LA RONGE — Land is being cleared for a new RCMP detachment in La Ronge as policing demand in the region continues to grow and the current facility struggles to keep up.
“The existing La Ronge RCMP Detachment, built in 1981, can no longer support the increasing operational demands of policing in the La Ronge area or meet modern RCMP standards,” Saskatchewan RCMP told SaskToday.
“Calls for service in the La Ronge RCMP Detachment area have more than doubled between 1998 and 2024. Consequently, the number of police officers posted there has also grown.”
The new building will be constructed across Highway 102 from the La Ronge Regional Fire Department and is expected to be about 18,000 square feet. According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, the facility is being designed to operate as a net-zero-carbon building.
Saskatchewan RCMP say upgrading the aging detachment would not be cost-effective.
“The building requires extensive structural, mechanical and spatial upgrades. The cost of these upgrades would exceed the cost of constructing a new facility.
“The existing La Ronge RCMP Detachment will be operational until the new detachment is ready to be operational. Plans to demolish the old building are currently being developed,” said the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In addition to updated policing infrastructure, the new facility will include features designed to strengthen community connections and improve access to services.
“The new La Ronge RCMP Detachment will include a multipurpose room next to the front reception,” the RCMP said. “This room may be used by the RCMP when hosting members of the community for various community engagement events.”
The building will also include dedicated space for Victim Services, which RCMP say will make support services easier for residents to access.
“La Ronge RCMP officers are supported by members of the Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT), North District Management Team, and Serious Crimes Unit (previously known as General Investigation Section) in La Ronge.”
The new La Ronge RCMP Detachment building is currently in the design phase. Cost estimates are being refined as the design progresses and the final project cost has not yet been determined said the Saskatchewan RCMP.
“Saskatchewan RCMP expects to move in the new La Ronge Detachment building in the spring of 2028.”
Saskatchewan RCMP said the public and media will be updated as the project progresses.
