Council joins fight against toll hike

Town council has changed its mind about tabling recommendations concerning a possible toll fee hike at the international bridge here and now will back residents opposing any increase.
“This report was tabled at the last meeting and I would like to put it back on the table, re-introduce it,” said Coun. Deane Cunningham.
Two weeks ago, council had agreed to table recommendations from the administration and finance committee because fee hikes were not imminent. But in the wake of petitions and a public outcry, council has now decided to voice its concerns rather than wait until the bridge owners have made a decision.
Besides voicing concern with the changes, the committee’s report suggested actively looking into any possible means to prevent a toll hike increase. It also pointed out the bridge owners recently had been granted a substantial tax reprieve.
“The new assessment that came into being in 1998 in effect reduced the amount of taxation by $140,000 to the International Bridge and Terminal Co. and that alone should justify [a re-disposition] on their part,” said Mayor Glenn Witherspoon.
“And I think we were negligent in not being more pro-active and taking a stronger stance,” he admitted.
After Coun. Cunningham re-introduced the report, it was supported unanimously by council.
“I believe we are certainly doing the right thing,” said Coun. Dave Bourgeault. “There’s petitions circulating in town that oppose what’s happening with bridge tolls and some other things that are happening, including moving the toll [booth] to the American side.
“I’m glad to see we’re taking the strong stance that we are,” he added. “I would love to see a bridge that is constructed as part of everything else, including the Customs facility.”
Petitions opposing an increase are being signed by resident at local businesses. And some even are considering an active rally on the bridge.
“It’d be nice to have an hour of no crossing the border,” said Fort Frances resident Cathy Richards, who has suggested the possibility of a rally in early June.
The bridge is not under the jurisdiction of the municipality, as it is owned by Boise Cascade Corp. and Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. through their wholly-owned subsidiaries, M.D. & W. Railway and the International Bridge and Terminal Co.
“I think the increase in fares is going to do a lot of damage for both communities,” argued Coun. Bill Martin. “All the families that live in northern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario are going to suffer because of it.”
There also is some concern the current practice of collecting tolls in either Canadian or U.S. funds won’t continue once the toll booth is relocated to the American side.
“As everyone knows, when you come to the toll bridge now and you buy bridge tickets for $9, it’s $9 American and $9 Canadian,” said Mayor Witherspoon.
“And I think if [the booth is] going to go to the American side, the same option should go with it,” he stressed.