Council approved approximately $34,000 in spending at October's regular council meeting. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

regular meeting

La Ronge council approves long-term care fundraiser study, new LED lights for Uniplex

Oct 27, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The Town of La Ronge has decided to move ahead with paying for a portion of study to look into ways to fundraise for furnishings and equipment for the future 80-bed long-term care facility.

Council was in favour of paying $16,000 of the estimated $40,000 bill to have such a study developed. The remaining funds would be split between the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), Air Ronge and Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD).

“Maybe we do have the ability to do it on our own, but even as council people, we are not employed full-time,” La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak said. “So, for me to personally be able to go out there and do fundraising and know exactly what I am doing, I don’t have that skill set and I don’t know how many people at our council table would have that.”

Ratushniak explained the study would provide a road map for whomever leads fundraising efforts. Equipment and furnishings for the facility are expected to cost $3 million.

At this time, a steering committee has agreed in principal that any costs to get fundraising underway should be shared amongst regional partners. That means La Ronge with a population of 2,688 with pay 39 per cent, the LLRIB with a population of 2,622 will pay 38 per cent, Air Ronge with a population of 1,106 will pay 16 per cent and the NSAD with a population of 469 will pay seven per cent.

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The 2021 provincial budget in April included $7.6 million of the $73 million required to construct the facility, which should be completed by the end of 2023. It’s part of a $7.5 billion, two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery post-COVID.

New LED lights for Mel Hegland Uniplex

It was also decided at Tuesday’s regular meeting to replace the existing lights at the Mel Hegland Uniplex with LEDs.

A report presented to council states the Uniplex currently uses and maintains light fixtures from its original construction, noting there are ongoing repair costs and the fixtures are inefficient compared to modern alternatives. The estimated cost to upgrade the lights is between $15,000 and $18,000.

“I think this is a great way to see a little bit of an enhancement in our ever-aging Uniplex,” Ratushniak said. “We’re not going to see a new Mel Hegland Uniplex here for probably three to five years if we are even going to get there, so I think this is a great touch.”

It’s expected the new lights will bring a return on the investment in less than two years. LED lights are known to be bright, efficient and with lower maintenance frequency and costs.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno