Photo: Map shows proposed locations for a designated homeless campground in La Ronge. / Courtesy of the Town of La Ronge
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
Las Ronge town council is considering a proposal to establish a designated homeless campground in the Finlayson snow dump area as part of efforts to address growing encampments in public spaces.
Lyle Hannan, La Ronge CAO, said the proposal follows ongoing complaints about people sleeping outdoors, lighting fires and leaving litter.
“In response to regular complaints about homeless sleeping, starting fires and littering in the outdoors, council and staff discussed the idea of identifying the most agreeable location where the homeless population could be. This is not a comprehensive homelessness solution, but a response to societal issues that have not been adequately addressed by other orders of government. The community is required to manage homeless-related issues as best they can with limited resources. Without adequate year-round indoor shelter beds for all homeless in the community, the courts have indicated that sleeping in public spaces is a basic right. Without designating a preferred space(s), any public space could be (has been) utilized.”
Information presented at the March 9 council meeting by director of community services Connor Tessier outlined potential locations, amenities and associated costs, while also highlighting legal and social considerations.
Tessier’s report noted homeless encampments have become an increasing concern for municipalities, residents and advocacy groups. In Canada, Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to life, liberty and security of the person. Courts have interpreted this to include a limited right to shelter outdoors when adequate indoor options are unavailable.
This means municipalities may be restricted from removing encampments if there is insufficient shelter space, as doing so could violate constitutional protections, the report said.
In La Ronge, encampments have been reported in parks, wooded areas near the hospital and behind homes south of Highway 102. These sites have raised concerns about sanitation, fire risk, theft, drug use and overall safety.
The town’s parks bylaw prohibits camping in public spaces outside designated campgrounds, though exemptions can be granted. Administration emphasized the bylaw is intended to regulate — not ban — encampments.
Council previously directed administration to identify a suitable outdoor location and consult stakeholders.
Tessier’s report identifies the Finlayson snow dump area as a potential site due to its proximity to services and an existing pattern of encampments near the town and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band boundary.
“There is already a level of concern and conflict being experienced between the homeless population and other members of the community; this will continue even if council does nothing,” Hannan said.
He added the goal is to reduce negative impacts by providing a defined space with basic supports.
“The hope is that providing basic amenities and a large, defined, and approved undeveloped space will mitigate overall negative behaviours. The proposed site is very large, and people will be able to spread out anywhere up to 200 metres away from adjacent residences and business on that side of the highway. If issues still occur, the RCMP is still expected to respond to safety concerns and illegal activity.”
Council is being asked to select a preferred site option and confirm which amenities should be prioritized.
Planned supports for 2026 include:
- Signage
- Two portable toilets and servicing
- Garbage receptacles and bags
- Fire pits and firewood.
Hannan said council has already approved funding through the 2026 operating budget.
“Council approved the operating 2026 budget, which included funds to provide these basic amenities at a designated site. Council has received some public feedback on the proposal,” said Hannan. A special meeting regarding the Homeless camping project has been set for Thurs. April 2. The Town of La Ronge said for those interested in attending virtually, you may do so by clicking here: As always the video will be uploaded to our YouTube page, following the meeting.”
The estimated total cost for 2026 is $11,372, with an additional $9,672 projected for 2027, including upgrades such as picnic tables and a gazebo-style rain shelter.
Several residents and business owners have voiced concerns about the proposed location.
In a letter to council, local business owner Jayme Woodhouse said while she supports compassionate solutions to homelessness, the Finlayson site may negatively affect nearby businesses and residents.
She cited concerns about potential increases in theft, vandalism and harassment, along with sanitation issues, strain on emergency services and the long-term viability of local businesses.
Woodhouse urged council to consider alternative locations with appropriate infrastructure and greater distance from residential and commercial areas, and to engage further with the community.
Another resident, Suzanne Guest, questioned zoning, noting the proposed site is designated as a recreation and park district. She argued a homeless campground is not currently a permitted use and suggested a bylaw amendment and public consultation process.
Guest also expressed frustration after being unable to present at a council meeting, saying public input is essential to avoid “fear, anger, misinterpretations and the feeling of being ignored.”
A third resident, Juanita McGunigal, echoed concerns about the site’s proximity to homes and businesses. She suggested alternative locations, including areas near the new RCMP development or near the Northwinds Bus Lines property along the highway, which she said could reduce impacts on residential neighbourhoods while maintaining access to services.