These tents recently appeared in downtown La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

social issues

La Ronge council discusses designating municipal land for homeless encampment

Apr 27, 2022 | 2:39 PM

Concerns regarding the homeless population in La Ronge were discussed at Tuesday’s regular town council meeting.

“We have been made aware there is some overnight camping happening at various places throughout our community and administration is requesting some direction from council,” La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniuak said.

Letters sent to council highlight various issues that have been observed by residents in recent months such as public urination, indecency and fights. The letters also noted homeless encampments have begun to form within the municipality, most notably downtown La Ronge behind the Harbour Inn Pharmacy.

Council discussed the possibility of asking the homeless to dismantle their tents and move to a new location chosen by council. Although no decision was made about where that spot would be, the space at the end of Finlayson Street currently used as a snow dump was suggested.

“As the snow starts to melt, there’s a nice flat ground there, it’s at the end of a road,” Coun. Jordan McPhail commented.

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

14h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

14h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

14h ago

Council ultimately decided to have administration contact local service providers in the community in hopes of determining the best course of action in dealing with the encampments. The issue was called a sensitive situation that needs to be solved in such a way it doesn’t cause conflict.

larongeNOW reached out to Kikinahk Friendship Centre executive director Ron Woytowich, who currently operates the homeless shelter in La Ronge. He said such encampment are not new to the community and have existed for many years.

Woytowich added some of the homeless do want access to services provided by Scattered Site, but don’t necessarily want to sleep at the shelter.

“I really can’t comment on it, mainly because I don’t know half of it, but there always have been some people who do not want to live inside, but they want all the support,” he said. “They prefer to be living out there or they are very anti-social, plus we do have a few who have, putting it bluntly, have burned their bridges. They have either caused fights or sexual problems or have done drugs in the building or something like that.”

The number of people without shelter during the night is expected to increase in the coming days as Thursday is the last night the shelter will be open until next fall.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno