The new long-term care facility could be three storeys. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

infrastructure project

New details emerge about future La Ronge long-term care facility

Mar 10, 2021 | 1:20 PM

La Ronge council was updated on plans for a new long-term care facility, which would mark one of the largest infrastructure projects in the town’s history.

During a Committee of the Whole report from bylaw officer Robbie Bender on Tuesday, council was informed the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) was seeking an initial letter of commitment for the development of a new facility. Bender explained preliminary plans show it’s expected to be a three-storey building. It could also be possibly attached to the La Ronge Health Centre.

“They mentioned that they are actually doing the test hole drilling right now for the geotech survey,” he said. “Once they get the letter of commitment, they will then talk to some appraisers to get an approximate land value and then they will come back to the town with an offer to purchase.”

The consensus of council was in favour of the project and the decision to send a letter of commitment will be made at the next regular council meeting on March 23.

During the update, Coun. Abby Besharah wanted to know if there was any record of preliminary consultation with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band considering the proximity of the urban reserve to the new facility. She said it’s likely the Ministry of Health will initiate a duty to consult process, but the town should also start a conversation about the expansion of the nearby property.

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“It will keep them in the loop because it is adjacent to the urban reserve and it may affect some of their decision making or plans or anything like that,” Besharah said. “Just from an administrative level, its also good practice to perform our own duty to consult as a municipality.”

These vehicles were spotted in a clearing where the new long-term care facility will be located. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

In an email earlier this week to larongeNOW from the Ministry of Health, it was stated the project will soon be ready to advance to the detailed design phase. The province previously announced the facility, to be completed in 2023, would include 70 long stay beds with another 10 for respite care.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno