Officials from Cameco and NORTEP/NORPAC gathered in La Ronge on the weekend to announce a new science facility.

Cameco has made a $369,000 contribution toward the project and the Town of La Ronge has chipped in eight acres of land.

NORTEP chair Joe Daigneault says since the program began in the 1970’s, it has never had a permanent location.

Cameco spokesperson Darwin Roy adds the contribution is part of the uranium producer’s efforts to enhance quality of life in northern Saskatchewan.

Daigneault says there is a need in the mining and health sectors for people who have a background in sciences at the university level.

The new building will be located in the area north of the Kikinahk Friendship Centre.