Chamber to unveil coin promotion

What do you get when you cross a loonie with a toonie and add a dash of Fort Frances pride?
The answer is the new $3 coin that will be offered by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce starting next week.
“It’s a great way of celebrating and commemorating special events,” said Chamber of Commerce director Tannis Drysdale.
Of course, the special event being venerated is Fort Frances’ own centennial coming up in 2003.
The coin, which is gold and silver in colour, will bear Fort Frances’ coat of arms and the phrase, “A Century of Prosperity & Promise,” on one side. The other side is dedicated to the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and features a smallmouth bass.
“It makes for an excellent souvenir,” said Drysdale. “Many tourist come up here and take loonies and toonies as souvenirs. Now they have another coin.”
The coins will be available for purchase at participating banks and the credit union, with rolls of 25 costing $75.
Special commemorative gift boxes also are being produced that will include one silver-plated coin, one gold-plated coin, pictures, and a short written history of the town.
“We are only minting a limited number of the gift sets,” noted Drysdale. “We would suggest if people want them that they come down to the Chamber of Commerce to pick them up as soon as they are available.”
The Chamber of Commerce is working on sending out a package to local businesses concerning the acceptance of the new coins as legitimate currency.
“So far, the response has been great,” said Drysdale.
Town council even has passed a resolution to make the coins legal tender. But residents should be reminded the coin will not be accepted outside of Fort Frances.
Still, not everyone is excited about the prospect of introducing more coins in the marketplace.
“What’s the use?” asked Mary Lou Glade of the 364 Food Store here. “I think we have enough coins as it is.
“Where am I going to put it?” she wondered as she looked down at her cash register.