The funds obtain from Air Ronge and La Ronge should allow the corporation to get back on track. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

visitor centre

Woodlands and Waterways receives $25,000 grant from La Ronge council, AGM planned for May 31

May 24, 2023 | 5:00 PM

La Ronge council has approved a $25,000 one-time grant to the Woodlands and Waterways Regional Development Corporation.

The vote, which passed with all those in favour with the exception of Coun. Terry Hunt, is estimated to be approximately one third of the debt owed by the corporation. The corporation is owned by Air Ronge, La Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian, and it operates the regional visitor centre along Highway 2.

The dire financial situation at Woodlands and Waterways came to public at two municipal meetings earlier this month, when it was learned the corporation owed $16,000 in PST and up to $41,000 in GST, as well as another $12,100 in uncashed cheques and payment to the former centre manager. The PST and GST reportedly had gone unpaid since 2016.

The centre itself has already been closed for nearly a month and was not operational for the Victoria Day weekend.

“I would not be in favour of a loan,” said La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski. “I would support a grant based on the fact that it’s a tough budget. There’s not much money there.”

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“The other point I want to make is lots of the arts and crafts that are in there are showcased from the community and I’m not really in favour of going up to 40 per cent (mark up), which if you are looking of going up to $20,000 to meet your budget, that’s likely what would have to happen.”

Earlier this month, Air Ronge council held a special meeting where $25,000 was loaned to Woodlands and Waterways. Since then, an account has been unfrozen and cheques have been distributed to vendors. While some artists have decided to remove their stock from the centre, others have decided to continue selling there once it reopens.

There will be an annual general meeting for the corporation on May 31 at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre and any members of the public are invited to attend.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno