Ken Kellar is a reporter who was born and raised in Fort Frances. After spending several years in various parts of the country for school and work, Ken returned home to join the Fort Frances Times in 2019. He has an Advanced Diploma in Print & Broadcast Journalism from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, and has contributed to the Humber Etcetera, Humber Daily News and CityNews Toronto (formerly 680News).
A growing coalition is looking to add Fort Frances to its ranks as it works to have the region’s voice heard by a multi-billion dollar corporation. Rainy Lake Property Owner’s Association (RLPOA) board director Craig McKenzie and City of Ranier mayor Dennis Wagner made a deputation to the Fort Frances […]
New funding available from the provincial government could hopefully help to fill some of the vacant spots in high demand careers across the province, including here in the Rainy River District. Introduced last year, the Ontario government’s Stay and Learn grant is aimed at students who might be interested in […]
A first-hand account of what that means to someone in need It’s not always easy to chart the impact of a local charitable organization, but one surefire way to assess how it has served the community is to hear from one of the community members themselves. The Fort Frances Family […]
As an organization grows, it’s only natural for it to begin to offer more services, and a local resident has taken on a charitable effort thats slots in perfectly with such an organization in town. Earlier this month, the Fort Frances Family Centre celebrated five years in service to those […]
All the favourite events of SnOasis past were in fine form this past Saturday, March 4, 2023, for the celebrated event’s tenth anniversary, including the ever-popular (and delicious) bannock on a stick. While there was plenty to see and do at the Rainy Lake Square, this year’s SnOasis event also […]
Pull on your winter clothes, SnOasis is ready to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a day full of fun. Following some final adjustments and planning, Samantha Manty of the Friends of the Museum revealed the full schedule of events and partners with the Times, which is sure to bring fun […]
We go to the movies for myriad reasons. We go to the movies for fun, for thrills, for the sake of our children, or for our (potential?) loved ones. We go to the movies for action, comedy, horror, romance, or some combination of all the above and countless other genres. […]
The Métis people of northwestern Ontario now have a new agency in place dedicated to keeping families together in a culturally sensitive way. The Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services (NWOMCFS) held an open house of their Fort Frances location on Williams Avenue on Friday afternoon, giving those in […]
The Fort Frances Friends of the Museum want you to save the date as they ramp up to the ten-year anniversary of a beloved community and cultural event. SnOasis is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, marking a decade of outdoor and cultural fun for the whole family. Scheduled for […]
There is still plenty of upset in the community surrounding programming at the Memorial Sports Centre, but Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas says that while disagreement with council and administration is fine, he draws the line at members of the public harassing those who have nothing to do with the […]
Fort Frances is one step closer to realizing the dream of a summer full of splash, thanks to an announcement from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). At an announcement on Tuesday morning members of the public, town administration and council joined to hear Kenora-Rainy River MPP announce funding […]
MPP Greg Rickford is also planning to bring NOHFC board to town this summer to see the results of several of their investments Residents of the Rainy River district will be seeing the direct impact of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) this summer, both through the decisions it […]
It was a beautiful day to be in the air, and the local squadron of air cadets took full advantage of it. Gathered into one of the maintenance buildings at the Fort Frances Municipal Airports on a frigid January day, members of the 908 Rainy Lake Royal Canadian Air Cadet […]
Council and administration of the town of Fort Frances are committed to bringing programming back to the pool, but at this point it’s not clear that there’s any way to get it done quickly. A delegate of nearly two dozen Aquafitness members and supporters descended on the Civic Centre for […]
While it has a year of significant achievement under its belt, the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) warns that there are still rising pressures around housing in the district. As part of the presentations made to the assembled delegates of the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA) […]
A new slate of members and returning officials attended the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA) in Chapple last Saturday, which saw multiple members elected to new positions and a handful of topics both presented and discussed for future consideration. The meeting of the […]
Delegates and municipal representatives will be spending the first half of their weekend getting up to speed with a myriad different local groups and organizations at the Chapple Community Centre. This Saturday, January 14, 2023 marks the 32nd annual general meeting for the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA), the […]
The Town of Fort Frances now has a better understanding of how it performed during last year’s municipal election in terms of accessibility. During Monday night’s meeting of town council, the town’s municipal clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer delivered her Post-Election Accessibility Report, a provincially mandated report that must be completed within […]
Like many other municipalities across the province, voter turnout numbers in Fort Frances during last year’s Municipal Election were low, and no one is entirely sure what to do about it. During Monday night’s meeting of the Town of Fort Frances council, municipal clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer delivered a debrief report […]
There are few better ways to kick off a new year than with a night out to the Townshend Theatre for another show from Tour de Fort. Ringing in the New Year on Friday, January 6, 2023, is Amanda Rheaume, an Ottawa-based musician who identifies as a citizen of the […]
When user fees increase for many in Fort Frances come next year, more groups who are already locked into their plans for a season may see some temporary exemptions. During Monday night’s meeting of the Town of Fort Frances Council, a report outlining the proposed changes to the 2023 user […]
Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home is making the most of a government program to help fill gaps in its workforce and better the lives of its residents and newcomers to Canada. Since 2018, the home has been looking at ways to cover gaps in the staffing levels of its healthcare workers, […]
For many residents of Fort Frances and the surrounding district, Christmas brings to mind specific memories of attending one of the festive holiday concerts put on by choir leader Diane Maxey and her Choraliers. While things will be a little bit different this year for a few different reasons, Maxey […]
With the help of money raised through the efforts of the Rainycrest Auxiliary, residents at the Long-Term Care Home are able to get active with a special new piece of technology that helps bring fun, exercise and the outside world directly to their fingertips. In a demonstration to Rainycrest Auxiliary […]
In one of the first official acts of the new sitting council of the Town of Fort Frances, the recipient of the 2022 Citizen of the Year award was announced at Monday night’s meeting. Bill Michl was announced to be the town’s Citizen of the Year for 2022, with Fort […]
During his inaugural address to the people of Fort Frances, newly appointed mayor Andrew Hallikas laid out the dedication he, his council, and town staff have towards working for the betterment of all those who live in Fort Frances. Hallikas and his councillors were each officially sworn in during the […]
Come one, come all, to La Place Rendez-Vous this Sunday to help support health care at La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) with a fun afternoon of socializing and bidding up a storm. The La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary is hosting the Spirit of Christmas Silent Auction on Sunday, November 27, […]
The newest mayor of Fort Frances used a portion of his inaugural address to thank the outgoing mayor and council members for the hard work and dedication they have brought to their roles over the past four years, and beyond. At the inaugural meeting of the 2022-2026 Town of Fort […]
There’s going to be a wedding this week at the Townshend Theatre, and everyone is invited. Row I Theatre, the company recently started by local performer and music teacher Trevor Barker, is gearing up for its inaugural production, a staging of the Tony-award winning ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ a comedy that […]
After a lengthy fundraising campaign that smashed all kinds of goals, and a bit of a wait for the fruits of their labours to be realized, administration, staff and patients at La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) are finally getting to reap the benefits of brand-new diagnostic imaging equipment that will […]
The Salvation Army has once more kicked off their annual Kettle Campaign fundraiser in the Rainy River District, and this year their efforts are more important than ever. Salvation Army Fort Frances corps officer Arthur Heathcote and outgoing mayor June Caul launched the campaign with the first donation at Walmart […]
You might already know the answer, but what was the question? You’ll be able to find out this week as Fort Frances High School and Muskie Music present “Can You Repeat the Question,” this year’s musical revue, running at the Townshend Theatre from Thursday, November 10, to Saturday, November 12. […]
After so many years of COVID-induced haze, it’s beginning to finally feel like life is going back to normal. What’s my benchmark for that assessment? It’s not the many social events that have come back, not the in-person fundraisers and blowout business sales. It’s the arts. In the past few […]
When I was in elementary school, we learned about a bad man who wanted to make the world over in his image. That bad man amassed his forces and began expanding outwards, subjugating his neighbours and beyond to achieve his goals. The things he believed and fought for were things […]
Rainy River First Nations (RRFN) is celebrating the opening of a new complex of transitional housing units intended to give those recovering from addictions treatment the best possible chance to get back on their feet and stay sober. At a grand opening ceremony on Thursday, October 27, 2022, members of […]
With another successful gala under their belts, the Riverside Foundation for Health Care is that much further along in their goal of supporting health care close to home. This year’s sold out event took place at La Place Rendez-Vous on Saturday, October 22, and was held in part to celebrate […]
“This is really odd, but the way it originated was with the jams,” Wilson said. “When my girls were young, I know that teachers and educational staff at Christmas, they got so many coffee mugs. I wanted to be a unique gift for educational staff in my kids lives, and […]
Walmart Fort Frances is celebrating the relaunch of its cosmetic refresh with a firm eye on how it sets the store up for future success. The celebration kicked off with an official ribbon cutting event on Friday, October 21, 2022, in order to welcome customers back to a freshly painted […]
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation held a special ceremony to bless the land they have acquired in Fort Frances that will be the home of a sprawling development intended to bring further economic development to the First Nation and other communities in the district. Held at their new property next to Canadian […]
After a long COVID-induced absence, the Riverside Foundation for Healthcare Fall Gala returns this weekend at La Place Rendez-Vous to help celebrate 25 years of giving in the district. Sponsored by MNP, this year’s Gala is set to run this Saturday, October 22, 2022, and marks 25 years of the […]
The Township of Chapple will have a brand-new sheltered space to play and work in following the awarding of funding from the Ontario Government. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford made a stop in the small municipality on Friday, October 14, 2022, to announce the funding, where he revealed that $360,000 […]
The Salvation Army and Walmart Fort Frances have come together to help ensure families in the area who find themselves in need this fall and winter can get the help they deserve. As part of Walmart’s “Fight Hunger, Spark Change” campaign, the local store made a donation of $9,679.86 to […]
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) is one of the first organizations in the province to take advantage of a new program coming from the Alzheimer Society that aims to provide a better understanding of dementia The FFPLTC and CEO Joan MacLean were presented a certificate acknowledging their […]
Rejoice, children and Halloween aficionados alike, the spookiest day of the year is fast approaching, and the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) is in full-on planning mode for another fun-filled and safe Trunk or Treat night. FFPLTC CEO Joan MacLean shared that planning is indeed well underway for […]
The Bargain Shop and Fort Frances Salvation Army have joined forces to collect donations of non-perishable foods to ensure everyone can have a wonderful Thanksgiving. This week marked the beginning of The Bargain Shop’s annual food drive “Together We Care,” with all proceeds and food donations going towards helping the […]
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 3 – 9, 2022, the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will be bringing back two beloved public events to help erase the stigma of mental illness. CMHA Fort Frances will kick off their pair of activities […]
Say it ain’t so; John Pierce is retiring. The first interaction I can reliably remember with John came as I tried to sort out a thank you ad following the death of my grandpa. It was about a month following his death, once we were finally able to place him […]
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) is offering you the chance to win great prizes, and all it will take it expanding your literary horizons. A new program, the Adult Reading Challenge, was launched at the library at the beginning of September and will run through to the […]
A special awareness walk and all-inclusive pow-wow will bring people together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year. Scheduled for Friday, September 30, the entire event is the result of numerous businesses, organizations and groups, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, coming together to recognize the need for […]
As the summer of 2022 winds to a close, so too does construction season in Fort Frances. At Monday night’s town council meeting, operations and facilities manager Travis Rob provided a verbal update on the state of several construction projects that are underway or wrapping up around town. Beginning with […]
The Town of Fort Frances will be sending a request to support the installation of a battery storage facility to be built on the former lagoon property to its Chief Building Officer for consideration. At Monday night’s meeting of town council and administration, Mitch Lepage, Rob Coulbeck and Alex Eidson […]
Work is underway on developing a brand-new Official Plan for the Town of Fort Frances, as well as a comprehensive review of its zoning by-law. At Monday night’s meeting of Town of Fort Frances council and administration, Justyna Garbos of WSP Canada Inc., the company that is working with the […]
Don’t get a puppy. Those in the know will tell you they are highly overrated. It’s me. I am in the know. Don’t get a puppy. You’ll bring home what looks like a tiny bundle of adorable fluff before discovering that, in reality, you’ve brought home a tiny bundle of […]
The Town of Fort Frances will be deemed as in a lame duck period following tonight’s meeting of town council. According to the Municipal Act, a council enters into a lame duck period when it is determined that three quarters, or 75 percent of existing council members will not be […]
Residents at Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home will be enjoying a week of festivities beginning next Monday as the home celebrates its Resident Council Week. Set to take place with a fun event each day, Resident Council Week is all about celebrating the residents of long-term care homes across the province, […]
The sitting council of the town of Fort Frances has requested the mayor make a formal apology to staff and contractors found to have been wronged in comments she made regarding leaked documents pertaining to the former Fort Frances mill. In a special meeting called for August 18, one day […]
It’s been a few years now that students have been dutifully lining up at the doors of St. Mary School in the west end of Fort Frances, and now staff, students, parents and administrators can finally come together for an official Grand Opening ceremony. Scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2022, […]
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation has seen a historic flood claim recognized and signed, signalling the end of more than a decade of negotiation and a strong economic future. In a ceremony at the northern First Nation last Thursday, August 25, 2022, Mitaanjigamiing First Nation chief Janice Henderson, along with representatives of […]
Hundreds of school aged children in the district will be getting a helping hand this school year thanks to tireless volunteers and a giving community. Roughly 209 backpacks full of school supplies were delivered to the local Kenora and Rainy River Districts (KRRD) Child and Family Services office on Monday […]
One Alberta man is crossing the country by horseback to help raise awareness of myriad issues facing Indigenous people. Dean Cunningham is from Gift Lake Metis Settlement in Alberta. Since May, he has been making his way towards Ottawa to bring awareness of Indigenous issues to more people and demand […]
A fan-favourite comedian is bringing his comedy chops back to Fort Frances to help celebrate an amazing accomplishment. Comedian Cedric Newman is returning ot La Palce Rendez-Vous tonight for two seatings of a comedy show. While the comedy is its own thing that Newman has been specially preparing for the […]
A special fundraising event is set to run at the Rainy Lake Square tomorrow night to help a new theatre company put on its first show. Trevor Barker is the musical director and founder of Row I Theatre, a brand-new theatre company in Fort Frances that is working towards putting […]
Despite swiftly coming to the end of a wet and flooded summer, work on several capital and infrastructure projects in Fort Frances is continuing at a decent pace. In a verbal update to council during Monday night’s committee of the whole meeting, Town of Fort Frances Operations and Facilities manager […]
There’s a new home for musical theatre lovers in the district, with distinct hopes that performers too old for high school shows will be able to put on an annual spectacle. Trevor Barker is the musical director and founder of Row I Theatre in Fort Frances, a new theatre company […]
Any decisions on the future of the Hallett will be left up to the next Town of Fort Frances council. A new home for the iconic boat was on Monday night’s council agenda following a report from Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre curator Kayleigh Spiers. In her report, Spiers […]
The Hallett may find itself in a new home before long if the Town of Fort Frances council agrees with a new report from the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre’s curator. Museum curator Kayleigh Spiers submitted the report that will find itself in front of council on July 24, […]
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is leading a feasibility study to determine the need for Supervised Consumption Services in the northwest. Released last week, the study comes in the form of an online survey to gather information from those living in northern communities about the need for Supervised Consumption Services […]
A homegrown boy who has long considered Fort Frances and the Rainy River District his home is bringing his one-of-a-kind show to Heron Landing Golf Course in tribute to his all-star father. Sandy Kurceba is a former hockey player, PGA Tour golfer and trick shot artist who will be bringing […]
Another wild night of local entertainment has come to an end and a new contestant has been crowned the champ at Quest for the Best. Jaykob Ryll bested Adrian Indian in a final musical showdown to take home the 2022 Quest for the Best grand prize on Friday night, reaching […]
Provincial Indigenous organizations are criticizing the Ontario government’s recent change to the Ontario school curriculum. The Anishinabek Nation and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) released a joint statement saying they are “disappointed” that the Ministry of Education has removed the Indigenous Science Framework from the provincial curriculum. The segment of […]
After some uncertainty, the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Boat Parade is officially back on. Originally scheduled and then cancelled due to lingering uncertainty surrounding the riverfront and infrastructure status of Front Street, Beyak Automotive Group marketing and public relations manager Holly Kaemingh said that an alternate parade route was […]
Recipients for the Moffat Family Fund were announced at Council this week. For a full story, see yesterday’s edition of the Fort Frances Times. Here is a brief summary:
A beloved community event is making its return tomorrow, giving children, families and Teddy Bears alike a chance to get outside and have a fun filled afternoon. The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) is once again hosting the Teddy Bear Picnic, the often-annual event for families that has […]
Fort Frances Mayor June Caul is officially bringing to an end an eight-year career of service on Fort Frances Town Council. Citing her physical and mental well-being, Caul announced at last night’s Fort Frances Town Council meeting that she will not be seeking re-election in this year’s upcoming municipal election. […]
Several community organizations have received funding for programming supporting local children thanks to this year’s investment from the Moffat Family Fund. Fort Frances mayor June Caul announced this year’s cohort of recipients of the grant funding at last night’s council meeting. The total funding announced came to $97,000 and has […]
Flood conditions around town continue to improve, but the mayor warns that there are still some lingering risks associated with them. During last night’s meeting of Fort Frances town council, mayor June Caul shared an update on the flood conditions in the area, noting that the town is still technically […]
Plenty of money will be announced for local service groups and organizations as the town is set to announce this year’s Moffat Family Fund Grant recipients at tonight’s meeting of Fort Frances Town Council. The announcement will kick off the Committee of the Whole meeting at the Fort Frances Civic […]
Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) is making it easier for students interested in the health and medical fields to make their first steps toward a dream career. Beginning in fall 2022, SGEI is offering its Emergency Services Fundamentals (EMSF) program that will give prospective or pre-med students a leg up […]
Sioux Narrows is the new home of a special interactive installation from Science north. In a special unveiling at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre in the small town, municipal dignitaries, Science North staff and administrations, and representatives of the provincial and Federal governments were on hand to officially open the […]
If I had a passenger with me, they probably would have gotten whiplash. Passing by the church, the grey lump I had initially mistaken for a rock eyed the highway with clear purpose. It was only after I had passed it that I realized what it was, and slammed the […]
While work on the demolition of the former Resolute Fort Frances Mill continues, the first concept plans of what could take its place have finally been revealed. In a deputation to the Town of Fort Frances council and administration at monday night’s Council meeting, Tom Janzen and Wes Paetkau of […]
Council and administration will see the first official plans for the redevelopment of the former Resolute Mill site at tonight’s council meeting. In a deputation presented by Tom Janzen and Wes Paetkau on behalf of BMI Group, Ziibi Investments and Aazhogan Renewal, the first official concept plans for what is […]
Those interested in becoming a paramedic used to have to travel elsewhere in the province to attend their studies. Now, a new program offered by Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) aims to help keep prospective paramedics learning, and eventually working, close to home. In collaboration with Durham College, SGEI has […]
Get your mini royalty ready, the Canada Day Mini King and Queen contest is gearing up to return for this summer’s holiday. After being forced to cancel the contest during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizer Melissa Gushulak said it’s time to have a return to regular events in and around town […]
Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to hit the track, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is back to its traditional in-person event following altered virtual events due to the COVID pandemic. The Walk is scheduled for this Saturday, June 16, and because the usual staging grounds […]
Canada Day celebrations this year might not look like they have in years past, but the Fun in the Sun Committee is still working hard to host an event for the entire family to enjoy. Committee chair Cynthia Woodland shared that due to the flood conditions in and around the […]
Disaster relief has been made available to those in Fort Frances and the Rainy River District who have been fighting water since a string of spring storms contributed to record-high lake levels within the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods watersheds. While the province initially opened up the Disaster […]
Canada Day celebrations this year might not look like they have in years past, but the Fun in the Sun Committee is still working hard to host an event for the entire family to enjoy. Committee chair Cynthia Woodland shared that due to the flood conditions in and around the […]
Rainy River First Nations (RRFN) community member and Muskie girls hockey #11 Hailey Bombay was recognized for her athletic achievements at a special ceremony held at the RRFN pow-wow grounds on Sunday afternoon. As a member of the 2022 NORWOSSA Championship-winning team, Bombay was given a plaque celebrating her contributions […]
Thanks to a partnership between the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) and the Rainy River District Stewardship (RRDS), in a few years’ time residents of Fort Frances may have a spectacular outdoor area to enjoy and learn about local tree species. Work began yesterday on planting 20 young […]
Following two years of interruptions and virtual training sessions, the 908 Rainy Lake Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron reassembled on Sunday for an in-person Annual Ceremonial Review at the Memorial Sports Centre. Joined by the cadets’ friends, family members and reviewing officer Lieutenant Commander Rodney J.R Turcotte, the 19th annual […]
After a few turbulent years under the thumb of a global pandemic, Borderland Pride is kicking off a Pride Month to be remembered, full of fun activities and educational opportunities to bring the entire community together. Doug Judson, Borderland Pride director and festival co-chair, said that this month’s Pride celebrations […]
Attendees and members of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) got the latest information on homelessness in the area at their Annual General Meeting on May 19. Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard, the community engagement coordinator for homelessness, delivered the presentation that focused on some of the numbers seen here […]
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) held their annual general meeting at La Place Rendez-Vous on May 19, where CAO Dan McCormick and board chair Deb Ewald presented their annual reports reflecting on 2021 and the organizations’ successes and shortcomings. In McCormick’s report, he noted that 2021 […]
The mayor of Fort Frances is urging caution as the town works to address potential flood risks in the face of rising waters. During Tuesday night’s meeting of Fort Frances Town Council, mayor June Caul provided a regular update to the rest of council and the public. The mayor noted […]
It was a historic moment on Friday, May 20, 2022, as the Fort Frances-International Falls International Bridge was officially announced to be under new ownership, making it a unique entity among all bridges in the country. At a special ribbon cutting ceremony held in the early afternoon on the Canadian […]
Even with the raging waters of a swollen river awaiting them, anglers are gearing up for the Emo Walleye Classic with excitement and only a little trepidation. The Emo Walleye Classic returns in traditional format this weekend, running in Emo from May 26 to May 28. While the usually-annual fishing […]
Fort Frances Town Council will be considering the finer details of a proposed solar farm and cryptocurrency-mining operation in the north end, as well as a potential cut to the speed limit on Scott Street. Council will be sitting for a rare Tuesday meeting tonight following the Victoria Day long […]
Residents in the Winnipeg River Drainage Basin area, which includes Rainy Lake, Rainy River, and Lake of the Woods, could be faced with water levels at or exceeding those of 2014 depending on how much rain we see in the next few weeks, according to the Lake of the Woods […]
There are exciting possibilities in the world of forest biomass and the products that can be made from them, and the northern regions of the province are Ian Dunn, president and CEO of the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) gave a presentation during the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference at […]
A growing coalition is looking to add Fort Frances to its ranks as it works to have the region’s voice heard by a multi-billion dollar corporation. Rainy Lake Property Owner’s Association (RLPOA) board director Craig McKenzie and City of Ranier mayor Dennis Wagner made a deputation to the Fort Frances […]
New funding available from the provincial government could hopefully help to fill some of the vacant spots in high demand careers across the province, including here in the Rainy River District. Introduced last year, the Ontario government’s Stay and Learn grant is aimed at students who might be interested in […]
A first-hand account of what that means to someone in need It’s not always easy to chart the impact of a local charitable organization, but one surefire way to assess how it has served the community is to hear from one of the community members themselves. The Fort Frances Family […]
As an organization grows, it’s only natural for it to begin to offer more services, and a local resident has taken on a charitable effort thats slots in perfectly with such an organization in town. Earlier this month, the Fort Frances Family Centre celebrated five years in service to those […]
We go to the movies for myriad reasons. We go to the movies for fun, for thrills, for the sake of our children, or for our (potential?) loved ones. We go to the movies for action, comedy, horror, romance, or some combination of all the above and countless other genres. […]
There is still plenty of upset in the community surrounding programming at the Memorial Sports Centre, but Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas says that while disagreement with council and administration is fine, he draws the line at members of the public harassing those who have nothing to do with the […]
While it has a year of significant achievement under its belt, the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) warns that there are still rising pressures around housing in the district. As part of the presentations made to the assembled delegates of the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA) […]
The Town of Fort Frances now has a better understanding of how it performed during last year’s municipal election in terms of accessibility. During Monday night’s meeting of town council, the town’s municipal clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer delivered her Post-Election Accessibility Report, a provincially mandated report that must be completed within […]
Like many other municipalities across the province, voter turnout numbers in Fort Frances during last year’s Municipal Election were low, and no one is entirely sure what to do about it. During Monday night’s meeting of the Town of Fort Frances council, municipal clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer delivered a debrief report […]
Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home is making the most of a government program to help fill gaps in its workforce and better the lives of its residents and newcomers to Canada. Since 2018, the home has been looking at ways to cover gaps in the staffing levels of its healthcare workers, […]
There’s going to be a wedding this week at the Townshend Theatre, and everyone is invited. Row I Theatre, the company recently started by local performer and music teacher Trevor Barker, is gearing up for its inaugural production, a staging of the Tony-award winning ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ a comedy that […]
After so many years of COVID-induced haze, it’s beginning to finally feel like life is going back to normal. What’s my benchmark for that assessment? It’s not the many social events that have come back, not the in-person fundraisers and blowout business sales. It’s the arts. In the past few […]
“This is really odd, but the way it originated was with the jams,” Wilson said. “When my girls were young, I know that teachers and educational staff at Christmas, they got so many coffee mugs. I wanted to be a unique gift for educational staff in my kids lives, and […]
Rejoice, children and Halloween aficionados alike, the spookiest day of the year is fast approaching, and the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) is in full-on planning mode for another fun-filled and safe Trunk or Treat night. FFPLTC CEO Joan MacLean shared that planning is indeed well underway for […]
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 3 – 9, 2022, the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will be bringing back two beloved public events to help erase the stigma of mental illness. CMHA Fort Frances will kick off their pair of activities […]
Don’t get a puppy. Those in the know will tell you they are highly overrated. It’s me. I am in the know. Don’t get a puppy. You’ll bring home what looks like a tiny bundle of adorable fluff before discovering that, in reality, you’ve brought home a tiny bundle of […]
It’s been a few years now that students have been dutifully lining up at the doors of St. Mary School in the west end of Fort Frances, and now staff, students, parents and administrators can finally come together for an official Grand Opening ceremony. Scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2022, […]
A special fundraising event is set to run at the Rainy Lake Square tomorrow night to help a new theatre company put on its first show. Trevor Barker is the musical director and founder of Row I Theatre, a brand-new theatre company in Fort Frances that is working towards putting […]
Provincial Indigenous organizations are criticizing the Ontario government’s recent change to the Ontario school curriculum. The Anishinabek Nation and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) released a joint statement saying they are “disappointed” that the Ministry of Education has removed the Indigenous Science Framework from the provincial curriculum. The segment of […]
While work on the demolition of the former Resolute Fort Frances Mill continues, the first concept plans of what could take its place have finally been revealed. In a deputation to the Town of Fort Frances council and administration at monday night’s Council meeting, Tom Janzen and Wes Paetkau of […]
Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to hit the track, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is back to its traditional in-person event following altered virtual events due to the COVID pandemic. The Walk is scheduled for this Saturday, June 16, and because the usual staging grounds […]
Disaster relief has been made available to those in Fort Frances and the Rainy River District who have been fighting water since a string of spring storms contributed to record-high lake levels within the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods watersheds. While the province initially opened up the Disaster […]
