It’s been a busy year but a good year.
The purpose of the municipality is to provide services to residents that make the community a better place to work, live, and play.
I always like to start my annual summation with a comment on this.
As usual our Town employees provided services around the clock that kept the municipality running smoothly and kept our residents safe. People do not realize how often during the day they use the services that are provided by the Town. Every Resident uses municipal services multiple times throughout a typical day.
Some of the services that the Town provides are:
Electrical power through the FFPC, public safety through our fire department, bylaw enforcement, police services, clean, safe potable water, sewers and sewage treatment, roads and sidewalks, garbage pickup, recreation and culture, library and museum programming, senior centre and senior programming, beautiful cemeteries and parks, court sports, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, cemeteries, Eighth Street Trails, a pristine waterfront and the waterfront walkways, ice surfaces, a pool complex, swimming lessons and aquasize, the marina, docking and summer ice cream, the community auditorium, weddings, snow removal, licenses, an airport, street lights, grass cutting to name just some.
We contribute funding to the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB), the Northwestern Health Unit, and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). In fact, funding the DRRSB, the Northwestern Health Unit, and the OPP are the Town’s greatest non-discretionary expenses, accounting for almost 40% of our operating budget.
This past year we kept taxes low. We went from a 5.5% increase in 2024 to a 1.9% increase in 2025; the increase in 2025 was mainly due to an increase in the cost of OPP services and the cost of living. The municipality spent taxpayers’ dollars frugally and prudently and this spending affected the tax increase only marginally. In spite of rising costs, we have kept our spending low without reducing any services. This is no mean feat.
The Fort Frances Power Corporation (FFPC) continues to provide the lowest hydro rates in the province of Ontario. It also has an enviable safety record, having worked the equivalent of 17 years and seven months’ accident free. The FFPC continues to enjoy a remarkably high public confidence rating and minimal power outages. The FFPC is in the process of modernizing its infrastructure and working with the Town of Fort Frances to upgrade its lines and transformers so as to provide the necessary power for new industrial users.
The province, without consultation, awarded strong mayor powers to Atikokan, Rainy River, and Fort Frances. I’m pleased to say that all three mayors declined using them.
Every year Administration and Council try to make Fort Frances an even better place to live, work, and play. Over the past year we have entered into a partnership to seek the resumption of passenger service at our airport. The results of study that was commissioned by the partnership consisting of Dryden, Kenora, and Fort Frances determined among other things, that the Fort Frances airport can sustain passenger service. I might add that Kenora has recently successfully attracted a company to provide passenger service. The Municipality consistently maintains and strives to improve the airport; it is essential for the health of our residents and the economy of the district that we have a well-maintained, functioning airport. We recently installed and commissioned a new standby power unit at the Airport.
A new hotel has opened in Fort Frances, Studio Six Extended Stay Hotel, and a new A&W is in the works at the same site. This project is an investment in Fort Frances by Mitaanjigamiing First Nation. Local First Nations contribute a great deal to the economy of our community. Many First Nation organizations and businesses are located in Fort Frances.
Our clerks initiated affordable, one stop wedding services, with pop-up elopement days. A personal highlight for me was officiating at one of the weddings, held on a dock on the river on a beautiful day.
Council passed a new youth councillor policy, written by our clerks, which will hopefully see the addition of a youth councillor to our council in 2026. Advertising for this position will begin early in 2026.
The Clerks office introduced a new Food Truck pilot project. They also have increased communication with the public through our social media and the introduction of council highlights. This has been well received.
A new Dog Park committee was added to the list of committees that report to Council. The committee, consisting mostly of community volunteers, is hard at work on planning a dog park for Fort Frances.
Council has made Summer Ice permanent, after a couple of successful pilot seasons. This provides athletes, families, and user groups, year-round opportunities to practice and train locally.
We also purchased a new tractor mounted Zamboni for improved care of our outdoor rinks.
We have relaunched our aquafit program and have hired a new instructor. It is one of the most popular low impact fitness programs that we offer.
We have created a new Recreation Supervisor position to support the community’s growing recreational needs. This role will focus on expanding programming and enhancing activity options for all residents.
We have new programs at the pool, supporting inclusion and promoting diversity. One example that I would like to mention is sensory swims which provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals who benefit from lower stimulus aquatic time.
We have hired a new Economic Development Officer. This is a position that has been empty for some time and filling it will provide Fort Frances with new economic opportunities in the upcoming year. We are excited about the qualifications of our new hire.
We continue to upgrade our roads. Roadwork is expensive and not something that can be sustained by property taxes, alone. In order to complete roadwork, the town depends on the successful application for government grants. We had major roadworks done on Scott Street and 3rd St W. We also resurfaced roads in the north end of town. The Town is continually applying for grants in order to keep upgrading our roads. The Northern Ontario winters with their freezing and thaw cycles play havoc with road surfaces.
We completely rehabbed the water tower which means that the town will have consistent safe and clean water delivered with good pressure for the next 30 years, or so. Not only that but we have beautiful new graphics on the water tower including our town mascot, that really pop. This was accomplished without having to impose water restrictions on the town, during the summer months. The water tower refurbishment was completed on or under budget and pretty much on time. The tower is currently being filled with water and having the water tested, before it is brought on-line in early January.
We have been in discussion with Highbury and WBCEC to build a high tech bio-refinery in Fort Frances that will produce decarbonized aviation fuel and/or diesel fuel. This project has been in the works for some time and is progressing well, with groundbreaking scheduled for 2026. As well the Town has been supporting First Light in their quest to build battery storage facility as well as photo voltaic array in Fort Frances. These builds will position Fort Frances as an energy centre. This all ties to our long-term plan for a microgrid in Fort Frances. As part of our planning for a microgrid, we commissioned and received a finalized study by Siemens on the feasibility of a microgrid and started on an implementation roadmap.
This past summer, thanks to the Burger Wars Committee including a local Food Truck owner, the BIA, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rainy River Future Development Corporation, the Town hosted Burger Wars in our downtown core. This was a huge success and will hopefully be back next year.
Another exciting project of the BIA, the Chamber, and Rainy River Future Development Corporation was the first annual Christmas Tree lighting festival held downtown and in Rainy Lake Square. It had something for everyone. Carolling, games, hot chocolate, Zamboni rides, beautiful music from talented local artists, and of course a gorgeous will lit tree. Next year it will be back, bigger and better.
The Sunset Country Métis placed historically informative signs along the waterfront.
The Mayor of International Falls and I issued a joint proclamation of friendship between our communities, and we celebrated with a BBQ at the Civic Centre, with the public and both mayors and both councils in attendance. Although Trump has initiated a senseless trade war and there is friction between our National governments, the people of International Falls remain our friends and neighbours and are welcome in Fort Frances, as we are welcome in International Falls.
Also internationally, the Town took part in Project Dark sky. I, along with the mayors of Ranier and International Falls issued a proclamation on the detrimental effects of light pollution. This was done at Voyageur National Park headquarters in International Falls. There is strong cooperation among the three mayors.
The Town of Fort Frances enjoys a good working relationship with City of International Falls and Ranier, in spite of National politics.
The Town raised the Reconciliation flag, again this year, at the Civic Centre and hosted a well-attended BBQ, including drummers, singers, and a blessing from an Indigenous Elder. This event was well attended by many residents, organizations, and First Nation members.
The Town’s Indigenous Advisory Committee has been highly active and has drafted a Reconciliation policy which will be going out to the public, First Nations, and other stakeholders for input. The Town of Fort Frances is strongly committed to the process of reconciliation.
Council has agreed on a plan to put the Hallet back into the water and to mount the Owandem on land, nearby. The Hallet will be refurbished and once again available to the public.
The Fort Frances Curling Club hosted the Ontario Junior Curling Championships. Our curling club deserves a shout out for the high-quality programs that they offer and the number of championships that are held at our club. These championships and bonspiels contribute significantly to the economy of our Town. In 2026 the curling club will be hosting the U18 Northern Ontario curling championships, in January.
The Town of Fort Frances Joined the Border Mayors’ Alliance due to concerns over Trump’s unnecessary trade war and the effect that it might have on border communities. The Border Mayors’ Alliance consists of the Mayors of Border Communities right across Canada and meets regularly to discuss national issues.
The Fort Frances Public Library negotiated a first collective agreement with CUPE, and the Library Board hired an amazing new Library CEO. Our Library continues to offer innovative programming and services to patrons of all ages.
Fort Frances joined the Border Waters Fishing Coalition in reaction to American anglers coming into Canada without going through a border check and using Canadian resources without contributing to the Canadian economy. This coalition consists of Kenora, Fort Frances, Nestor Falls, Sioux Narrows, various tourist organizations, fishing guides, tourist camps, and our MP and MPP.
Robert Horton was selected as our Citizen of the Year and the Fort Frances Lakers as our Junior Citizens of the Year. A BBQ was held at the sportsplex to celebrate the Citizen of the Year, the Junior Citizen of the Year and all of our wonderful volunteers, who contribute so much towards making our community a better place to live.
This coming year the Town of Fort Frances wishes to recognize more of its citizens, who contribute to improving our quality of life. To that end our clerk’s office has created additional categories of awards to recognize residents who contribute to our community. These categories will be advertised, and we encourage you to nominate outstanding residents and volunteers for recognition in 2026.
The Town encourages and assists its residents, volunteers, and community groups to recognize, support and participate in good causes. To that end we have issued many proclamations and hosted many flag raisings at the Civic Centre, as well as participated in many awareness walks. These flag raisings are always open to the public.
Council adopted a new official plan and zoning bylaw for Fort Frances, and while this may not seem as interesting as other more concrete accomplishments, a lot of time and effort went into completing this. A quality official plan and zoning bylaw are essential for the proper growth of any municipality.
There were many forest fires this past summer right across Canada but also in Northwestern Ontario. Fort Frances was a successful candidate in the FireSmart Communities funding, which enabled us to establish a wildfire Protection Plan, for our community.
The Town is out of the recycling business as of 2026. Circular Materials will be responsible for recycling management with GFL as the local contractor. Residents should not notice much change in recycling pick up.
Agency One celebrated the end of the Point Park litigation, with a gathering at the Point Park open to everyone. The Chiefs of Agency One spoke eloquently about moving forward and working together into the future. Relations with local First Nations and the Métis community are very positive.
The Town sent delegations to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). We met with many cabinet ministers/parliamentary assistants and were well received as we lobbied for various improvements for our community. One of our councillors sits on the NOMA Board as a vice-president. A lot of networking on behalf of Fort Frances gets done at these conferences. As well, I attended a round table discussion in Kenora with Minister Rickford and the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Harris, and others. I was asked to provide a briefing on the local fishing situation involving American Anglers. The two ministers have taken an active interest in border waters fishing by American anglers and both of them have been incredibly supportive of local fishing guides and tourist operators.
The Town of Fort Frances meets regularly with other municipalities in the Rainy River District as part of the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA) and has representation on the RRDMA executive.
We continue to lobby for a new international bridge, preferably one with no tolls, to be built. The Federal government recognizes that the International Bridge here is a strategic asset. We hope to see a partnership between the Federal and Provincial governments on this issue. Our MP is collaborating diligently with me on this issue.
Several members of our community were presented with King Charles the Third Medals, for outstanding contributions to our community. I was privileged to take part in awarding some of these well-deserved medals. I will not mention all the names of those who received them for fear of missing some worthy person, but there were quite a few. Fort Frances is home to many heroes.
It has been a good year for Fort Frances thanks to a deeply knowledgeable and hardworking council, able administration, many community volunteers, and a skilled and dedicated workforce.
Next year promises to be even better.
No community can function well without volunteers. I would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their time and effort in making Fort Frances a better place to live. You are the true heroes of our community.
I would like to invite more of our residents to step up and volunteer. Our community and its quality of life depend on volunteers to help assist with all kinds of activities. Volunteering does not have to be overly onerous and can be done by anyone of any age. Even an hour of two a month works wonders when many participate.
The upcoming year, 2026, is an election year. This is an opportunity for people to become actively involved in Civic government. If you are considering running for a position, whether it be for council, the school board, or mayor, contact the town clerks for information. They will provide you with all of the information that you require to run for office.
I would like to wish the residents of Fort Frances a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May you all enjoy the peace and the joy of this season and carry it with you in your hearts throughout the upcoming year.
