The debate is on as to whether building a new Canada Customs facility here now would affect the possibility of constructing a new bridge down the road.
During a presentation last Wednesday by Richard Pell, manager of Strategic Management for the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, town council asked for assurance the new facility would not affect the possibility of building a new bridge.
“We’re looking at it as two separate issues,” replied Pell.
Pell pointed out that even if a new bridge is built, it will be a long process and that a new Customs facility is needed now to handle recently mandated legislation and commercial vehicles–a point which Coun. Sharon Tibbs stressed during Monday night’s council meeting.
“The biggest issue with the bridge and the facility there now is the facility is not adequate. There’s a lot of issues here, more than just the flow,” she said.
But others expressed some concern about going ahead with a new facility.
“I was a little confused that this is two separate projects, I think that’s a little short-sighted. I really think that once that Canada customs building goes up that it will be it,” said resident Cathy Richards, who helped organize a protest outside the Civic Centre while Pell met with members of council and mill rep to present the new proposal.
The first proposal approved by council faced a funding shortfall of about $750,000 because of the cost of relocating the Ontario tourist information centre. The latest proposal allows the building to remain in its current location.
About 15 residents with placards demanding a new bridge and no toll increases marched along the sidewalk while a number of others lined the committee room inside.
On Monday, Coun. Dave Bourgeault expressed some concern on behalf of Coun. Deane Cunningham, who could not attend the meeting.
“Coun. Cunningham called me and suggested that we require from the company in writing that they would not oppose construction of a new bridge in the future,” said Coun. Bourgeault.
Council also decided to delay passing a resolution, which would agree to the new proposal in principle, until the change in tolls on the international bridge was disclosed.
A special meeting will be held tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at the Civic Centre to decide whether or not to approve the new facility after hearing the toll announcement.
Meanwhile the feasibility of a new, publicly-owned, bridge is still being pursued.
“I talked to [International Falls] Mayor Jack Murray and next week we’re going to try to meet with Irv Anderson. Just the three of us will meet and from there we’ll throw a committee together,” said Mayor Glenn Witherspoon.
But there also appears to be some conflict as both the federal and provincial reps are shirking any fiscal responsibility in a new border crossing.
Pell stated that roads and highways are always a provincial responsibility while Northern Development and Mines minister Tim Hudak claims the border is always a federal jurisdiction.
“To the best of my knowledge, the province is not in the border-crossing business,” said Hudak. “My understanding is international crossings are either privately-owned or fall under federal jurisdiction.
“Hopefully something can be done to improve the crossing,” he added.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
