“I think we’re better off to have adequate supply within the community to kind of prevent some of these other negative things,” says La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski.
As the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) winds down its remaining stores, leaders in northern towns are concerned immediate closures could harm those who struggle with alcohol addiction and cause further disorder in their communities.
Other than bars or off-sales, the public stores are often the only accessible outlet for people in Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge and La Loche. Should the shops not be immediately replaced, town and village mayors worry people with addictions will turn to more harmful substances.
Some could also be inclined to drive the long distance to Prince Albert to purchase alcohol. They could later bootleg it when they return, creating further problems, they say.
“We do have a number of people in the community that do have addictions, some are severe addictions, and they will look for alternative ways to curb that craving and then possibly end up in emergency,” said La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski, in an interview on Thursday.
“But people may drive to Prince Albert, and you wonder if they’ll be safe on the road. There’s all kinds of other issues that come to play. I think we’re better off to have adequate supply within the community to kind of prevent some of these other negative things.”
Hordyski said he and other leaders plan on sending a letter to SLGA Minister Lori Carr, asking her to delay the sale of the current building. Instead, they would rather see it continue to operate until a new private retailer opens shop.
If that’s not possible, he said they’re hoping a new retailer can lease the current building, allowing them to operate it until they build their new store.
“I hope they realize the North is a lot different because we don’t have another market that’s close to us,” Hordyski said. “I think they’re prepared to come up with a solution. I’m confident of that.”
In an emailed statement, an SLGA spokesperson said the organization “is discussing with community leaders to ensure we understand and consider their needs as it relates to retail alcohol service.”
A spokesperson with SGEU, which is the union that represents the workers, said they were informed the SLGA had delayed the closure dates of the northern stores by about two weeks because it needed additional time “to navigate health-related aspects around alcohol use disorder.”
La Ronge’s store was set to close on Feb. 19, and Buffalo Narrow’s and La Loche’s were to be shuttered on Feb. 25. All three have now been pushed to March 11, according to SGEU.
Like Hordyski, Buffalo Narrows mayor Sandra Ericson expressed similar concerns should the store not be immediately replaced.
However, once the store is replaced, Ericson indicated she hopes the government can set some conditions.
She said public stores are regulated and have reduced hours, while private stores could be open longer and offer more sales. She worries those changes could result in higher addiction rates.
Hordyski said he also hopes the government sets some conditions on the new retailer, like limiting hours.
He said there had been an agreement with the SLGA to not sell alcohol in glass bottles. When that came into effect, he said the town saw fewer shards of glass on the streets.
“I know the two other off-sale establishments have that condition as well. And so it’s been very good for the community,” he said.
The government has previously struck a northern alcohol strategy with communities to help reduce alcohol-related harms. In 2020, liquor stores were deemed an essential service and allowed to stay open as others were told to close.
Going forward, Ericson said there needs to be a treatment centre in the region, helping people stay closer to home.
Hordyski said more longer-term treatment spaces should become available, as well as better supports for people when they leave detox.
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