The mayor hopes visitors enjoy the area and come back in the future as tourists. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

surging business

Tony Cote Summer Games generates significant economic impact for La Ronge

Aug 14, 2024 | 4:00 PM

La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski believes the Tony Cote Summer Games is having a significant economic impact on the tri-communities.

The week-long provincial event has attracted thousands of athletes, coaches and support staff, effectively almost doubling the population of the area which sits around 6,000 people. He said the sheer number of visitors is a benefit for the community as a whole.

“I think we had fair warning we were going to get 5,000 or more people here and here they are,” Hordyski said.

“I was there Sunday night at the opening ceremony and everybody gathered in the track area and it was quite the experience to see that many people.”

Residents don’t need to look far to see the substantial number of visitors who have come to the Lac La Ronge region. There are long lineups at businesses like restaurants and gas stations, all hotels are full, as well as campgrounds, and there has been a considerable increase in traffic.

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Hordyski estimates some businesses such as those in the hospitality industry are witnessing two to three times the number of customers compared to a typical day. Many businesses in the tri-communities have altered their hours to open earlier and close later.

“I think the Chamber (of Commerce) warned most of the business people to prepare to make sure they have staff, to make sure they have enough product because this is coming,” he explained.

“I think the main thing is we have been working hard as a tri-community to make everybody feel comfortable and be welcoming and kind of accommodate their needs while they are here. We are hoping it will be a good way to have some people say ‘hey, we really had a good experience,’ and they will come back.”

The Town of La Ronge has opened up the Mel Hegland Uniplex for visitors to use the facility. It is also being used as a site where athletes and coaches can grab breakfast and lunch on a daily basis.

In addition, the town has closed a section of La Ronge Avenue to allow only foot traffic and council has also allowed the relaxation of bylaws. For instance, residents are allowed more than one camper/recreational unit on their property, and people will be able to park on streets for more than 72 hours without movement. Vendors travelling to La Ronge also don’t need to seek a business permit as long as they have been approved to operate by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

“I just hope everybody enjoys their stay here and be patient because traffic is difficult to get in and out sometimes when you want,” Hordyski said.

“At the end of the day, we are hoping the athletes will have a great experience in our community and we can be part of their development in their future lives.”

larongeNOW reached out to the La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce, but nobody was available for an interview.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com