Duane Hicks
With only one lot left unsold at the Huffman Court subdivision, the town is considering developing Erin Crescent–but not before hearing what people think first.
A public meeting will be scheduled in the next few weeks to explain possible plans for the land and, more importantly, to hear from local residents.
“The town is looking for input from the public in regards to the next residential development,” said Fort Frances CAO Doug Brown, noting the town receives about 47 percent of its revenue from taxation.
“There’s been a lot of issues over the years,” Brown added. “People have their opinions about the condos and they have their opinions about Huffman Court.
“But the town has to look at getting more tax base to pay for all of the services that we provide,” he explained.
The town is proposing to divide the property into 27 lots upon which could be built either single or multi-residential dwellings.
They would be sold starting at $60,000.
But this decision is far from final, Brown stressed.
“We have to be in a position to look at this stuff but we want your input,” he remarked.
“Council is looking for your input here on the next Erin Crescent development,” he noted. “But we need your input, we need to see what people are thinking.
“This is very important to the longevity of the community,’ added Brown, noting that if the town wants more people to return here, there needs to be developed lots available.
The process to determine where the next subdivision would be located started in May, at which time the Planning and Development division provided the town’s executive committees with pertinent information.
After deliberation, the committees recommended that, in principle, Erin Crescent should be the location of the next residential development and that consideration should be given to having multi-residential lots developed there starting at $60,000 in price.
They also determined they must get input from the public on the proposed subdivision and gauge its interest.
The subdivision project will be deferred to the 2018 capital budget process unless the outcome of the public meeting indicates interest in residential development prior to that.
Chief Building Official and municipal planner Tyson Dennis said the first step to having a successful strategy for the next residential development is to provide council, the town divisions, and the people of Fort Frances with “factual information in an open and transparent process.”
“Fort Frances is in a position with the local residential sales, residential development, and upcoming work opportunities, where we must continue to move forward and plan for more people to see Fort Frances as a first choice to make family roots and settle for the long-term,” Dennis noted in a report to council.
“The development of new jobs, residential areas, as well as commercial lots will bring prosperity to Fort Frances,” he wrote.
“The town has been successful with the Huffman Court subdivision and in order for the opportunity to continue, progression forward is imperative for more future development within the Town of Fort Frances.
“A stronger residential tax base allows the prospect for community services to continue for all residents,” he concluded.
Interest in housing lots has gained steadily in the past year or so, and just recently has seen a surge.
As of May 11, for instance, there were four of 16 lots left for sale in the Huffman Court subdivision.
As of today, there is only one left unsold.
