Homelessness, property crimes, and substance abuse have all become growing problems for Fort Frances.
“Through the last year we have been plagued with a higher volume of transients and people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions,” Mayor June Caul noted during Monday evening’s council meeting here.
And a large portion of those who are homeless have just recently came to town.
“Fort Frances is quickly becoming the place in Northwestern Ontario to frequent, the word on the street from other communities in the region is come to Fort Frances, it’s cheap to live here,” Mayor Caul said.
“Because of the transients and peoples with addictions moving to town who are not trying to seek help through our local community services, we have seen a rise in human trafficking, prostitution, shop lifting, theft, break ins, and violence.
“We are being recognized by the huge influx of methamphetamine or meth addictions and selling of drugs right on our main streets in the middle of the day,” she added.
Data collected by the Rainy River District Social Services Board (RRDSSAB) indicates that of the 79 individuals who accessed the warming centre at the Volunteer Bureau this year, 21 had just recently arrived here.
It also showed that of the 60 nights the warming centre was open there was a total of 566 visits from 79 different people, averaging 9.5 visits per night,
“DSSAB is unsure of the placement of the warming centre next year, although they would like to see it run again,” Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft said.
“They were happy with the setup at the Volunteer Bureau but they would like a more permanent place to setup the warming shelter next year.”
In regards to the issue of downtown safety, Mayor Caul said the recent increase of homelessness and those with addictions is affecting the area.
“As summer approaches the problem has created an atmosphere of fear to business owners and shoppers,” she remarked. “Many people are afraid to come downtown, to shop, bank, or meet friends for a coffee and a visit.”
To tackle the issue Caul has been developing strategies with the OPP, BIA, Chamber of Commerce, health care providers, and town residents.
She’s urging locals to support a licensed facility to help alleviate the problem such as a food bank or organization that has qualified mental health workers who can support those who are homeless or have an addiction.
“The professionals who work in these places are trained and can offer the appropriate service to those in need of mental health and addictions treatment and support and help to find a job,” Caul noted.
She’d recommends supporting Riverside Community Counselling, United Native Friendship Centre, Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services, Rainy River District Victim Services Program, the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, the local health unit, Salvation Army, RRDSSAB, and Northern Community Development Services.
“Please support the businesses and social services that have qualified professionals to help those in need mentally and physically,” Mayor Caul stressed.
“Protect yourself and your children, always be aware of your surroundings, keep the doors of your house and vehicles locked and walk with a friend.”
At Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Douglas Judson recognized the OPP for responding proactively to the challenges facing Fort Frances’ downtown area with their new, daily foot patrols.
“I also want to commend Mayor Caul on her leadership, bringing community stakeholders together to share ideas and concerns and bust myths related to some of the root causes of these incidents,” he lauded.
“This is exactly the type of open and collaborative problem solving we need and I know it inspires confidence in the community to know we are listening as council, we are responding in a timely manner and using the tools at our disposal to help address these concerns and some of the related social issues.”
Mayor Caul is calling on all town residents to step up and do the right thing to keep the town a safe and welcoming place for visitors and residents.
“Contact the police if you witness a crime of theft, selling of drugs, trespassing or violence,” she urged.
“Be someone who helps to solve the problem, not someone who enables those who need proper and professional assistance.”
