Matthew Klassen unsuccessfully ran for mayor in November 2020, but was elected to council last year in a by-election following the death of Hugh Watt. (Submitted photo/Matthew Klassen)

By Derek Cornet

byelection

Klassen to prioritize wastewater facility replacement, economic development if he becomes mayor

Sep 12, 2022 | 5:07 PM

The top priority currently facing residents of La Ronge is the need to replace the wastewater treatment facility, which has reached the end of its lifespan and is at capacity.

That’s according to mayoral candidate Matthew Klassen, who said that would be the first issue he’d addressed if he could tomorrow. He explained the facility is in dire need of a replacement.

“I think that is at the very top of the priority list right now,” Klassen said. “It’s something that’s very important. It’s not a very glamorous topic, but certainly a very important one.”

Klassen mentioned other infrastructure work also needs to be completed, along with drainage studies. He noted it makes sense to address underground infrastructure in an organized manner, so the roads can also be properly repaired too.

Klassen is also in favour of increasing local opportunities through the $8 million Highway 102 Economic Corridor Master Plan, as well as building a municipal marina. The economic plan will allow for ready-to-build lots for new businesses and the marina would offer a safe place where residents and tourists can leave their vehicles and not worry about leaving them behind.

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“Over the previous number of years, there’s been a multitude of businesses that have come to La Ronge looking to set up shop and not be able to because the infrastructure wasn’t in place already,” Klassen said. “It takes some time to get all of those things put together, so it would be a really great idea to get on top of that kind of thing and have it ready, so when businesses want to come to town, we can be ready for them.”

Klassen unsuccessfully ran for mayor in the November 2020 general election but was ultimately voted in as a councillor in a November 2021 by-election following the death of Hugh Watt. He was first voted in as a councillor in 2016.

Klassen stated the new council is definitely different from the council before it, noting there are some new ideas going around the table. He said it has been a good experience so far.

“I have lots of fresh ideas and a drive to succeed,” Klassen said. “I am very invested in La Ronge to do the very best I can to make it a healthy, safe and prosperous community for every other resident in La Ronge.”

At the moment, Klassen is the president of the Lac La Ronge Chamber of Commerce and Lac La Ronge Cottage Owners’ Association. He’s also involved with the provincial cottage association, as well as the Advisory Northern Planning Commission. Klassen works as a contractor in La Ronge.

Klassen is running against Joe Hordyski in a two-person race. The by-election will be held on Oct. 5.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno