Duane Hicks
During an economic activities update to town council Monday evening, economic development advisor Geoff Gillon reminded the public a condominium development is in the works here—and that potential buyers had better act fast if they want to be a part of it.
“We are actively pursuing a condominium development there. It is now in the hands of the public, the potential buyers,” Gillon said, referring to the fact at least 20 units must be pre-sold on or before June 1.
“Last September in this very room [Council Chambers], we had a good little crowd of people, I’d say 20-30 people, who definitely expressed interest in a condominium,” Gillon noted.
“Whether this project meets their needs, and they can work with the developer to purchase a condo, time will tell.
“But I think it’s a positive for Fort Frances,” Gillon added. “I think with the last condominium, quite a few people came from outside Fort Frances, and moved back—that was one of our goals.
“But it also is good because it keeps that project outside the current local economic climate. I know some people were looking to move, and they have pensions, and they might not be looking to make a big sale today.
“All we can do is keep our fingers crossed, hope to sell those units, and start building,” Gillon remarked.
At the beginning of April, the town entered into an agreement with Robert Zanette, of 1621623 Ontario Ltd., for the sale of the property for the purposes of a condominium development by the company.
As mentioned, this agreement is contingent on the pre-sale by the developer of 20 such units on or before June 1.
Those interested should check out the sign that has been erected on a lot located at Front Street and Mosher Avenue—the future site of the proposed La Verendrye Parkway Village.
Interested buyers also can contact Gillon at 274-3276, who will get them in touch with the developer or real estate company.
In other news, Gillon said those travelling from the U.S. into Canada here should notice that new banners will be put up on the Lap building this week.
As part of the original gateway project, which saw a sequence of banners put up on the side of Lap building, a second set of banners was purchased and stored in anticipation of installation this spring.
But as reported last month, the RRFDC has been asking regional municipalities and First Nations to help pay to put up new gateway banners on the Lap building in time for the tourist season.
While $10,000 was put aside several years ago to pay for this, more recent cost quotes for installation are higher than originally quoted ($25,786) for a number of reasons.
For example, on Jan. 31, a wind storm tore a banner and frame from the side of the Lap building, causing damage and increasing the cost.
The Town of Fort Frances pitched in its share of $2,631 to help pay for the installation, as has Sioux Narrows, noted Gillon, adding he hopes Dryden, Kenora, and several First Nation partners will follow suit.
Asset analysis
Meanwhile, Gillon told council Monday night that the Rainy River Future Development Corp. is poised to do an economic asset analysis of Fort Frances over the summer.
“Basically, what we do with that is look at all the major assets in the Town of Fort Frances, primarily assets, industrial park lots, power rates, everything,” he explained.
“What we’ll do with that is we’ll compare them to two or three other jurisdictions and come back,” he said.
This information will be used to provide prospective developers with information about the cost of doing business here, such as the cost of electricity, tax rates, etc., compared to elsewhere.
“It helps us market,” said Gillon. “You can look forward to that by fall.”
Gillon also told council that after sending two representatives to a trade show and bass tournament in Shreveport. La. earlier this spring to market Rainy Lake as a destination, and particularly a top-notch bass fishery, he’s hoping they will be able to send delegates to Birmingham, Ala. next year.
But Gillon stressed at least four people, instead of two, should go next time as the delegates last time had little time to leave their booth.
More people would allow more opportunities for them to “work” business contacts, he reasoned.
Gillon said this year’s junket to Shreveport received good support from sponsors and positive feedback, although only time will tell if tourists from the south come up here to fish.
Financial incentives
Finally, Gillon also said now that the town’s financial incentive programs have been approved (as detailed in the April 15 edition of the Times), the RRFDC has been busy developing investment readiness packages to try and attract businesses to set up shop here.
He noted they’re trying to get marketing materials ready for the Trade-Ex trade show coming to the Memorial Sports Centre on June 12-13, which should see upwards of 150 businesses here.
“It looks like it’s going to be exciting,” Gillon enthused. “We plan on talking to each business that comes, and hopefully we can convince one or two of them that Fort Frances is a place that they should be growing their business.”
The financial incentive programs also are posted on the town’s website at www.fort-frances.com/business
Gillon noted the RRFDC also is encouraging existing companies to expand their operations, with value-added forest products, for example, and an economic development enhancement fund is in place to help these businesses.
