La Ronge - Water Supply System

Water partnership celebrates success

July 15, 2011 marks a very special date for the Lac La Ronge Regional Water Corporation and a more than five year journey to complete the Water Supply System project.

The Town of La Ronge, the Northern Village of Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band have partnered to create a single water treatment facility that serves all three communities. The quality of life for more than 5,290 residents has been increased with this access to cleaner water.

Started in 2005, this $12.45 million project received federal, provincial and municipal funding and is a great example of what can be accomplished when communities work together. The federal Western Diversification Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) contributed $4.2 million to the project and the provincial Northern Municipal Trust Account contributed $3.43 million. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band contributed $4.3 million and the Town of La Ronge and Northern Village of Air Ronge contributed $174,000 to the project.

Due to growth in these communities the existing infrastructure was not able to meeting the required capacity and in some cases water quality was dropping below provincial standards. To support the growth and future development of these municipalities is was critical that action be taken to ensure the quality and quantity of the water source today and into the future. 

Rather than develop three separate facilities in a small area these communities took a more collaborative approach to help save money and increase efficiency. They now have a state of the art water treatment facility serving residents in the area and will be able to meet water demands long into the future. This group also participates in regional waste management and recycling and emergency services making them a great example of partnerships and prosperity in northern Saskatchewan.