Economic boost

Dear editor:
First of all, I want to publicly congratulate Gord and Laurie McQuarrie on the opening of their new business, Tim Hortons. It is a wonderful addition to our community.
Having been there on opening day and also the next day, it was obvious that people supported their new venture. Tim Hortons always has had a very good reputation and this already is proving to be no exception.
I know local businesses always worry about new competition, but I always believed it to be healthy. Such is the case with the Wal-Mart being built here. As a consumer, I am thrilled. It can’t happen soon enough for me.
Having choice is very important to me, as a shopper. I would much rather spend my money locally than have to travel to a larger centre in order to purchase what I am unable to find in Fort Frances. That doesn’t mean to say Wal-Mart will have everything, but again, there is more choice.
Since Jim and I always have enjoyed dining out, as well as shopping, we are looking forward to frequenting both of these new businesses as well as the ones already established in Fort Frances. Now, if only we could get a parkade, or something comparable downtown, a movie theatre, and perhaps another family restaurant, my consumer life would be complete!
I realize that mentioning the idea of another restaurant probably will strike a nerve with our local restauranteurs, but I personally don’t see this as a problem.
Families seem to eat out more often these days and although we have a wonderful mix of fast-food and exclusive restaurants, our town would benefit from the addition of a mid-priced restaurant that services the community with extended hours as well as a variety of choices that could accommodate the larger families.
Fort Frances suffered a recent blow with the closing of the Red Dog Inn. The coffee shop there always seemed to be packed and, unfortunately, now that means one less choice for the consumer at a mid-priced restaurant.
It is wonderful to see all the improvements being done in our community and I hope this will continue. This is such an effective way to attract new families to this area as well as tourists. Tourists need to have many reasons to stop and stay a while.
Once again, kudos to Gord, Laurie, and staff, as well as to all the people involved in transforming Fort Frances into a prosperous and thriving community which attracts tourists and new families alike.
The beauty of our waterfront attracts tourists to our area, and the convenience of a Tim Hortons, Wal-Mart, and our already-established businesses encourages them to linger and perhaps contribute their dollars to our economic benefit.
Jim and I are so proud to be a part of this wonderful community.
Signed,
Diane Maxey
Fort Frances, Ont.