Town council is proposing to pass an amendment to the current business licensing bylaw to require parental consent for people under the age of 15 to operate amusement machines in businesses operating within the municipality.
Clerk Glenn Treftlin said this morning the amendment stems from a recommendation of the Planning and Development executive committee to incorporate an existing separate bylaw that provided for the age limit restrictions and parental consent (Bylaw 12-82) into the new business licensing bylaw.
“It’s consolidating something that was into something that is,” said Treftlin, adding there’s been no requirement for Bylaw 12-82 since there’s been no pool halls or arcades in Fort Frances for some time.
This amendment to the business licensing bylaw ties in directly to the operation of new local business “Global Gaming,” which is scheduled to open its doors at 256 Scott St. this coming Friday.
If the amendment goes through, this will mean that any youths under 15 wanting to use the video games at “Global Gaming” must have parental permission to do so.
Prior to council voting on the amended bylaw on its consent agenda, there will be a public meeting regarding the proposed change, as is required under the Municipal Act.
The public is invited to attend this meeting, which should start shortly after 6:30 p.m.
Other business at tonight’s council meeting will include:
•a police services activity report from OPP Insp. Dave Lucas;
•a presentation from Deane Cunningham, chair of the “Just Imagine” campaign, regarding a CT Scanner at La Verendrye Hospital here;
•a presentation from Chamber of Commerce president Christine Denby regarding its fee-for -service for 2007;
•a financial request from Georges Blanc regarding the Fort Frances “Community Chest” benefit dinner on Feb. 18;
•a financial request from the Riverside Foundation for Health Care regarding its “Oscar Party 2007” on Feb. 25;
•a request for financial support from the Rainy River Future Development Corp. regarding per capita funding for 2007;
•a bylaw to authorize entering into certain contracts with respect to the provision of janitorial services
•a bylaw to approve a letter of understanding with the Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey School for operation of a summer hockey school at the Memorial Sports Centre;
•a bylaw to provide for an interim tax levy for 2007;
•a request for reconsideration from Walleye Trailer Park Ltd. and Raymond and Jackie Gustafson regarding Bylaw 16/06 (water management bylaw);
•a financial request from the Fort Frances Curling Club; and
•a request from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association regarding the creation of the Northwestern Ontario Regional Development Authority (NWORDA).
Tonight’s council meeting will be preceded by the committee of the whole, which is expected to be in-camera from 5-6:10 p.m.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
