Duane Hicks
Downtown Fort Frances once again will have a movie theatre–with a twist.
Work on the Rainy Lake Square will begin this spring, and the Rainy River Future Development Corp. is preparing for different ways to utilize the public space once it’s ready.
RRFDC consultant Tannis Drysdale told council Monday night that the RRFDC just ordered “a gigantic screen” that will can be inflated and put up on the stage at the future square.
The screen will be used to hold “movie nights” during the shoulder seasons (i.e., the spring and fall).
“Obviously, you can’t do it in the middle of summer because it doesn’t get dark early enough,” Drysdale told the Times.
The RRFDC also has landed funding from “Ontario 150,” and is working on more funding sources, to support an entertainment series at the Rainy Lake Square this summer.
The series is expected to begin in August, Drysdale noted.
“We’ll have a Thursday night series of different performances and artists in the square,” she explained, adding the concert series will help introduce the community to the new square and also be a celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.
A concert series for 2018 also will be planned.
As well, the RRFDC has been looking at other activities that could be suited to the square area that will diversify the offering and make the space successful.
Drysdale said if the public has some has some ideas as to what they’d like to see, they’re welcome to call her at 274-9621.
The RRFDC also has begun compiling a database of vendors who may be interested in selling their wares at the square on market days.
“When we get closer to the time of opening, we’ll be able to contact them and give them information on an ongoing basis,” Drysdale noted.
If you’re interested in being a vendor, call the RRFDC at 274-9621.
Drone purchased
In other news, the video and photo marketing potential for Fort Frances and surrounding area will go “sky high” later this year now that the RRFDC has purchased a drone.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a camera will be piloted by remote control.
“We’ll get it up in the air this summer,” said Drysdale, though conceding details such as insurance, and having a skilled controller to fly it, still have to be sorted out.
“We’ll be able to capture festivals and events, things like that,” she noted.
Meanwhile, the RRFDC’s “Project Petunia” campaign marches on.
Only 13 flower baskets remain to be adopted by sponsors (they cost $50 to sponsor for the year).
To sponsor one or more baskets, call the RRFDC at 274-9621.
Looking ahead, the RRFDC, in partnership with NCDS, will be hosting a hiring fair here May 2.
The purpose of the event is give employers a chance to match with possible future employees.
Employers interested in being involved should contact the RRFDC at 274-9621.
This venture stems from the district labour shortage that has been reported on in the past year.
The “Go Local” program celebrates its fourth year this month.
As of November, the program has seen three million “Go Local” points generated, which means between $75 million and $100 million have been spent at “Go Local” businesses over the past few years.
To mark the fourth year, “Go Local” is urging residents to make a pledge to spend 10 percent more at local businesses.
In return, they will receive 10 bonus “Go Local” points.
To take the pledge, find “Go Local Fort Frances” on Facebook or visit golocalfortfrances.com and click on the “Go a Little More Local” button.
If anyone has trouble with taking the pledge, call 274-9621.
And with the OFSAA ‘A/AA’ boys’ hockey championship to be hosted here next week, Drysdale is urging “everyone in the community to get active, get involved, and attend and participate.”
Businesses and residents have helped transform the town to Muskie colours thanks to the OFSAA Planning Committee’s “Paint the Town Black & Gold” contest.
