Embracing the 21st century

The mood was jubilant Monday as those who worked so hard to push for a new library here finally saw their dream—and perseverance—come to fruition with the grand opening of the beautiful, state-of-the-art Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
Who can blame them? It was a long, at times rocky, road over the past 15 years. In fact, truth be told, we have our new library today thanks to the federal and provincial governments unleashing a flood of stimulus funding aimed at countering the severe economic downturn that was gripping the globe, which, fortuitously, came along shortly after town council had voted against proceeding with the project over cost concerns just 14 months ago.
But while the new library was born from the “Great Recession,” it truly is a symbol of a community coming together to help make our town a better place to live. It was because of the $865,000 pledged by local residents, and the long hours put it by committee members seeking out grants and coming up with designs, that allowed the project to be “shovel ready” and thus eligible for stimulus funding.
Then again, local residents have stepped to the plate before, whether it was helping to fund the Townshend Theatre and Ice For Kids Arena or raising money for the renovations at La Verendrye Hospital and the purchase of the CT scanner there. Coupled with the new high school and Confederation College campus, and the beautification efforts along the riverfront, Fort Frances clearly has been a progressive community, not a stagnant one.
As local MPP Howard Hampton rightly pointed out at Monday’s grand-opening ceremony, many of these projects faced their share of controversy—yet no one certainly complains about them today.
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre similarly is a tremendous asset to our community, not only for those of us living here but as yet another reason to attract new residents. It should be a source of pride for all—and a clear message that Fort Frances is embracing the 21st century.
Congratulations, and thanks, to all those who made it a reality.