Celebrating 40 Years at the Ponoka Drop-In Centre!!!    (April 10, 2026)

 

·         In December 1969, the Ponoka Community Men’s Club opened, housed in the “old AGT building” on 50th Avenue. It was promoted as “…a place for elderly men to drop in for a cup of coffee, play some cards and listen to the radio.”  The building was leased from AGT for $50 per month.

 

·         In November 1974 a Drop-In Centre for Seniors opened in the former Armories Building, leased from the Town for $1.00 a year.  Notice that women were included this time!!

 

·         In the late 1970’s a plan was developed to build a new Centre and a significant fundraising project was initiated. All citizens in the Town and County were canvassed, and all businesses and service clubs in the area were contacted. A significant amount of money was raised.

 

·         In June 1985, a sod turning event occurred at the present location of the Drop-In Centre. Soon after, construction of the building began under the services of Sommer Bros Contracting, led by Knud and Egon Sommer.

 

·         An Opening Ceremony occurred on April 10, 1986. The new Ponoka Drop-in Centre was born!! The initial cost was $440 000, with revenue generated from $184 000 in grants, over $200 000 in fund raising, and a bank loan which was paid back within a year after opening.

 

·         The new Centre came alive!! Multiple activities were initiated, many of which continue to this day.

 

·         Some special groups also emerged at the Centre, including the Rock and Lapidary Club, the Sunshine Singers, the Handbell Ringers, the Bird Dancers, the Golden Age Dance Club, the Square Dance Group and more.

 

·         In 2011 major renovations to the Centre were initiated. From then until 2026, over $100,000 has been spent upgrading and modernizing the building and its contents leading to the amazing Centre we enjoy now.

 

·         Several hundred thousand hours of donated volunteer time have been spent at the Centre over the years, including in the original fundraising project, serving on the board of directors through the years, coordinating special events, and in coordination of the many ongoing weekly activities.

 

What will the next 40 years bring???   Happy Anniversary Ponoka Drop-In Centre!!!!