Redevelopment of 51 Avenue

51 Avenue

Phase two of the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project is scheduled to begin in May. 

The following improvements are planned for 51 Avenue (between 50 Street and 51 Street) during the upcoming construction season:

  • Replacement of temporary asphalt sidewalks with new permanent sidewalks;
  • Redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue;
  • Final layer of asphalt paving on the roadway and line marking;
  • Installation of pedestrian crossings;
  • Landscaping including new shrubs and trees; and
  • Installation of benches and garbage receptacles.

To view the virtual video tour of the improvements planned for 51 Avenue in downtown Ponoka, please click here.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for full details:

If you have any questions about the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project, please view the Frequently Asked Questions below or submit an online service request.

The redevelopment of 51 Avenue is a priority project that will improve the quality of life for the whole community for many years to come, as it is providing important physical improvements that will help revitalize the downtown. The project is also a critical capital project that promotes economic development in our community to attract new businesses, shoppers and tourism to Ponoka.

Improvements in 2022 included replacing aging infrastructure that has reached the end of its lifecycle (underground water, sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure) to help prevent future water main breaks and sanitary sewage issues for businesses along that roadway. 

The 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project aligns with Town Council’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and is based on recommendations in the Town’s Downtown Action Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Urban Framework Master Plan.

The removal and replacement of the temporary asphalt sidewalk is scheduled to begin on the north side of 51 Avenue on May 8. There is expected to be a temporary lane closure that will limit traffic to one-way, eastbound traffic only and parking will be available on the south side of the street. 

Once the new permanent sidewalk has been installed on the north side of 51 Avenue, work will move to the south side of the street. At that point, there will be parking on the north side of the street and traffic flow is expected to be limited to one-way, westbound traffic only.

Once installation of the permanent sidewalks is completed, the roadway will be re-opened to two-way traffic and parking on both sides of the street will resume. Work will then begin on redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue, followed by the final layer of asphalt paving on the roadway, line marking, landscaping and the installation of street furniture.

Motorists are asked to drive with caution in the area throughout the 51 Avenue Redevelopment project and watch for posted signs and traffic safety personnel.

The 51 Avenue roadway will remain open to traffic throughout most of the project with the exception of a temporary road closure to accommodate the final layer of asphalt paving and the installation of pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrian access to businesses on 51 Avenue will be maintained throughout the project. Ramps will be installed to business storefronts during the replacement of the sidewalks.

There will be a temporary interruption to storefront access for a few hours while concrete is poured for the new sidewalks at each storefront. However, alternate access options to these businesses will be facilitated at that time, allowing for continued customer access to 51 Avenue businesses throughout the construction period.

Once installation of the permanent sidewalks is completed, 51 Avenue will be re-opened to two-way traffic on both sides of the street. Work will then begin on redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue.

During the redevelopment of the 51 Avenue parking lot, street parking will be available on 51 Avenue. Overflow parking will also be available in the municipal parking lot at 52 Avenue and 51 Street across from the Ponoka United Church.

No. Construction on 51 Avenue will pause during Ponoka Stampede week.

To view the virtual video tour of the improvements planned for 51 Avenue in downtown Ponoka, click here.

The 51 Avenue improvements are designed to create a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly environment.

The bulb-outs (curb extensions) are located on the north and south side of 51 Avenue at the intersections of 50 Street and 51 Street and at the mid-block pedestrian crossing. The bulb-outs are included in the design to:

  • Increase safety by:
    • Offering more pedestrian visibility and sightlines to motorists;
    • Slowing down turning vehicles; and 
    • Shortening the crossing distance from one side of the road to another for pedestrians.
  • Making downtown more accessible by offering curbs with rolled edges;
  • Providing space for a seating area (benches) along 51 Avenue; and
  • Offering an area for flowerbeds and landscaping to beautify the overall streetscape.

Weather permitting, the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project is expected to be completed by the fall.

Regular updates on the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project will be provided to 51 Avenue businesses and will be posted here on the Town of Ponoka website throughout the construction season.

Please see a list below of the project updates: 

Extensive underground and surface infrastructure improvements on 51 Avenue (between 50 and 51 Street) included:

  • Excavation and replacement of water service connections, sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure;
  • New curb and gutter installation;
  • Reconstruction of the 51 Avenue road base, as well as a base layer of asphalt paving; 
  • Temporary paved sidewalks; and
  • New light pole assemblies.