Ponoka is a charming town nestled in central Alberta, Canada. It is strategically located at the junction of Highway 2A and Highway 53, 59 kilometres north of Red Deer and 95 kilometres south of Edmonton. The name Ponoka, which means "elk" in Blackfoot, is a nod to the town's rich indigenous heritage. The town flag proudly displays an elk, and Ponoka County's municipal office is situated in the heart of the town.
The history of Ponoka is deeply rooted in the territory that was occupied and stewarded by the Cree people for thousands of years. The colonial settler town of Ponoka emerged in 1891 as a waypoint for the railway from Edmonton to Calgary. The town was formally incorporated in 1904, marking a significant milestone in its historical journey.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Ponoka had a population of 7,331 living in 3,086 of its 3,340 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 1.4% from its 2016 population of 7,229. With a land area of 17.22 km2, it had a population density of 425.7/km2 in 2021. The 2016 Census 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.
Ponoka is renowned for the Ponoka Stampede, a seven-day rodeo held at the end of June or beginning of July, usually coinciding with the Canada Day long weekend. This annual event is part of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's professional tour and features a midway and other activities. The Ponoka Stampede is a stop for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association and the All Pro Canadian Chuckwagons.
Ponoka offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Wolf Creek Trail, starting at the southern end of Ponoka near the Ponoka Community Golf Course, travels northwards along the Battle River for several kilometres. Informational signs featuring descriptions of various local wild animals and historical facts are posted along the trail. Lions Centennial Park, located along the west side of Highway 2A, features a pond with a dock, several bathroom facilities, a stage, "The World's Largest Bucking Saddle Bronc and Rider", the Centennial Time Capsule, several gazebos with picnic tables and the Fort Ostell Museum, as well as a splash park.
Ponoka boasts a range of health care facilities including 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, Rimoka Housing Facility and Seasons Retirement Community all care for the elderly, with the Northcott Care Centre focusing on care for people with disabilities and Seasons providing supportive living care.
Ponoka offers a range of services to its residents. 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.
