The 2020 “Citizen of the Year” Joy Lockman was recognized for her tireless volunteer efforts throughout the community during last night’s council meeting.
She was awarded with a plaque from Mayor June Caul on behalf of the town and was lauded for her contributions to Fort Frances.
Also at last night’s meeting, Mayor Caul thanked the Cridland family and Flint House for stepping up to prepare food for the community’s annual Christmas dinner.
“At this time of year there are so many who do not have a family to share a meal with and many who cannot afford the food or are homeless and in need of a meal out of the cold,” she said.
Many volunteers are needed for the dinner and if anyone is willing to donate their time this holiday season they are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Bureau at 274-9555.
Mayor Caul will again be organizing the “Meals on Wheels” aspect of the dinner for those who are unable to come to the church.
Those who would like to order a meal for delivery can contact Mayor Caul at 274-2209.
Meanwhile, Coun. Wendy Brunetta said she attended a Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) executive committee meeting in Thunder Bay at the end of November and heard a handful of presentations.
A Neebing councillor expressed concerns surrounding the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program.
Through the program, the government is contacting land owners in his municipality to see if they would like to convert their property into a conservation land and be exempted from taxes.
Doug Hartnell, who attended the NOMA meeting, said he’s finding the same thing is happening in Rainy River as well.
“This program is having a huge financial impact on these small rural municipalities,” Coun. Brunetta noted.
The NOMA board will further review the issue with possible support of a motion from the Neebing municipality.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
- approved the Fort Frances Curling Club’s bid proposal to host the men’s and women’s provincial combined event Jan. 25-31, 2021;
- approved a recommendation to explore offering some level of funding for the 2021 Men’s-Women’s Provincial Curling Championship;
- approved a recommendation to endorse in principle the attached 2020 user fee schedule as presented with a 1.7 percent increase over the 2019 user fees, along with the elimination of the non-resident user fees on a trial basis period of one year; and
- passed a bylaw to enter into an agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada for funding of a feasibility study respecting the Shevlin woodyard and the nursing station (former Resolute property).
