Council gave approval to several initiatives at a regular meeting on Monday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

regular meeting

Town council approves tree thinning project, revision to Air Quality Policy

Sep 23, 2025 | 2:38 PM

La Ronge council approved tree thinning to address wildfire mitigation, a revision to the town’s Air Quality Policy, as well as gave administration the go ahead to apply for a grant through the Targeted Sector Support Initiative at a regular meeting on Monday.

This winter, tree thinning will be completed in areas behind Studer Street, Robertson Drive and Morley Wilson (Quarry) Park. The entire project will consist of 13.2 hectares in areas deemed high risk due to old growth, and proximity to homes or vital infrastructure.

The town has undertaken wildfire mitigation projects for several years and an aggressive approach is being taken to ensure when the next threat of wildfire comes, the municipality will be in the best possible position to deal with the situation.

In 2024, the town completed a comprehensive review of its occupational health and safety program, and as part of the process, several key policies were developed to address specific concerns, including air quality. During the summer of 2025, multiple days of poor air quality occurred due to wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan, including La Ronge.

When administering the existing policy, inconsistencies arose between departments regarding the type of air quality monitors being used. In addition, the prolonged smoky conditions led to several complaints from employees across departments, including those working indoors.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

With approval from council at Monday’s meeting, the Air Quality Policy will be revised to improve clarity, provide consistency for employees administering the policy and allow operational flexibility. There is also intent to purchase a portable air quality monitor that can be used to verify the air quality levels in various work sites.

Finally, council gave its approval to apply for a grant through the Targeted Sector Support Initiative to hire a consultant to assist in drafting the necessary agreements or supporting documents to realizing a new recreational governance body. It is anticipated that $40,000 would be an appropriate project budget for the scope of work.

That project will be in conjunction with Air Ronge, which recently struck a deal with town council to avert a costly individual recreational user fee.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com