Housing in Air Ronge and La Ronge has been in short supply for many years and the situation is expected to worsen if not addressed. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

ground work

Council adopts new housing plan to address failed market

Aug 30, 2024 | 6:00 AM

La Ronge council has adopted a Housing Business Plan meant to be a clear strategy toward a well-functioning housing market that meets the needs of all residents and visitors, both now and in the future.

The plan, which also includes the Village of Air Ronge and was presented at their council meeting earlier this month, is essential for securing funding and investments, managing risks, and allocating local resources. It includes important information for the housing industry, community groups, service providers, local governments, employers, potential regional partners, and residents.

The document adopted by council states the housing market in the region has failed and the plan provides a roadmap for creating a new one.

“The plan benchmarks the current housing situation and outlines specific actions the Town of La Ronge and Northern Village of Air Ronge should take to achieve its vision. Currently, there are significant challenges preventing the housing market from effectively serving the region,” the document states.

“The implementation of this plan means that the region will become more than simply investment-ready, it will realize a compelling vision for the future.”

Overtime thriller

Rush shock Halifax with last-second goal to advance to NLL finals

23m ago

Community leaders

Third annual Sports on Central soars to higher level of fun

1h ago

Impaired Driving

MADD P.A. renews risks of impaired driving as smashed car campaign returns for fourth year

19h ago

In specific, the plan explains there are solutions the municipalities can undertake to create a more robust housing market. Those solutions include preparing priority sites for multi-unit dwellings to a shovel-ready state, implementing an innovative housing incentive program to attract developers, and making steps to market the collaborative supports available to developers.

It also suggests enhancing collaboration with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band on housing initiatives, and stablishing an independent non-profit organization dedicated to regional housing development.

“Implementation requires tailoring to the unique needs of the region, characterized by a young, working-age population with significant income disparity.” the document adds.

“Allowing poor housing conditions, unmet needs, and houselessness to persist in a community has a cost.”

The plan found there is a large working population in Air Ronge and La Ronge, particularly under 40 years of age, and that the housing future housing demands is expected to increase given the large youth demographic.

It also found the supply of housing to accommodate small households is low and is the most pressing demand to fulfill. Investment in renovations could address current quality issues, support improved affordability (particularly related to monthly utility costs), reconfigure existing dwellings for current market needs and optimize use of community investments in existing infrastructure.

Region stakeholders believe the cost of servicing to be a significant barrier to housing market solutions.

“Market dynamics (potentially related to housing quality and/or condition) have kept prices low, yet an absolute shortage of units is preventing access by those with lower incomes who could benefit from lower prices,” the document mentioned.

“The market would benefit from the addition of high-end housing units attractive to a move-up market, which would free up lower cost dwellings. It also requires purpose-built units affordable to households earning less than $70,000 annually.”

Read more about the Air Ronge/La Ronge Housing Business Plan online here.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com