Nathalie Donaldson
Dear Mike:
Although the Rainy Lake Market Square Advisory Committee already has decided against the fort-themed market square, I would like to clarify the, perhaps misconstrued, intent behind this idea.
In gathering public input for the project, I have heard from numerous people working in tourism and retail that countless visitors to the area ask where they can find the fort.
The fort is intriguing to visitors and integral to the history of the town of Fort Frances.
I believe that even in having a fort like so many other Canadian communities, we can remain compassionate and respectful of the turmoil that colonists caused to indigenous people.
Rebuilding a fort does not deny or ignore this past—refusing to build it would. And I believe we still can commemorate those brave settlers who came in peace with the simple hope of starting new lives for themselves, and not denounce an entire group (or structure) for the actions of some.
A fort would encourage people to visit our museum and learn about local history, good and bad. Increased visitors could result in greater donations and funding.
A tourist attraction close to the border, museum, and in the downtown core is a beautifully-strategic location, and having it incorporated with our market square will benefit local vendors immensely.
A simple homage to the fort that is open-concept, welcoming, and inclusive to everyone will create a uniting point for all of us—symbolizing the past while building the future of our town through tourism, entrepreneurship, and solidarity.
However, as stated, this already has been decided against so I will leave it at this—and I look forward to hearing other ideas for the space.
Thank you,
Nathalie Donaldson
Fort Frances, Ont.
