Town of Ponoka

(September 17, 2021– Ponoka, Alberta) – In response to new provincial health restrictions, the Town of Ponoka is implementing the following measures in Town facilities.

The Town Office, Ponoka Aquaplex, Ponoka Arena Complex and Hudson’s Green Nature and Activity Centre all remain open with occupancy limits of one-third fire code capacity and other restrictions in place. Youth programming and some adult programming will continue at the Aquaplex and Arena with restrictions. 

In keeping with the provincial health guidelines and requirements, visitors at all Town facilities are required to use available hand sanitizer, wear masks at all times, physically distance themselves from those in other households unless they are in the pool or on the ice, and stay home if they are feeling unwell or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The Town will continue with enhanced cleaning of high touch surface areas and public washrooms in all Town facilities. 

Ponoka Aquaplex

All youth programming and swimming lessons, swim club and lane swimming will continue at the Aquaplex. Public swimming will be temporarily cancelled beginning Monday, September 20. 

Adult fitness classes will continue for participants who check in at the front desk before classes begin and provide proof of vaccination, a negative, privately-paid COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before attending the pool, or a medical exemption document. 

Private adult swim lessons are available, as well as private pool rentals at a reduced rate of $23 per hour. Citizens can register and pay for Aquaplex private bookings online by visiting the Town website at www.ponoka.ca. Click ‘Aquaplex’ under the ‘Recreation’ tab on the main menu. Then click ‘Register for Classes, Lessons and Pool Rentals’   or click the following link: https://townofponoka.perfectmind.com/25286/Clients/BookMe4?widgetId=a92e5c60-f832-45f0-bc5e-8b4b75199780. You can also contact the Ponoka Aquaplex at (403)783-0131 to arrange private bookings. Private bookings are limited to guests in the same household. 

When visiting the Aquaplex:

• Swimmers are asked to arrive no more than five minutes before their scheduled times;
• Follow one-way traffic flow measures and physical distancing throughout the facility;
• Masks must be worn unless in the water;
• Change rooms and locker access will be available prior to using the pools; and
• Swimmers will be required to have a soapy shower on the pool deck before entering the pools.

Ponoka Arena Complex

 Youth hockey, figure skating and ringette will continue at the Arena. Public skating will be temporarily cancelled beginning Monday, September 20. Adult sport user groups will be able to continue using the Arena ice with proof of vaccination, a negative, privately-paid COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before attending the Arena, or a medical exemption document. The small ice surface at the Arena is open for private bookings at a reduced rate of $63 per hour by phoning (403)783-0131. Adults users must be part of the same household to share a private booking.

Ponoka Civic Centre

 Citizens are encouraged to do business with the Town online or by phone as much as possible. Bill payments can be made online through your bank, by mail, by credit card using the online credit card payment slip available at www.ponoka.ca or by phoning the Town Office at 403-783-4431. Bill payments can also be placed in the drop box located just inside the doors on the west side of the Ponoka Civic Centre at 5604-50 Street.

Town Council meetings will once again be held online. The public is welcome to observe Council meetings electronically by registering by 12 Noon on the day of the meeting by phoning 403-783-4431 during office hours Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will be provided with details on how to observe the meeting by telephone or an online audio link.

Outdoor Facilities

 All outdoor recreation facilities remain open for public use. Local sports groups, families and individuals can continue to access the soccer fields and ball diamonds. The Hamilton’s Skate Park and all other parks, trails and playgrounds in Ponoka are also accessible for citizens to enjoy.

 Protect Yourself and Others

 Ponoka citizens are encouraged to protect themselves and others against the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Get vaccinated as soon as possible;
• Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
• Stay at least two metres from others who aren’t part of your cohort or live in your home;
• Wear a mask in public; and
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, please visit www.alberta.ca/COVID19.