The modular duplexes are being built by Hague-based Zac's Building Group. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

low income

MNS placing two modular duplexes in La Ronge

Oct 9, 2024 | 4:15 PM

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MNS) is funding the construction of two, three-bedroom duplexes along La Ronge’s Robertson Drive.

That’s according to MNS acting-director of housing and homelessness Mathieu Gaudet, who explained the modular buildings should be on site some time next month with occupancy expected in the spring of 2025.

This marks the first MNS-owned housing in La Ronge, which is being made possible through a $1.5 million investment.

“Lower income Métis families are who we are going to be targeting for these since they are three-bedroom units,” Gaudet said.

“We’re going to try and have them below market rate rentals. Basically, it is going to be who needs it the most is who we are going to be targeting.”

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The Town of La Ronge has been supportive of the project by offering a discounted rate for the lot purchase, as well as providing a temporary tax abatement. Gaudet noted MNS is grateful for the municipality’s interest in the development.

A sod turning ceremony for the development will be held Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

It remains unclear at the moment what the cost of renting the units will be. Gaudet said MNS is currently developing a tenancy framework and application process.

“We are actually doing a bunch of regional housing projects that are all fairly new,” he added.

“I think we have 12 capital projects on the go, so we are quite busy and we are developing a property management framework at MNS.”

MNS is hopeful they will be able to build two more accessible units on Robertson Drive through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. MNS submitted an application through the Crown corporation a couple of weeks ago and, if successful, would only have to provide 30 per cent of the capital required.

In addition to the units in La Ronge, MNS will also be placing a tiny home at Timber Bay. The tiny home was provided at no cost through a grant from Correctional Services Canada with MNS being required to move the building on site, as well as pay for aspects such as connecting the home to utility services.

“We decided Timber Bay would be a good location since our Local there owns some vacant land and there are some Métis citizens who could definitely use the housing,” Gaudet said.

“The construction is currently underway on site and the house is scheduled to be moved at the end of the month.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com