Ponoka, Alberta

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.

Ponoka
Town
Town of Ponoka
2018 Ponoka Stampede
Ponoka
Coordinates: 52°40′32″N 113°34′49″W
Country Canada
Province Alberta
RegionCentral Alberta
Census division8
Municipal districtPonoka County
Incorporated[1] 
 • VillageOctober 19, 1900
 • TownOctober 15, 1904
Government
 • MayorRick Bonnett
 • Governing bodyPonoka Town Council
 • MPBlaine Calkins (Conservative)
 • MLARon Orr (UC)
Area
 (2016)[3]
 • Land17.33 km2 (6.69 sq mi)
Elevation807 m (2,648 ft)
Population
 (2016)[3]
 • Total7,229
 • Density417.1/km2 (1,080/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Forward sortation area
T4J
Area code(s)+1-403, +1-587
HighwaysHighway 2A
Highway 53
WaterwayBattle River
WebsiteOfficial website

The name Ponoka is Blackfoot for "elk",[5] which is the animal depicted in the town flag. Ponoka County's municipal office is located in Ponoka.

History

Ponoka originated in 1891 as a waypoint for the railway from Edmonton to Calgary; the town was formally incorporated in 1904.[5]

Demographics

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Ponoka recorded a population of 7,229 living in 3,010 of its 3,301 total private dwellings, a 6.7% change from its 2011 population of 6,778. With a land area of 17.33 km2 (6.69 sq mi), it had a population density of 417.1/km2 (1,080.4/sq mi) in 2016.[3]

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.[6] In 2012, Statistics Canada adjusted Ponoka's 2011 population by an additional 5 people to 6,778 to reflect its 2011 annexation.[7]

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[8] 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 Bucking Saddle Bronc and Rider",[9] the Centennial Time Capsule, several gazebos with picnic tables and the Fort Ostell Museum, as well as a splash park.

Notable people

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 people with disabilities.

Services

Fire service is provided by the Ponoka County 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. "Location and History Profile: Town of Ponoka" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 492. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  2. "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. September 22, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  3. "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  4. "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.
  5. "Town of Ponoka, Alberta - History/heritage". Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  6. "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.
  7. "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.
  8. The Ponoka Stampede
  9. The Ponoka Statue
  10. "Win Scholarships". The Lethbridge Herald. 22 June 1953. p. 10. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  11. "Frank Butterfield". The Edmonton Journal. 14 July 2007. Archived from the original on 14 Jul 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  12. Rainone, Mike (January 9, 2013). "Former Ponokan still enjoying exciting hockey career!". Ponoka News. Ponoka, Alberta: Black Press. p. 19. Retrieved 2018-09-30.

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