Library equally valuable

Dear sir:
A recent news headline indicated the town library funding appeal was denied by the province. A follow-up story stated the unfunded portion of the library is very high.
In the recent past, there have been many projects carried to successful conclusions because of the generous pledges of the citizens of Fort Frances and Rainy River District.
The recent renovations at the museum have helped the downtown area and allow us to look at our past with pride.
The Townshend Theatre has meant professional shows could be brought in because of its up-to-date features. Just as important, it has encouraged interest in musicals and dramas featuring local adults and particularly high school students.
The Ice for Kids Arena solved a need for more ice time. In so doing, not only young boys are the beneficiaries, but the girls of the community have been given the opportunity to take part in the expanding area of women’s hockey.
The Riverside Foundation for Health Care has found the citizens of the town and district generous in their giving as they raised funds to improve various areas of health-care services.
The much-anticipated CT Scanner definitely will improve the “Care Close to Home” idea.
All of these actions have enhanced the lives of both young and old, and added to the attraction of our town.
The library renewal generally is recognized as equally valuable to the town and district as the above mentioned facilities.
However, out on the street, it is known that some support is being withheld because of the seemingly imposed location of the new library. It would seem there would be unanimous support if it were not for this imposed location.
The new library will be another jewel in the crown of our community.
On another subject, a trucker recently was observed trying to comply with the new truck route. He was seen trying to jockey back and forth in order to make the turn west at Nelson and Victoria.
After a few tries, presumably not wanting to cause a demolition derby amongst the parked cars, he continued down Victoria.
Suppose the scenario had been different? Suppose there were several trucking units at the same location. One could imagine Victoria being blocked off from the river to Nelson Street.
Suppose, also, that an ambulance with a critically-ill passenger was following the ambulance route, but couldn’t access the emergency ramp at La Verendrye Hospital.
There would be more than a frustrated trucker concerned.
Another thought. As reported in the media, the old library represents $150,000—if sold—towards the cost of the new library. Well, perhaps the town could maintain ownership.
This would allow the re-design of the corner at Victoria and Church to accommodate the new truck route, allowing international truck traffic to proceed straight to the international bridge.
Westbound Canadian truck traffic could proceed, with only one turn, onto the soon to be re-designed Central Avenue. It could be a boom to truckers and simplify the truck route reconstruction.
The citizens of Fort Frances and Rainy River District have demonstrated their generosity in contributing to projects that will make our area an attractive place to live.
Yours truly,
Kenneth J. Egan
Fort Frances, Ont.