Sound proposal

A proposal by Stratton Equipment to tear down and renovate sections of the old Fort Frances High School on First Street East answers the needs of both the Rainy River District School Board and the Town of Fort Frances.
As the derelict school falls into greater disrepair, the cost of any developer to refurbish the old building increases. And as the old school decays, the potential for fire, vandalism, or injury also increases.
In a nutshell, doing nothing with the building raises costs.
Neither the town nor the school board have the necessary funds to demolish the building and restore the property. But now, the owners of Stratton Equipment have provided both with an opportunity to turn an eyesore into a tax-paying facility.
Their plan to tear down the two-storey sections of the school while renovating the lower sections on the Second Street East side is well thought-out. In fact, this is the first solid private financing business proposal for the old Fort High building that’s been brought forth.
Stratton Equipment’s request for a waiver of dumping fees, taxes while the building is being restored, and location to recycle products from the building should be considered by the town.
It makes good business sense. Taxpayers are not billed for the demolition of the building through tax increases. The town currently derives no taxes from the building, but would on occupancy of the renovated remaining parts of it.
The largest cost to the town would be the waiving of dumping fees for materials from the old school. That would be a small price to pay for the restoration project. It would be a small price to pay for the long-term tax benefits the town would derive.
Town council should not go blindly into this project, but should insist if it goes forward, that a bond be posted for the value of the demolition of parts of the building and restoration of the remaining sections.