Northern Village of Air Ronge council. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

By Derek Cornet

Year In Review

Slow but steady year for Air Ronge council

Dec 21, 2019 | 12:45 PM

Looking back on the last 12 months, Air Ronge Mayor Gordon Stomp believes the village is feeling the effects of the uranium mine closures in 2018.

“It wasn’t a bad year, but it was certainly a slow year when it comes to the new housing starts and building construction,” he said. “I think we’re really starting to feel the effects now of the mine layoffs and our housing starts are really not up to where we think they should be.”

Even though development was slow, council worked on a number of goals like the purchase of a new garbage truck with a mechanical arm lift, along with hundreds of compatible waste collection bins. Stomp said the new method of waste collection has proven to be much more efficient and safer than the system used before. The new truck also allows for one person to do the job, instead of the two required before.

SaskPower was also in Air Ronge this year making improvements to street lights. Council has plans for 61 lights to be replaced, as well as the installation of more poles. Stomp noted some of the lights have already been improved and the upgrades will allow for more visibility at night.

“The rest will be done in the near future probably,” he said. “Some new poles need to be put in because we want to upgrade our lighting for security as well.”

Program Relaunch

Saskatchewan's Orange Construction Zone Update returns with focus on safety

9h ago

Wildfires

Massive Shoe Fire remains uncontained as 84 blazes burn in Saskatchewan

9h ago

Politics

Carney maintains positive approval rating despite summer cooldown: poll

13h ago

The village has also recovered from a fire, which occurred in the main shop in August. There had been a malfunction with one of the vehicles, Stomp said, and it nearly destroyed the inside of the shop. Equipment such as the grader was smoke damaged and need to be fixed.

A $100,000 contract for Heritage Park improvements was accepted by Air Ronge council this month. Stomp said the landscaping and road work should be completed in June with other improvements to follow.

“We will be building a gazebo or shelter after that and putting in more playground equipment for children,” he said.

Although a regional effort, Stomp mentioned work continues at the new landfill south of Air Ronge and it’s expected to open in summer 2020. A shop is currently under construction and lined pits have already been installed. All communities between Brabant Lake and Weyakwin will use the new landfill.

Stomp wanted to extend his appreciation to administration and other employees serving the village, adding council believes they have done an excellent job serving the community. He also wanted to extend a season’s greeting to the public on behalf of Air Ronge council.

“I’d just like to wish everyone all the best next year and have a very good holiday this year,” Stomp said. “Merry Christmas and all the rest to everyone in our region.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno