Air Ronge council first discussed the historic cemetery in July 2020. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

unmarked graves

Ground penetrating radar proposed for cemetery in Air Ronge

Mar 4, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Ground penetrating radar to discover unmarked graves in the local cemetery was up for discussion at a regular Air Ronge village council meeting last month.

The idea to use the technology was brought forward by La Ronge resident Kandis Riese. As a local history enthusiast, she said its sad to see the cemetery falling into disrepair without a proper map of where former area resident are buried.

“There’s so much mystery about that graveyard and the graves are overgrown or sunken down, but there are no markers,” Riese said. “I have no personal interest. It was a matter of my interest is because I love local history. I love northern Saskatchewan history and our cemeteries are part of that history.”

The cost for the company to perform the work would be approximately $3,500, which includes the radar, a GPS survey and an inventory of existing grave markers. Riese noted, however, there will be no way of knowing who is located where as she’s contacted the Anglican Archdiocese and they have no records for cemeteries in Air Ronge.

The request to assist in the radar was ultimately put on hold by council, who requested Riese form a committee to guide future decisions into the matter.

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“We are in the process of drafting our Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw with the guidance of government relations right now,” Air Ronge administrator Gavin Willins said. “That could inform some future aspects for the cemetery.”

Council did approve a second request by resident Karen Robertson, who is also joining the committee, about moving forward with renovations to the signage. She had previously contacted council about restoring it to its original state, but talks didn’t turn into any meaningful action. Willin was unsure when the sign would be fixed, but noted it could happen some time soon.

Anyone interested in joining the committee can contact Riese on Facebook for more information.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno