Ponoka RCMP investigating stabbing at Royal Hotel
Published 10:15 am Wednesday, September 23, 2026
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The Ponoka RCMP is investigating a stabbing that occurred at the Royal Hotel’s bar on Sept. 19, and are seeking video surveillance of the area.
At 5:34 p.m., police were called to a report of an assault at the bar, according to Alberta RCMP media relations officer Cst. Sandra Geiger.
The initial investigation revealed there had been an altercation between two males at the bar.
A 45-year-old male suffered multiple stab wounds and was transferred first by ambulance, and then by STARS to hospital.
On X, STARS posted an air ambulance response to a call in Ponoka around 5:58 p.m.
The RCMP has no status information on the victim or his injuries.
The matter is currently under investigation and the RCMP is seeking to identify the suspect, said Geiger.
A GoFundMe page has been started for Greg Havanka.
According to the page, Havanka was stabbed on Sept. 19, in the chest, stomach, back of the neck, and other extremities and has undergone four surgeries.
“We are beyond pleased that he survived the surgeries but a long road to recovery is in the future for Greg and his family,” the page, which was started by a family member, states.
“We are requesting support for his family to keep the bills paid, food on the table, and gas for members to get to and from Edmonton/Ponoka.”
By Sept. 23, over $2,400 of the $4,000 goal had been raised.