The Highway 102 economic plan will be carried in a several phases over many years. (Crosby Hanna and Associates)

By Derek Cornet

final report

Highway 102 Economic Corridor Plan calls for development of truck stop in first phase

Mar 15, 2023 | 2:49 PM

The final Highway 102 Economic Corridor Plan by Crosby Hanna and Associates was presented at a regular La Ronge council meeting on Tuesday.

The plan, which was developed at the cost of $96,000, is meant to help the community capitalize on new economic activities by proposing to create new entries to town from the highway, land servicing and lot layout, as well as future streetscape and waterfront projects.

The cost of the entire plan easily exceeds $10 million and it recommends starting with the creation of a truck stop and nearby highway development during the first phase.

“Due to the considerable amount of land available and the high cost of preparing land for development, the master plan recommends that the Town of La Ronge focus on the south side of the highway corridor between Brown Street and Carlson Avenue, with initial development occurring south of Carlson Avenue,” the plan states.

“Phase one includes the establishment of a full-service truck stop, significant development of new highway commercial, relocation of the RCMP, and supporting infrastructure.”

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The second phase would be the development of a value-added business park with new roads connecting Brown Street, Finlayson Street and Carlson Avenue. The park is meant to take advantage of increased government investment in mineral processing and forestry industries. It will allow for services that require larger lots and easy access to the highway.

The plan notes the provincial government is looking to double growth in forestry and related sectors by 2030.

The third phase would include the development of more commercial space where Highway 102 meets Riese Drive. The area is less desirable for initial investments, but it is an ideal location once phase one is full and additional opportunities are needed.

The third phase of the La Ronge economic corridor plan. (Crosby Hanna and Associates)

“This phased implementation strategy is comprised of practical steps which can be undertaken in the short, medium and long-term in accordance with budget limitations and council priorities,” the plan states.

“Developers and investors will appreciate that the highway corridor strategy is a long-range, coordinated and managed plan. Ratepayers will appreciate a shortened timeframe between capital costs outlay (spending by the town) and land sales (revenue to the town) to recoup capital costs.”

The plan also includes key economic facts about La Ronge. For instance, it notes housing prices have increased by 131 per cent between 2006 and 2016, and that homeownership is at 53 per cent, below the national average of 63 per cent and the provincial average of 74 per cent.

It also notes there has been no population growth since 2006 and little in the last 40 years. In 2006, the population of the tri-communities was 5,291 and, in 2021, it was 5,235. La Ronge has a young population with 67 per cent at working age and 51 per cent under the age of 30.

Crosby Hanna and Associates adds the town’s overall financial picture is good with low debt and funding available in reserves. As part of its 10-year capital plan, town council is spending $4 million between 2023 and 2025 on implementing the Highway 102 Economic Corridor Plan.

Read the entire Highway 102 Economic Corridor Plan online here.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno