By Sarah Stone

New paving project strengthens perception of La Ronge

Apr 22, 2013 | 6:00 AM

A new paving project in La Ronge looks to bring in new business and appear more attractive to visitors.

“We’re very excited that council has passed at the April 10 council meeting the paving of Hildebrand [Drive] and Backlund Road, which are two of only a couple left of major arteries in the community that require paving,” said Mayor Thomas Sierzycki.

These two roads service many important facilities in the community like the Regional Health Centre, Northland College, uniplex, municipal office and fire hall.

“Number one it’s perception. Of course anytime major arteries in a community that aren’t paved and service such an important corridor, that may give off a perception that the community is not open for business or else take priorities into consideration,” he said.

“There is a lot of car movement as well as a major artery for commuters back and forth into the community, so it was time we felt that we needed to move forward on this important project.”

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Another important reason for paving of these roads is increased safety and response time for emergency services.
Sierzycki explained his time as paramedic transporting his ill mother back and forth down those roads, were very uncomfortable for her.

“[It’s important] with Churchill now having access off that road, as well as the fire department and the hospital and it’s also an access entry for RCMP,” he said.

The paving project will cost about $1.5 million, which is one of the reasons it was put on hold until now when “the timing is right”.

“The municipality was in the right position based on the amount of money we put in trust, as well as other impacts that were out of our control; new deal gas tax money and funds that lined up perfectly for the project,” Sierzycki said, adding he hopes it will be done by the end of the year.

The town comprised of around 3,500 people is growing and he said “we want to make sure our infrastructure is ready to handle that and we’re in the position to do so.”
Many in the community are happy with the new paving, but there are a few concerned with how it will affect their taxes.

“I always tell them that I’m a proponent of taxes going up incrementally a year anyway to deal with the inflation and other costs associated with running a municipality, but at the same time we don’t expect any massive increases and we have set aside funds for that, so of course that alleviates some of the concern,” he explained.

In addition to that paving of the two main roads, Sierzycki is happy to also have a large overhaul on other roads in the town that haven’t seen service in a long time.

“We definitely hope this will continue to improve the image of La Ronge. We’re one of the best communities, I feel, in the province to live in and we’ll continue to do everything in our power to make sure we stay there.”

sstone@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahstone84