The $175,000 approved under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program will cover the cost of enhancing seven kilometers of trails in La Ronge. (Submitted photo/BORA)

By Derek Cornet

four seasons

La Ronge approved for portion of $240,000 trail enhancement project

May 6, 2021 | 3:07 PM

The Town of La Ronge has been approved for approximately $175,000 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The announcement was made Thursday in a joint media release by the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan. In all, the two governments will be investing more than $21.1 million in 55 projects in Saskatchewan.

The Town of La Ronge was approved to develop about seven kilometers of existing trails into ones that can be accessed year-round. Of the total, the federal government is providing $95,730 and the province is kicking in $79,767. The municipality is responsible for a further $63,828, which comes to a total project cost of nearly $240,000.

“I think it is a great opportunity for the community,” Parks and Recreation manager Tonia Logan said. “People have been getting outside a lot more during the pandemic and I think we’re going to see that continue. We are very excited to obtain this grant we’ve been successful in receiving.”

The funding request was submitted in partnership with the Boreal Outdoor Recreation Assocation (BORA). Logan explained the volunteer group has been instrumental in developing trails in La Ronge is recent years and she believes the project will solidify the partnership even more.

town council

Strong opposition for downtown homeless shelter ahead of Tuesday public hearing

12h ago

long-term care

La Ronge housing shortage discussed at SUMA convention

Apr 18, 2024

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

Dr. Daniel Irvine is a member of BORA and he said the group is ecstatic to be approved for the funding. He noted a tender will be issued soon and he’s hoping some of the work can be completed by the end of summer.

“There’s significant amount of muskeg crossing and wet crossing to go through and so a lot of that funding will go to managing those water hazards, whether that’s boardwalks or small elevated areas with gravel fill for short stretches,” Irvine said.

Irvine mentioned the stretch of trail to be upgraded are the ones currently maintained during the winter months. He said there are rocky sections and low spots that will need to be addressed.

With the price of lumber having skyrocketed in 2021, Irvine also added there could be changes to current plans to minimize the use of lumber.

“We might have to figure out other options that are more economical,” he said.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno