The current La Ronge council. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Year In Review

La Ronge mayor describes 2019 as busy, challenging and eventful

Dec 24, 2019 | 12:00 PM

La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich described 2019 as being busy, challenging and eventful for town council.

“The truth is La Ronge is the furthest northern community that should be a city,” he said. “Even though we are a town with 2,800 people or so, you don’t know where the borders are when you cross a border and we have all the problems of a small city.”

Throughout the year, Woytowich noted La Ronge continued to be the main service centre for residents living in the immediate area, which could sometimes make it difficult to meet expectations of taxpayers. But, with many projects on the go, he believes council has been able to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.

In 2019, the construction of a $2.3 million town shop commenced with plans to open in the spring, a three-year contract worth $1.2 million was signed with the RCMP for three additional officers, a $1 million job to reline the inside of sewer lines was completed and $230,000 was committed for upgrades at Patterson Park. Woytowich noted electrical work and enhanced lighting should be completed in the park by Canada Day.

Another $50,000 was spent on upgrades at the Mel Hegland Uniplex to address moisture, discussions were held with residents of Eagle Point in regards to amalgamation, and HMC Management was hired to do operating oversight and to develop town policies. Woytowich also commended the town staff who ensure the grass and trees remain trimmed and groomed during the warmer months.

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“We might be in the North, but we’re not missing anything here,” Woytowich said. “With all honesty, our education system is fantastic with great teachers and we have a good hospital.”

Woytowich mentioned council has kept their promise to freeze water rates, which remains in place despite costs going up. He also believes property taxes have stayed reasonable enough to compete with Air Ronge and Eagle Point.

With the holiday break for many residents coming up, Woytowich wants people to stay safe and enjoy some time with their family.

“On behalf of the town council and all the wonderful staff we have, I sure do wish everyone has an enjoyable winter season over Christmas and New Years,” he said. “I also hope the people who are less fortunate, and I’m thinking of the shelter, I hope those people are well looked after and everyone is safe.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno