Resolutions

Whereas the Village of Air Ronge and the Town of La Ronge are committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its residents; and

Whereas wildfires pose a significant threat to life, property, and community stability; and

Whereas maintaining functional infrastructure and proactive risk mitigation measures is essential to reducing hazards and ensuring community resilience; and

Whereas the maintenance of existing fuel breaks and the expansion of fuel mitigation efforts are critical components of fire prevention and protection strategies; and

Whereas developing and maintaining bulldozed firebreaks (“CAT guards”) are essential components for the strategic containment of wildfires and the protection of communities;

Therefore, be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to maintain existing fuel breaks and expand fuel mitigation efforts, including vegetation management and other approved measures, to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety in Saskatchewan; and

Be it further resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to maintain CAT guard perimeter for fire guarding and prevention purposes, ensuring it remains functional, accessible, and effective throughout the fire season and as conditions warrant.

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your letter of April 30, 2026, and for sharing the resolutions adopted at SUMA's 121st Annual Convention that relate to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). I appreciate the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

I would also like to thank SUMA and its members for their continued collaboration and for the constructive dialogue that occurs through the resolution process. Municipal perspectives are essential to ensuring Saskatchewan's public safety frameworks remain effective, resilient, and responsive to community needs.

Resolution 2026-08: Wildfire Mitigation -Town of La Ronge and Village of Air Ronge

The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that wildfire poses a significant and growing risk to northern communities, including the Town of La Range and the Village of Air Range. Proactive wildfire fuel mitigation remains a critical component of community protection and overall province-wide wildfire resilience.

Through SPSA's Science and Mitigation Unit, the Government of Saskatchewan continues to work collaboratively with communities to plan, deliver, and maintain wildfire fuel mitigation projects. Since 2019, fuel management initiatives in and around La Range and Air Range have been supported through federal funding programs such as the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) and Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF). These efforts have included thinning, mulching, and the maintenance and expansion of fireguards in strategic locations.

As part of the ongoing DMAF project, additional thinning and mulched fireguard projects are planned for the La Ronge and Air Ronge area over the next two years. These projects will build on existing fuel breaks, including expansion of the fireguard along the west side of the Town of La Ronge. Planning for future work remains underway, and there is opportunity for continued engagement with both communities regarding project locations, methods, and priorities.

SPSA remains committed to presenting all proposed wildfire fuel mitigation plans to local communities for review and approval prior to implementation.

Existing wildfire hazard assessments and FireSmart recommendations, including the assessment completed in 2015, continue to inform planning and may be updated as conditions and community development evolve.

The Government of Saskatchewan supports SUMA's advocacy for sustained and expanded wildfire mitigation investments and will continue to work with municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous partners to strengthen community resilience to wildfire risk.

Sincerely,

Hohourable Michael Weger Minister of Community Safety

Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency