Fifty years of township: Living on the edge of paradise

Readers remarked about the natural beauty of the area, the dance of the northern lights, and how the land and people are beyond compare. One reader called La Ronge a hidden gem in the North, while another remarked upon lake life, endless exploration and adventures.

Some of the words used to describe La Ronge were belonging, fresh air and water, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, strong and free, and just simply amazing.

La Ronge is well-known for its natural beauty. It is located along the edge of the Pre-Cambrian Shield. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

Northern lights are a common sight in the community. Social media gets a boost in activity when they come out. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

Nut Point Campground is located only minutes from the town site. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists wanting to camp, swim or hike. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

“It’s quite a different feel having been here for 30-some years,” said Scott Boyes, a former editor and publisher for The Northerner.

“When we moved here, it wasn’t with the intention of being here for the rest of our lives and that’s not an uncommon thing I hear people say. I hear people say two to five … and that was our attitude when we moved to town as well.”

Boyes explained the town has continued to grow throughout its history, and while new businesses have been far and few, he believes they will catch up eventually.

“As more and more people live here, there will be more and more services,” he noted.

La Ronge is located on Treaty Six territory, which is the home of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the Métis. It is bordered by the Lac La Ronge Provincial Park with close to 100 lakes with many canoe routes that follow paths from the old fur trading days.

La Ronge is also becoming more diverse as more people move to town from different ethnicities and backgrounds. For instance, La Ronge has a fast-growing Filipino-Canadian population with approximately 350 individuals as of 2026.

The urban reserve downtown in La Ronge is a popular spot for locals to gather. It is the site of a former residential school and later a hospital. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

Tammy Cook-Searson, right, has been the chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for 21 years and counting. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

The Filipino-Canadian community in La Ronge has exploded in the last decade. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

Although winters are long and cold, major events include the Don Allen Saskaloppet and the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

“We’re progressing positively. There is no doubt about that in my mind,” said long-time resident Jean Poirier.

“Probably the biggest thing that shows you that is if you go to the grocery store, you won’t recognize so many people now. La Ronge is in a big change that will probably be pretty good. Is it for the better? Yes, it should be because it brings new ideas and it brings more responsibilities.”

With the growth throughout the years, however, new problems have emerged. Not unlike other communities in Saskatchewan, La Ronge struggles with issues surrounding crime, homelessness, poverty, and a large socio-economic divide. Some residents miss the days when life was a bit simpler.

“It has progressed a hell of a lot. The town has flourished,” said Elder Tom Roberts.

“There are businesses all over the place and it’s to the benefit of the First Nations people. More and more people are moving to La Ronge. They love La Ronge. It is a friendly community. I still wish to this day we could still walk down the street in the evening to go visit a friend, but with all the negative activity that goes on in the evening, nobody goes out anymore.”

But like the days many years ago, there is still is sense of prosperity in the air. It is unclear what the future may bring, but the town’s residents will undoubtedly help to shape it. They will draw on their strengths and come together to create their own unique path.

“I think we just have to get ready for growth because it’s coming,” said Mayor Joe Hordyski.

“Having things in the North the world needs, there is opportunities and we’ll continue having to deal with housing. I think we can start focusing more on the commercial end and start taking advantage of some of the opportunities on the horizon.”

Read Part 1 and Part 2 of Fifty years of township by clicking on the highlighted links.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Fifty years of township: Living on the edge of paradise

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