Town council was unanimous with their support on most decisions at the meeting, but not all. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff )

By Derek Cornet

regular meeting

La Ronge council support SUMA wildfire resolutions, awards $5,000 community grant to Pre-Cam

Jan 27, 2026 | 3:34 PM

La Ronge council has decided to throw their support behind two resolutions Air Ronge plans to bring forward at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s (SUMA) annual general meeting.  

The resolutions include SUMA advocate the provincial and federal governments to maintain existing fuel breaks and expand fuel mitigation efforts, including vegetation management and other approved measures, to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety, as well as to maintain the containment line created by bulldozers for fire guarding and prevention purposes, to ensure it remains functional, accessible, and effective throughout the fire season and as conditions warrant for the Village of Air Ronge. 

There was little discussion on the request, which was approved by all members of council. 

Council was split, however, on how to spend the remainder of a $30,000 provincial Community Safety and Well Being Grant, which was received several years ago but only $12,000 was spent. The province has indicated the funds will need to be spent over the next year, and representatives from the tri-communities recently met to discuss potential use of the funds. 

Council decided to inform the province their preference would be to use the funds to hire a third-party mediator and consultant to develop a regional governance model to better coordinate and deliver services to residents throughout the region, but noted they would also be in favour of using the funds to support expenses or renovations at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s overnight wellness centre, or for recreational school outreach if their top choice isn’t approved by the provincial government.  

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That motion passed by a slim margin with Mayor Joe Hordyski and Councillors Melissa McNeil and Bruce Skilliter voting against it.  

Finally, all members of town council were in favour of giving $5,000 through their Community Grant Policy to the Pre-Cam Community School Council for a new back playground. While Pre-Cam was seeking more than that amount, $5,000 is the maximum permitted to be awarded through the Community Grant Policy.  

“I think approving more than what the grant allows would be undermining the program,” said Hordyski.  

“I don’t think that’s an option. The only option that I see is maybe depending on how long it is before they get the equipment, they might be approved some money this year and some money the following year. That’s probably the best we can do.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com