ParticipACTION had a team working to secure additional funds for the project. (Town of La Ronge)

By Derek Cornet

green space

Plans change for proposed ParticiPARK in La Ronge

Feb 11, 2025 | 4:19 PM

It appears a planned ParticiPARK in La Ronge might not go ahead after all.

The project, which was originally meant to break ground in 2024, was the topic of discussion at a regular town council meeting on Monday. Community services manager Connor Tessier told council the build portion by ParticipACTION was being cancelled after it was unable to secure grant money for the projects.

ParticiPARKS was a pilot project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. La Ronge, as well as Brampton, Ont., Fredricton, N.B., and Winnipeg were selected for the project in 2022.

“So all of these communities, ourselves included, still have this design but they are not moving ahead with any of the builds, and so that leads to the question what do we do with the $130,000 we committed to building this ParticipACTION park in this area?” he asked.

The project aimed to improve health among Canadians who face health inequalities and are at greater risk of developing chronic diseases. ParticipACTION had been funded to design four equitable, inclusive and accessible outdoor parks that will become animated community hubs supporting the physical and mental health of community members.

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

10m ago

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Public consultation for the park was held in July 2023 and, in April 2024, council learned the building of a ParticiPARK would cost an estimated $406,000. Of that estimate provided, $128,000 was earmarked for site preparation, $82,500 for programming elements, $55,000 for log work and components, $55,000 for design, shipping and construction costs, $50,000 for trails, and $41,000 for landscape features.

Park Area 2 was voted on by council to be the location of the project. (Town of La Ronge)

At the regular meeting on Monday, La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski said the park might not have all the features in the original plan.

“If there was a potential for us to use some of our own resources to do some of the work, it could make it more affordable,” he said.

Coun. Vivana Ruiz Arcand stated it could be a good idea to approach local businesses or northern mining companies about sponsoring the park. She also noted it could be worth a call to Métis Nation–Saskatchewan as they have duplexes in the area.

In addition, Coun. Abby Besharah said while a park is needed in the area, it could be built over time.

“It gives us some flexibility in the future,” she said.

“If there is a lot of young families, we can put in some smaller playground equipment eventually. I think we have money allocated in the future for some capital improvements in those areas.”

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com