Duane Hicks
Town council has given its support—in principle—to the development of assisted living facilities in Fort Frances as proposed by the Assisted Living Action Group.
A.L.A.G. vice-chair June Caul spoke to council Monday night to ask for mayor and council’s formal support for the project, adding the group is determined to move forward.
“We are working to acquire land that will be in an appropriate area in Fort Frances,” she noted.
“Plans will then be drawn of the buildings we will construct on the property.”
Caul said A.L.A.G. would like the town to help when they need information about town bylaws or the necessary permits they will require, and later clarified that A.L.A.G. is not asking for financial support from the town.
She noted A.L.A.G. already has contacted a variety of local agencies, such as the local District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), the North West LHIN, and Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. for assistance.
As well, A.L.A.G. has a team of professionals who build assisted living facilities and who are directing the group to accomplish its goals in the proper manner as soon as possible.
A.L.A.G. also has started a membership drive to raise funds for the cause.
Caul said the group is looking for people to join and pay a $100 membership fee to be a voting member.
“This money will be saved for when we need our feasibility study,” she explained.
“That’s basically the first thing we have to do before we can even approach anybody when purchasing or using property.”
Caul added A.L.A.G. also has been looking into becoming incorporated, and were advised that having a feasibility study completed would help with that.
A.L.A.G. has no funds at this point. But reasoning that residents have been very generous in supporting projects ranging from the Ice For Kids Arena to the new library, it now is asking the community to support the drive for assisted living here.
Caul stressed the need for an assisted living facility remains urgent.
“I want to alert you to the fact that Emo councillors are very quickly beginning the process to build an assisted living complex in Emo,” she told council Monday night.
“We must take the same initiative here in Fort Frances or we will lose our seniors, their tax dollars, and their support,” she warned.
“The people who have lived here for most or all of their lives do not want to move from Fort Frances,” Caul noted.
“We have already lost many senior residents who needed assisted living and had to move away to find an appropriate place to live where they would have the necessary assistance, whether it be medical care, food service, and other support services such as laundry and cleaning,” she remarked.
“Having companionship, and living in a safe and secure environment, is essential to the welfare of our seniors.
“We have seniors here in Fort Frances who have told us that they are prepared to move away soon if assisted living is not available here,” Caul added.
“We have been told by seniors who have already moved away that they will move back to Fort Frances if an assisted living complex is built.”
“I don’t think that’s asking too much of council,” said Mayor Roy Avis, noting council has supported A.L.A.G. all along—it just can’t support the project with dollars.
“Quite honestly, the town is in a bind at the present time and we haven’t got the ability to get involved financially,” he admitted.
“But I think as far as help from administration, or from council or whatever, feel free to call any one of us.
“We know the need,” Mayor Avis added. “I think everybody sitting around this table here is over 55.
“In fact, I am sure there’s someone knocking on the door of 70.”
Coun. Ken Perry, the town’s rep on DSSAB, said he’s willing to help out in that regard while also pointing out that Coun. Andrew Hallikas is chair of the Fort Frances Family Health Team.
“Anything we can for you through health care or through . . . the DSSAB board, let us know,” he added.
