Since the water main breaks that caused the Scott Street Flood on September 23, and another on September 27, local businesses, like the Salvation Army and Inkspotz Apparel, have been evaluating the damage. Inkspotz Apparel owner Scott Krienke also voiced some of his concerns dealing with the Town of Fort Frances administration.
According to Arthur Heathcote, Auxiliary Captain of the Salvation Army on Scott Street, he and his team are awaiting notification that the structural integrity of the building is not compromised. With that in mind, the store will be accepting donations again starting this week, but will remain closed until Tuesday, October 14, just after Thanksgiving.
In the interim, Community and Family Services is taking foodbank appointments, with a slight modification of bringing foodboxes to clients who book over the week.
“We anticipate full service resuming Tuesday, October 14,” said Heathcote.
“In the meantime, our donors are encouraged to donate to The Bargain Shop’s Food Drive.”
The Food Drive runs until Thursday, October 9.
While the damage to his business wasn’t catastrophic, Krienke said there are thousands of dollars in damages.
“We’re talking probably upwards of $15,000 worth of equipment and supplies,” said Krienke.
“I would say, $6,000 worth of graphics were all tossed. Screens that are not replaceable, because the masters have long since been destroyed.”
While Krienke thinks the town should be responsible for the damages, Marcel Michaels, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Fort Frances, said the town’s liability is determined on a case-by-case basis.
“In essence, liability is assessed carefully and on a case-by-case basis. Our standard process is to first proceed through the insurance provider, where a claim is initiated and subsequently reviewed,” said Michaels.
“The next steps — which may include the involvement of the Town’s insurance representatives — are guided by the specific circumstances of the event. Because each situation has its own unique variables, we rely on the insurance professionals to evaluate and determine the appropriate allocation of responsibility. Should any matters remain unresolved, we engage legal counsel to advise on and guide the next steps.”
In addition to the damages, Krienke was dissatisfied that he didn’t learn of the flooding as quickly as he would have liked.
“It took two days for us to actually make contact [with the town administration,]” said Krienke. “The town has totally denied knowing anything about it. Travis Rob, he didn’t even bother responding to a text, a voicemail. I don’t know if he got that voicemail or not.”
Krienke is asking for a greater effort in communication from the town, and prompt paving of some parking spots outside his and other affected businesses.
“[If] anything like this happens, it needs to be communicated with the property owner and tenants,” said Krienke. “We need those parking spots tarred this year. It absolutely cannot wait over the winter. Who is going to want to get out of their car in mud for the next year? They’re going to opt to go somewhere else if they can’t find a paved parking spot.”
