While it’s been known for some time that Boston Pizza has been looking for a franchise in Fort Frances, the municipal planner confirmed Monday night that property in the west end of town is being eyed for development.
In a report to council, Faye Flatt noted she was contacted last summer regarding the possible development of a Boston Pizza restaurant on the property located at 810 King’s Highway (on the same property as the Super 8 Motel).
While Flatt said she’s not at liberty to divulge the identity of the franchisee without their permission, she did say the developers want to begin work on the site this summer and be open sometime this fall—assuming everything falls in place.
She also said while plans for the restaurant still are being worked on, the location will be comparable to one of the newer ones found on the outskirts of Winnipeg, with a sports bar and family restaurant.
Monday’s report to council was regarding whether or not the site needed an archeological survey done as part of the environmental study process.
After consulting with the Ministry of Culture and two archaeological consultants, Flatt recommended it did not.
“The bottom line is that it’s outside the area that require it to be of a high priority,” she explained. “That property’s been developed and redeveloped both in terms of the motel and the drain that runs through there.
“The property’s been chewed up and spit out so many times, that if there were anything on the property, it probably would have been compromised and be completely out of context,” Flatt remarked.
Flatt said developers are working on a site plan right now. As in many other major projects, the building will be subject to a site plan agreement with the town.
Also at Monday night’s meeting, council:
•approved the appointed of Debbie Bazylewski, Faye Flatt, Bill Krukoski, Gord McBride, and Nick Wihnan to the Fort Frances Non-Profit Municipal Housing Corp. board of directors for a term ending Nov. 30, 2008;
•approved the appointment of Gord McBride to the Committee of Adjustment for a term ending Nov. 30, 2010;
•approved applicants for this year’s share of the Moffat Family Fund (these selections will be forwarded to the Winnipeg Foundation for final approval and be revealed once the town is ready to present the chosen with their cheques);
•authorized a funding agreement with Transport Canada for a new decelerometer at the Fort Frances Airport;
•received a report regarding the development of an operational plan for the municipal drinking water system by Dec. 31, 2008, as mandated by the province;
•approved the creation of a new position within the Operations and Facilities division called “Public Works labourer/part-time airport attendant,” and authorized administration to immediately post for the position;
•received POA audited statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007 and agreed to pay the invoice for services in the amount of $3,150;
•approved travel expense and per diem claims for Coun. Andrew Hallikas in the amount of $1,397.66 (this was for attendance at the OGRA-ROMA conference in Toronto on Feb. 24-27); and
•agreed to buy four tickets for the Rainy River Victim Services Program “Dash and Dine” fundraiser on April 13.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
