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Air Ronge and Northern Municipal Services have yet to reply to the town's invitation. (Image Credit: Town of La Ronge)
addressing challenges

La Ronge council seeks to explore new regional municipality study with Air Ronge and nearby residents

Nov 5, 2026 | 3:00 PM

The Town of La Ronge has invited Air Ronge and Northern Municipal Services to participate in a study to explore the options, benefits, opportunities, concerns, and issues pertaining to the formation of a new regional municipality or alternative government structure.  

“Our council has been discussing and reflecting upon the challenges of local governance within the unique region of Lac La Ronge,” a letter sent to both groups states. 

“Specifically, council believes that the existence of three municipal governments operating within a small geographic area creates many challenges.” 

The challenges outlined include developing, maintaining, promoting, and actioning a unified or complementary vision and strategic priorities; lobbying for resources and developing partnerships with organizations, businesses, and other orders of government; and issues arising from variability in services, service levels, service resourcing, regulatory schemes and processes, costs, and funding/subsidization approaches. 

In addition, other challenges mentioned are the duplication of both governance and administrative efforts in establishing, coordinating, and/or delivering services; varying levels of elected representation; negotiating and maintaining numerous agreements, including cost sharing and capital investment; slower and/or disjointed decision making; and strained relationships from working in an environment with these challenges. 

“It is town council’s desire to explore forms of regional government that could address these concerns and challenges,” the letter notes.  

“If at least one other party is willing to participate, the first step would be to form a project steering committee comprised of two representatives from each participant.” 

The steering committee would develop the terms of reference, the geographical area to be included, and determine the scope of review. It would also come up with a project budget.  

“It is important to note that agreement to participate in this study does not bind any party to proceed with all, or any, recommendations, options, or outcomes associated with the study. The goal is to garner information, expertise, and guidance on this issue,” the letter further explains.  

larongeNOW reached out to Air Ronge council and Northern Municipal Services on the proposal. It is unclear whether the village will join as the matter was tabled at a regular council meeting on Monday. 

As for Northern Municipal Services, the Ministry of Government Relations replied in an email that they are aware of the invitation and will be responding to the town.  

“The Northern Municipal Services Branch [is] always willing to engage in discussions with municipalities, and regional cooperation is among the ministry’s top priorities,” the email reads.  

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com