The housing needs assessment is needed by the town to apply for federal and provincial funding or projects. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

spending

La Ronge council votes to create housing assessment, purchase flower planters

May 11, 2023 | 5:00 PM

La Ronge council has approved up to $11,000 to create a Housing Business Plan by hiring Wallace Insights Inc.

The decision was made at a regular council meeting on Tuesday. Administration advised council after attending a webinar on the new Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund Program, as well as having discussions with staff at Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. It was learned the development of a housing-needs assessment is a required as a prerequisite to taking advantage of federal and provincial funding opportunities and to participate in housing development projects.

“It’s become apparent that in order to access funding of any kind, having a housing needs assessment prepared by the town is a must,” said deputy-chief administrative officer Jeff Long.

“A housing-needs assessment is also a useful tool to provide to private developers and builders who are seeking concrete information about the local housing situation. It can also be used by non-profit groups who may have interest in undertaking a housing project.”

The $11,000 will come from the town’s 10-Year Capital Budget. The assessment will gather information about the town’s housing needs, would initiate necessary work to provide to potential investors, satisfy government grant programs for housing development initiatives and would assist with decision making and prioritization for housing projects.

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Long noted there is a chance the town could also qualify for grants to cover the costs of the needs assessment.

“I think even if we have to pay for that thing, it’s part of the process in order to access this funding, so I think it is quite important we move on this,” La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski said.

Flower planters step in downtown revitalization

Another item approved at Tuesday’s meeting was spending $11,500 to approve the purchase of 50 barrel-style flower planters and associated planting materials. The funds will come from the 2023 capital budget for downtown revitalization.

Administration notes in the summer of 2022, they were directed to purchase planters as an interim downtown beautification initiative. Those planters were distributed along La Ronge Avenue and administration wanted council to consider more permanent planters for 2023.

While the old planters are described as small and hard to see, light and easy to be moved or stolen, and unable to withstand the hot summer temperatures, the new planters will have more of a natural look for an outdoor environment and be locally sourced.

“A Downtown Revitalization Plan is also in the final stages of development, and Council has earmarked $2.5 million to support some of the priorities identified in the plan,” document prepared for council states. “Council may deem a more permanent planter solution to be fitting with the intent of this funding.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno