We are in a municipal election year. For eight years, we have had a caretaker government looking after Fort Frances. That is not a bad thing. But after eight years, it would be a welcome sign for a candidate to step forward with a dream of building something better for residents. It would be welcoming to see a council step forward not just to control taxes but to create opportunities to build a future for the community.
In the past two years, Dryden has seen the construction of more than 140 apartment units. Almost two years ago, a 55-plus apartment complex was proposed and a site was chosen on which to develop the project. It needed environmental approval, zoning bylaw changes, a declaration of the property as excess and the developers reaching an agreement to buy the property.
More than 50 people have put forward $1,000 to have their names on the list of potential renters, and over $2.4 million has been raised by local investors. The project appears ready to fly. But it still seems hung up in red tape. The slow pace of development is not a confidence booster for other organizations looking to develop in Fort Frances.
A partnership led by Highbury Energy and 10 First Nation groups has proposed creating a biofuel refinery on the old Resolute property with an initial proposal to begin construction in 2026. That appears to have been pushed to 2027. Three solar farms are proposed in the Rainy River District, with one being located in Fort Frances and an auxiliary battery storage facility. Will they, too, begin construction this year?
The International Bridge was sold. Prices for transiting the bridge have skyrocketed. In the meantime, a new bridge has been built connecting Rainy River and Baudet with no tolls. Fort Frances residents wonder, “Why can’t Fort Frances and International Falls have the same beautiful no-toll bridge?”
Canadians seem more impatient with their governments. We elected a government led by Mark Carney, who we expect will lead Canada to new markets beyond the United States and have new investments made in Canada by foreign investors. We are waiting.
For over two decades, Canada has been evaluating purchasing new fighter jets. And Canada has not been able to decide. We are looking for new submarines and have two potential builders, Hanwha Ocean, part of the Hyundai conglomerate from South Korea and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems from Germany are the two bidders for the 12-boat fleet. Both are promising investments in Canada.
The government has promised a decision by mid-2026. Let’s hope that they can make a faster decision than they have made on acquiring fighter jets.
In many ways, Ontario’s government is just as slow to act. There is finally power moving north into the ring of fire, bringing electricity to remote First Nation communities. Efforts should also be made to finally fulfill promises to build roads into the north to service the ring of fire.
Promises must be filled with action. Our leaders, whether municipal, provincial or national, must show us their vision for the future. To accept less does nothing for our community.
