The home shown above, at 4011 45A Street in Ponoka, has been shuttered by Alberta Sheriffs. (Image Credit: Alberta Sheriffs)

By Ian Gustafson and Josh Hall

violent assaults, home invasions, and fires

Ponoka home shuttered by Alberta Sheriffs

Mar 19, 2026 | 10:10 AM

The Alberta Sheriffs have shuttered a residential property in Ponoka after several complaints and concerns were made about suspected illegal activity.

The Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit took action at the property at 4011 45A Street in Ponoka in January 2025 by issuing a letter to the owner, which temporarily reduced activity.

Still, in May, they reopened the investigation and pursued legal action after further complaints.

Last month, Alberta Court of King’s Bench approved SCAN’s application for a community safety order, which prohibited all individuals from occupying the home for 90 days.

As a result, on March 18, the property was boarded up, fenced off, and all locks were changed.

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Police say the investigation is ongoing, and SCAN will continue to monitor the property for compliance. The order will now remain in place until June 16, 2028, two years after the 90-day no occupancy restriction.

“I’m grateful to the Ponoka residents who refused to stay silent and the SCAN team for their tireless work in closing this property,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, in a media release.

“This action restores the peace of mind families deserve and serves as a firm warning: if you threaten the safety of our communities with illegal activity, we will shut you down. We are restoring safety to this neighbourhood and sending a clear message: criminal activity that jeopardizes public safety has no place in Alberta.”

SCAN first started investigating the property in October 2024 after residents reported a high volume of people coming and going.

(Image Credit: Alberta Sheriffs)

Community members described the activity as consistent with suspected drug use. They also raised concerns about crime and disorder affecting the surrounding neighbourhood.

Police and first responders were repeatedly called to the property during the investigation for reports of home invasions, violent assaults, stabbings, overdoses, fires and thefts.

“With this closure, SCAN is addressing a longstanding nuisance and public safety concern in an otherwise peaceful neighbourhood,” said Andrew Albers, inspector with SCAN. “When residents report problem properties, it allows us to identify issues early and work with our partners to take action and help keep Alberta communities safe.”

“Repeated investigations and criminal charges may hold some accountable; however, problem properties can persist,” added Sgt. Tyler Epp, Ponoka RCMP. “We are happy to support a program that sends these problem residents packing and brings relief to a community.”

Alberta RCMP say there are no criminal charges pending from this matter, but add that charges have been laid in the past due to incidents that have occurred at the property.