Town council met for about one hour on Monday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

council update

Town council approves 2026 operating budget, community grant applications

Nov 25, 2025 | 2:58 PM

Town council approved its 2026 operating budget at their regular meeting on Monday.

The budget, which was quickly passed with little discussion, included a $900,000 surplus with no increase in property taxes and expenses totaling nearly $8.6 million. Overall, revenue levels are down 3.35 per cent or $298,547 from 2025, but up $404,893 from 2024.

There is currently more than $10.5 million in the town’s reserve fund. More information on the 2026 operating budget can be found online here.

Also at the meeting, council passed a motion to leasing a portion of the Mel Hegland Uniplex to the Saskatoon-based Little Bear Early Learning Centre.

“I think it is a good opportunity for us to use that space and provide a good service to the community that’s very, very lacking … and is an enormous concern,” said Mayor Joe Hordyski.

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The lease includes an upstairs lounge, two bathrooms, and a bar (formerly known as the Wolves Den), along with main level office spaces, a reception desk, an additional bathroom, change rooms, and a storage hallway. Rent, which includes all major utilities, was set at $667 per month, commencing Jan.1, 2027, with a 2.5 per cent annual increase for subsequent years.

Before the Little Bear Early Learning Centre can open, a large amount of work will need to be done to the space. The service will target children between the ages of six weeks and six years.

In addition, council approved two grant requests for the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race and the Don Allen Saskaloppet. Both events will be held in 2026.

Canadian Challenge organizers will receive financial support of $2,500, as well as $2,500 of in-kind support for site preparation. Saskaloppet organizers will receive $4,400, as well as $600 of in-kind support for snow removal at the Royal Canadian Legion and La Ronge Airport.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com