The petition could be presented in the Saskatchewan Legislature in March. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

New Infrastructure

Petition launched to link tri-communities with walking and bike path

Feb 6, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Safety and environmental sustainability are the two main reasons a new local group is launching a petition for the construction of a walking and bike path linking the tri-communities.

“The idea would be it would go from the turnoff on to the reserve at the south end of the community all the way to the Co-op grocery store,” Tamara Putz, a member of the Northern Sustainability Action Committee said. “There’s a lot of foot traffic and there’s also a lot of vehicle traffic. There has been accidents in the past, there have been deaths in the past, so we’re looking at trying to develop something that’s a safer option and is also environmentally sustainable.”

There are eight members on the committee and Putz said residents can expect some of them to begin going door-to-door with a petition this month. It would call for the construction of a four or five-foot paved path with lighting and benches. It would also be properly engineered, designed and be located completely away from the highway.

In the coming weeks, Putz noted the committee would also be approaching local councils for letters of support, as well as support from any other organizations or individuals who would like to assist. She mentioned the committee is working with NDP MLA Doyle Vermette with the petition and he will likely present it in the Saskatchewan Legislature some time in March.

“We’re also planning to have a rally in the spring, where we will do some biking and walking along the section where we would like to have this path developed just to raise awareness,” Putz said.

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Putz also believes the project could be done without the need of financial contributions from La Ronge, Air Ronge or the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. She’s hopeful the federal and provincial government will assist, noting the Liberals in particular have grants for developing infrastructure.

The spark for the committee began earlier this spring after members attended a climate rally in La Ronge. Those interested in the project can contact Putz, Alex Ashton, Dean Squires or Greg Thomas to find out how to help.

“In an era when we need to start addressing climate change, we’re hoping the government starts to see they have to start investing in alternate transportation ideas that will allow people to slowly move away from cars,” Putz said. “We have a lot of people without vehicles and we have this opportunity to encourage people to walk, instead of encouraging them to go to a carbon-based transportation.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno