Infrastructure and Construction 2013

As the days are starting to get longer and ppring is fast approaching, I thought I would take the opportunity to update some specific projects that the Town of La Ronge looks to embark upon and complete in the 2013 “construction season.”

In 2012, the previous council awarded Ruszkowski Enterprises Ltd. of Prince Albert a paving contract worth approximately 1 million dollars to be completed in the summer of 2013. Several areas of Studer Street where selected for improvement. It was decided to concentrate on this major residential artery as it used by most La Ronge residents travelling to and from home. We are aware other areas require improvements however, continued natural gas installation and aging water and sewer line repairs are important factors in the decision process. Aside from the Studer Street repairs, Watt and Glass Place are currently in the Local Improvement Process at the provincial government level and could see pavement in 2013.

As with any municipality in the Province of Saskatchewan and frankly Canada, infrastructure continues to be the main cost and deficit. Spring is always a nervous time when it comes to water and sewer pipes, as the frost and ground shift, you expect the worse and hope for the best. Several lines have already ruptured this year and a large repair is scheduled for the Quandt Cresent/Studer Street area.

The only saving grace is that the area was slated to be repaired in the paving project.

The construction season will also see the newly completed Mowery subdivision lots up for sale. Exact costs of the 31 lot, 2 million dollar subdivision will be made public in early March. A price increase will be seen from previous Town of La Ronge residential lots, but it is important to note that the lots are development ready in terms of fill, pavement and service hook-ups. Advertisement campaigns and discussions with developers will commence in the near future and I look forward to promoting the first new residential subdivision in nearly 15 years.

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There are always more projects than money available. There is no infrastructure project that isn’t a priority but unfortunately, some are more pressing than others. I am hopeful, that within this term, Hilderbrant and Backlund streets will receive the needed 2 million dollar pavement we have spoken about for numerous years and that a federal/provincial/municipal program in 2014 will assist us in purchasing back-up gensets for all our lift stations, thus solving the problem of no water when there is no power.

The Town of La Ronge has a dedicated and hardworking Infrastructure Services department and staff. We have, in my and many others opinions, the best snow removal in the province. 2013 will provided unique and exciting employment opportunities within the department and I encourage those interested to keep an eye out on our website www.laronge.ca. As with any decisions a council may make, everyone may not agree on them, but I remind people that infrastructure and the best use of tax dollars are always factors in decisions we make.

Have a great week and feel free to contact me at laronge.mayor@sasktel.net or on Twitter @Thomas_LaRonge!