Photo: The Town of La Ronge said retaining certified operators has been an ongoing challenge.
By: Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SASKTODAY.ca
The Town of La Ronge has approved a 10-year agreement with SaskWater to operate and maintain the community’s utility infrastructure, a move administration says will provide long-term stability, help address staffing challenges and generate annual savings.
Council approved the agreement at its Aug. 17 meeting. The contract will run from Nov. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2036.
The decision follows years of difficulty recruiting and retaining certified utility operators, a requirement under provincial permits governing municipal water and wastewater systems.
“Having certified operators is a requirement,” chief administrative officer Lyle Hannan told SaskToday. “Our most senior and trained operator is nearing retirement, recruitment of trained operators is difficult, and our other current operators have less than a year of experience in the role.”
According to the council report, the town issued a request for proposals in May 2026 while exploring options to ensure operational stability for essential utility services.
Two proposals were received. Administration ultimately recommended SaskWater, citing the Crown corporation’s experience, regional presence and ability to provide the service without increasing operating costs.
The town currently has four utility operator positions, although only three are staffed, said Hannan.
Hannan said retaining certified operators has been an ongoing challenge.
“I can only speak offhand about the past 4.5 years with the Town, although I think this has been an issue for years prior as well, and it has been difficult to train and retain utility operators,” he said.
During that time, approximately 10 employees have cycled through the utilities department.
“Most of whom were uncertified and receiving on-the-job training,” Hannan said.
He noted that Saskatchewan’s certification system requires both training and years of experience, making employee retention especially important.
Under the agreement, SaskWater will provide certified operation and maintenance services at a cost of $399,484 in 2027, with annual increases of 2.5 per cent thereafter.
The town estimates the contract will replace approximately $490,000 in annual operating costs currently associated with wages, benefits, training, travel, contracted services and vehicle-related expenses.
Administration projects savings of roughly $60,000 in 2027.
While exact long-term savings are difficult to forecast, Hannan said the town expects the contract to continue generating similar savings throughout the agreement.
“Provided the service requirements in the contract are unchanged, it is fair to assume annual savings of approximately $60,000 each year of the contract,” he said.
The report also notes the town could realize additional capital savings by reallocating utility trucks to replace aging municipal vehicles.
Hannan said residents should not expect significant changes to utility service after the transition takes effect.
“I don’t expect any noticeable changes, particularly in the shorter term,” he said.
However, he believes SaskWater’s expertise could benefit long-term infrastructure planning.
The town will continue to be responsible for other utility-related costs, including equipment, utilities and postage. Council will continue to monitor utility operations once SaskWater assumes responsibility.
Hannan said the town’s director of public works will oversee delivery of the contract and report on maintenance activities, service concerns and operational matters during annual budget discussions.
If SaskWater experiences staffing challenges, Hannan said the organization has a larger workforce and training system available to maintain service levels.
The report states SaskWater has expressed interest in hiring the town’s current utility operators and lead hand. Existing employees would need to apply for positions with SaskWater if they wish to continue in similar roles.
Administration indicated employee compensation would not be negatively affected should those transitions occur.
Hannan acknowledged some residents may have concerns about outsourcing an essential municipal service but said administration approached the decision carefully.
“The town exercises caution when considering such a service delivery shift,” he said.
He pointed to SaskWater’s experience and existing role in supplying treated water to the community through the Regional Water Corporation.
“We have a strong relationship with SaskWater, which is a large corporation with expertise and stability in this area of service.”
Hannan added that the 10-year agreement provides both operational stability and greater certainty around future costs for the municipality.