rodeo competitors and fans, and features a midway and other activities.

Attractions

The Wolf Creek Trail starts at the southern end of Ponoka near the Ponoka Community Golf Course and travels northwards along the Battle River for several kilometres. Informational signs are posted along the trail featuring descriptions of various local wild animals and historical facts. Several baseball diamonds, benches and picnic tables are also located along the trail.

Lions Centennial Park is a major park located along the west side of Highway 2A. It features a pond with a dock, several bathroom facilities, a stage, "The World's Largest Cowboy Riding a Horse Statue",[7] the Centennial Time Capsule, several gazebos with picnic tables and the Fort Ostell Museum, as well as a splash park.

Notable People

Harry York - Former NHL Player

Infrastructure

Health care facilities in Ponoka include the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, the Northcott Care Centre, and the Rimoka Housing Facility. The Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre is responsible for general health care, while the Centennial Centre serves as a care and treatment facility for mental health and is known for its brain injury program (the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury). The Northcott Care Centre and Rimoka Housing Facility both care for the elderly, with the Northcott Care Centre focusing on care for handicapped individuals.

Services

Fire service is provided by the Ponoka Volunteer Fire Department. Policing is the responsibility of the Ponoka Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Detachment. General bylaw enforcement is undertaken by the town's special constable in collaboration with the RCMP.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  3. ^ "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Retrieved October 9, 2013.
  4. ^ "Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names From January 2, 2011 to January 1, 2012 (Table 1 - Changes to census subdivisions in alphabetical order by province and territory)" (XLSX). Statistics Canada. November 14, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  5. ^ Statistics Canada (Census 2006). "Ponoka - Community Profile". Retrieved 2007-06-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  6. ^ The Ponoka Stampede
  7. ^ The Ponoka Statue

52°41′N 113°34′W / 52.683°N 113.567°W / 52.683; -113.567 (Ponoka)

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