Ponoka residents can share their thoughts on local spending over coffee with town council at Hammy’s grocery store on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The informal ‘Conversations with Council‘ runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is part of the Town of Ponoka’s public consultation for the upcoming 2027 budget.
Mayor Kevin Ferguson and all six councillors are expected at the gathering, according to the Town of Ponoka. The stop at Hammy’s follows a similar session hosted at No Frills in June, as council takes its budget planning talks directly to the places people already shop or meet.
‘The annual public consultation is an important part of the town’s budget planning process,’ Mayor Ferguson recently told local media. ‘Inviting community input helps town council make informed and thoughtful decisions that better reflect the priorities and values of our citizens.’
Feedback shared at the event and through an online survey will shape the 2027 budget talks scheduled for November 23 and 24. A citizen input survey remains open at LetsTalkPonoka.ca. Town officials describe the Coffee with Council series as a formal way for the public to connect with elected officials outside regular council meetings.
The Town of Ponoka’s 2026 budget totalled $39.6 million, with a 2 percent tax increase. Previous input has pointed to infrastructure, recreation, and community safety as top resident concerns.
