Real jewel

It seems the newly-renovated J.W. Walker School here, which held its official grand opening last Wednesday evening, is a big hit with all concerned.
True, there still may be hard feelings among some parents that three smaller schools—namely Alexander MacKenzie, Sixth Street, and Alberton Central—were closed for the sake of this larger one, but it certainly appears the students are the real winners with this state-of-the-art learning facility.
Frankly, its design and equipment, particularly on the computer front, could never have been matched by their old schools.
Taxpayers should be smiling, too, as the $4.8-million project was completed on time and on budget, Rainy River District School Board chair Dan Belluz noted during last week’s ceremonies.
The new J.W. Walker is now another jewel Fort Frances can boast, along with other excellent educational facilities at Fort Frances High School as well as the satellite campus for Confederation College.
Then there’s the Townshend Theatre—a first-class venue to stage both local productions and visiting performances.
On the recreation front, there’s the revamped Memorial Sports Centre, a fine eight-sheet curling club, a renovated five-pin bowling alley, two golf courses nearby, and cross-country ski trails both within town limits and out at Rocky Inlet.
And let’s not forget the beautiful waterfront along the La Verendrye Parkway.
On the business front, the Super 8 Motel is here, as are Wal-Mart and Tim Hortons. A new—and much larger—Canadian Tire store, complete with a Mark’s Work Wearhouse, is slated to open later this month.
Does Fort Frances have its share of problems? Of course, but residents should never lose sight of all the great things we do have going for us. There is much to be thankful for here.