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The wooded area deemed unsafe by local residents. (Google Maps)
crime

Residents ask La Ronge council to thin trees in area deemed unsafe

Sep 28, 2022 | 5:00 PM

La Ronge deputy mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand spoke to council as a ratepayer at a regular council meeting Tuesday about a crime-ridden area within the municipality.

She, along with East Crescent resident Meghan Beaven, told council illegal activities are occurring in a treed space between Churchill Community High School, La Ronge Child Care Co-operative, and the Mel Hegland Uniplex. Ruiz-Arcand, who is also the vice-principal at Churchill, submitted photos of litter, drug paraphernalia and vandalism she found in the area.

“As recent as two weeks ago, we had a youth from the community overdose in the bushes,” she said. “As recent as today, there were youth drinking in the bushes. It’s becoming an area for high illicit activity.”

Ruiz-Arcand explained insufficient attention and upkeep have allowed the area to be a problem for at least the last 25 years. She told council she has witnessed individuals using the space to consume drugs and alcohol.

“I know the last council meeting we had there was a fire call to the area,” Ruiz-Arcand said. “There’s also been reports of indecent exposure and indecent acts within that area.”

Beaven, who has lived on East Crescent since 2007, reiterated those concerns. She stated she has had to go into the forest to stomp out bushfires that have been set by youth.

A photo submitted to council showing litter. (Town of La Ronge)
Vandalism on the back side of the Mel Hegland Uniplex. (Town of La Ronge)

When she walks between the Uniplex and her house, she can hear activity in the bush. She said sleds have been stolen from her property and she’s concerned about the safety of children when they are playing in the yard.

“There’s been an increase in usage of the forested area,” Beaven said. “This past summer I was sitting at my table at lunch in June and I had my neighbour charge through my house looking for a hose to put out a fire behind my fence.”

Beaven and Ruiz-Arcand both request council to thin the trees in the area as a proactive measure. Council decided to submit the request to administration for a cost estimate and further study.

“I agree [with] the thinning thing,” Coun. Joe Hordyski said. “The more visibility you have, the less of a chance your going to have things occurring. We have to look at that and we have to look at the cost.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno