Mark Duffy mentioned more cabins would have been lost if not for the efforts of cabin owners and their friends. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
assistance

Thirty cabins burnt on Lac La Ronge, owners seek relief from province

Jun 20, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Cabin owners on Lac La Ronge are seeking assistance from the provincial government after 30 properties were destroyed recently due to a wildfire.

That’s according to Lac La Ronge Cottage Owners Association Director Mark Duffy, who explained the cabins that were burnt were located in Campbell Channel, English Bay and Freeman Island.

In total, there are approximately 230 cabins on Lac La Ronge.

“It hit in different areas of the lake compared to 2015, where it was just predominately the English Bay area,” he said. “I don’t have a direct comparison, but I know that this is far worse than 2015.”

The association is specifically asking the provincial government for a pause on lease payments for affected lessees until they are able to either rebuild or reassign their lease. They are also looking for an extension on the period of time when they would need to rebuild, and they are inviting Alana Ross, the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, to their meeting in July to further discuss supports available.

Given the remoteness of cabins on Lac La Ronge and the need for either barges during the summer or ice roads in the winter to rebuild, Duffy noted it could take many years for lessees to begin the rebuilding process.

“Also looking at the number of contractors available in the Lac La Ronge area to do the rebuild, as well as rebuilding places like Eagle Point and other places that suffered damage, it’s going to be a very long process, so we are also looking to get some assurance from Parks that they will respect the amount of time and the complexity of the rebuild process when they look at what their policies are for rebuilding,” he said.

“Sometimes, I think it is two years to rebuild or at least start building. Given the sheer number and remoteness, that might not be possible to reach that with the 30 cabins.”

In addition, the association would like the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to attend the meeting in July to educate members on their FireSmart program.

Duffy wanted to remind the public if they have a cabin on Lac La Ronge, they are welcome to join the association as a member.

“We petition on behalf of the cabin owners for fair treatment with Parks and there is strength in numbers, so anyone who wants to join can reach out to us and we will send them the application,” he said.

larongeNOW reached out to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport for comment, but didn’t receive a response by publishing.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

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