Town council did not decide Monday night whether it will sign on with the Rainy River Future Development Corp. for another three years, but it did give the RRFDC its word it would have an answer by Feb. 29.
In the interim, council extended the town’s current contract with the RRFDC, which expired Nov. 30, in order to give themselves more time to determine if it wanted to stay with the RRFDC, which could cost the town up to $112,500 a year, or go for an independent economic developer.
“Certainly, all factors need to be weighed,” said Mayor Dan Onichuk. “We need the time to look at it.”
He also noted council has yet to begin its 2004 budget process, so it would be the prudent thing to wait until the new year before committing to the RRFDC.
RRFDC chair Telford Advent and treasurer John McTaggart, with the support of RRFDC staffers and members of the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee, spoke to council on the achievements of the RRFDC over the past three years.
“It is our central goal to work together to create a business climate in Fort Frances that is conducive to growth,” McTaggart told council.
He noted the RRFDC carries out a myriad of duties, including:
•representing Fort Frances and the district in regional economic development initiatives;
•acting as a first point of contact for persons with business concerns and interests;
•promoting trade expansion;
•managing the industrial park;
•maintaining a community profile and economic data on Fort Frances;
•assisting town administration with numerous studies;
•promoting the airport;
•making proposals for projects such as broadband;
•offering business training courses, business counselling, and business loans; and
•assisting local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Network, and Business Improvement Association.
McTaggart noted the RRFDC is a team that consists not only of experienced staff, but a board of directors and two committees, and has a total of 64 volunteers drawn from the district.
As well, McTaggart stressed the RRFDC—contrary to what some may believe—is not responsible for ventures such as the Tennessee “twinning” project, which, in fact, was driven by the former town CAO and mayor.
While councillors agreed with the mayor that it was wise to wait before making any financial commitments, they also seemed to share a positive view of the RRFDC and what it has done for the town and district.
“At first, I thought we could market ourselves. But after listening to Telford and John, it seems what’s good for Fort Frances is good for the district,” Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft said.
“I think we really need [the RRFDC],” he added. “It seems we’re stronger together than apart.”
“You hit the nail on the head,” replied Advent.
Council agreed to discuss another three-year contract with the RRFDC further, and give the RRFDC word on its decision by Feb. 29.
The RRFDC, which is partially funded by FedNor, must contact the federal government about its funding—and whether Fort Frances—is on board by the end of March.
With the Feb. 29 deadline, council will be giving the RRFDC a month to get its funding proposal together.
Also at Monday night’s meeting, council approved board and committee appointments from the Planning and Development division.
These include Trevor Boles (Planning Advisory Committee), and Dan Belluz, James Brow, Steve Maki, Doug Kitowski, and John Albanese (Committee of Adjustment).
Council also:
•approved a bylaw to approve a contract with Tom Veert Contracting for operation of the municipal landfill site;
•referred a notice from the residents of Watten regarding the termination of efforts to raise funds to maintain 9-1-1 service there to Administration and Finance for consideration; and
•referred a request for financial support from the Regional Municipality of Durham for the development of Juno Beach Centre to the Administration and Finance executive committee for a recommendation.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
