Tim Woods
Dear editor:
Isn’t it humbling to know that in this little town of Fort Frances, the past is so much more important than the future!
While we remain unable to raise enough to build a new library and technology centre, it is entirely possible to spend a million dollars to move an old boat and a fire tower.
The old hand giveth, and the new hand taketh away.
Now if a person, who considers relocating their home to this town of fish and paper, happens to ask whether there might be other aspects of interest, we can, as always, refer him or her to the river, where for two minutes of investigation s/he will see all there is to know about a boat that won’t float and a tower that soaks up money by the hour.
If we could just figure out a way to make the river flow backwards, too, I think maybe we’d have something.
If it is primarily because we are afraid that the natives might gain possession of these items (should they decide not to renew parkland lease rights to Fort Frances) that we are so anxious to move them, I suggest that we release the boat and tower to them with good grace.
And if they are able to make a few tourism bucks through these items, so much the better.
Let it not be because of community selfishness and false economy that we are so bent on squandering money on moving fees.
To those who claim the old default excuse that the money for one event comes from a different purse than for the other: there should be no reason that one purse should not, at times, spill into another. Both monies are ours after all.
I put it to you that it is only governmental laxity and systemic mediocrity that prevents it from happening.
A new library and technology centre would be a significant step toward overcoming such mediocrity.
Sincerely,
Tim Woods
Fort Frances, Ont.
