The report is needed to apply for federal housing funding opportunities. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

federal funding

Local housing data revealed in recent report

Aug 2, 2023 | 4:33 PM

A housing needs assessment prepared for the municipalities of Air Ronge and La Ronge is shedding light on local availability and demand.

The purpose of the report is to provide the Town of La Ronge and Northern Village of Air Ronge with a Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan, which responds to the immediate housing needs within both communities. It is a Housing Action Plan that is intended to respond to the requirements of the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund for more housing in the short term.

Prepared by Wallace Insights, the report shows the housing stock in La Ronge is aging with more than 65 per cent built between 1961 to 1990. Of that, 54 per cent were constructed more than 40 years ago with 21 per cent constructed since 2000. This is below the pace of construction for the rest of Saskatchewan at 24.3 per cent.

The report adds a significant proportion of the housing stock is in need of major repairs at nine per cent. This represents a need for reinvestment in property beyond the experience of the average Canadian community where six per cent are in need of major repairs.

Homeownership in La Ronge is also low at 53 per cent. The Canadian average is 63 per cent and the Saskatchewan average is 74 per cent. The report found La Ronge offers very economical residential land prices (fully serviced) with most ranging from $18,000 to $36,000, but up to $79,000 per single family lot.

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La Ronge’s overall population has remained steady for many years,” the report notes. “However, there have been changes in the community’s demographics over time. This can have a profound influence on the housing market.”

In 2021, the tri-communities had a population of 5,235 residents, of whom 2,521 lived in La Ronge. La Ronge has a young population with 65.3 per cent of working age and more than 20 per cent of the population is under 15 years of age. La Ronge has a median income of $76,000, which is higher than the national average of $66,800.

Demographics provided in the report also show the workforce is comprised of young professionals. For instance, 20 per cent work in education, 17 per cent in health, 17 per cent in retail or wholesale, 11 per cent in administration and 10 per cent in hospitality or related services.

The full report can be found online here.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com