Chamber to ask for more input on issues

Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce president Christine Denby and first vice-president Cathy Emes will appear before council tonight to ask to improve lines of communication with the town.
Council received a letter from the Chamber regarding this matter at its July 14 meeting, but requested Chamber representatives make an appearance at a future council meeting to clarify their intent and answer any questions mayor and council may have.
As the “voice of the business community,” the Chamber would like the opportunity to provide greater input to mayor and council on issues that directly impact business in Fort Frances, Denby noted in a letter dated June 24.
“We would like to create a positive working relationship with the Town of Fort Frances and feel this would be both beneficial to the Chamber, business community, and town council,” she wrote.
“We ask that mayor and council consider a meeting between council representatives and Chamber representatives to review a list of questions and develop a working strategy.
“Topics for discussions may include town working committees, their functions and mandates, and how information on upcoming council meetings can be accessed,” she added.
Tonight’s council meeting is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. It will be preceded by the committee of the whole, which will meet at 5:30 p.m. but is expected to be in-camera until 6:10.
Other business at tonight’s meeting will include:
•a request from Northwestern Ontario’s Sunset Country Travel Association regarding an annual per capita marketing contribution;
•an advertising request from the Fort Frances Times for its new “NW Ontario Vacation Guide Map”;
•a bylaw to approve a “Dial-A-Ride” agreement with North Air Services;
•a bylaw to approve an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources with respect to funding under the “Bear Wise” community funding program;
•a request from Plaza Lanes to declare Aug. 25-28 as “National Bowling Week” in the Town of Fort Frances;
•a report on a review of the animal control bylaw;
•a certificate of final acceptance from New Beginnings Fellowship Church;
•an extension of contract for landfill site operations;
•a financial request from Weechi-it-te-win Family Services Inc.;
•a report on Area Services Board funding;
•a report on a review of the community physician recruitment incentive package;
•a report on a land lease rental; and
•a report on the Heritage Tourism Plan Phase II.