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The $70,000 would be matched with $230,000 from the federal government. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Infrastructure improvements

BORA requests $70,000 from council to upgrade La Ronge trail system

Apr 23, 2020 | 3:09 PM

La Ronge council was presented an approximately $300,000 plan by the Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association (BORA) to upgrade a trail system within the municipality.

The request for funding was to allow an upgrade to at least seven kilometers of trail, if not more, into pathways that can be accessed throughout the entire year. During the winter, the group maintains up to 15 kilometers of groomed trails for walking, running, and biking. But during the summer months, many sections are impassable because of muskeg, low lying areas, or other issues.

“There is a very large infrastructure spending program through the federal government that different municipalities are eligible to apply for in different areas,” said BORA member Matt Preston. “One of the areas is related to trails and outdoor recreational infrastructure spending, so we saw this as a great opportunity for BORA in cooperation with the town to apply for some this funding.”

The funding request to the town was approximately $70,000, but Preston noted through the federal program, an additional $230,000 would be provided. He also mentioned $70,000 is a large amount of money to ask for, but the extra money would be well worth the initial investment. In order to receive the funding, the Town of La Ronge would need to be the party to apply for the funding.

In their application to the town, BORA also submitted 11 letters of recommendation from individuals from the community. Preston noted the $70,000 would roughly be enough to purchase the crushed gravel needs for the project.

“This is an in-kind donation, which is a requirement for a federal infrastructure spending grant that we’re interested in having the town apply towards,” he said.

Council ultimately didn’t reach a decision on the matter at Wednesday’s regular town council meeting. Administration recommended the request to be referred to the budget committee for more discussion, which council decided to do.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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