Appalling lack

Dear sir:
I recently spent some time in Fort Frances, and it brought back many memories of past visits when I was a young man, 30 years ago.
I always remember the easy access to American beer and pizza, and the casual walks each night across the border to indulge in both.
This latest visit however, came as something of a shock when I discovered that Fort Frances does not appear to have grown in the last 30 years. It does, in fact, seem to have grown smaller, with a lot less activity than I remember.
While there, I heard that WalMart had targeted Fort Frances for one of their stores but the town council–or what passes for a town council–turned it away.
My knowledge of Northwestern Ontario leads me to believe that your council is probably made up of local business people, many of whom have a vested interest (conflict of interest) in preventing any perceived competition from entering their territory.
The standard reason, usually given for this kind of decision, is the change in quality of life. They wave the flag of smalltown living and hold up Thunder Bay as what could happen to the Fort.
I have always found, in these situations, that the reason is found more in the pockets and less in the hometown spirit of the decision-makers. These people are well-off financially and despite the possible need for improvement in the living conditions of the average taxpayer, they will block anything that may be competition for them.
I have seen firsthand the deterioration of the town, and most of it appears to be due to a small tax base that no longer can keep up with expense of costly upkeep in roads, sidewalks, etc.
With this in mind, forgetting the advantage to consumers, how can anyone turn down a business that will inject much-needed revenues into the community?
I think this isssue should be looked at again and, if necessary, the council should write and solicit businesses such as WalMart, inviting them to Fort Frances.
As a visitor that would like to return to the area some day to retire, the lack of amenities for comfortable living is appalling.
(Signed),
Bill Maki
251 Waddington Dr.
Kamloops, B.C.
Editor’s note: The Town of Fort Frances has never received an application from WalMart for rezoning or purchase of land.
More than one large mass merchandising company has researched the Fort Frances area to determine the viability of operating their business in the area.
None has yet stepped up to acquire land and build.