Duane Hicks
A recent online petition to put the “fort” back in Fort Frances is gaining traction.
The petition was posted online at change.org last Thursday to gauge support for including the “fort” concept as a major part of plans for the future Rainy Lake Market Square and had garnered 144 signatures as of press time today.
The link to the petition can be found at the “Downtown Fort Frances” Facebook page.
If people don’t want to sign it online, or are unable to do so, there also is a physical petition people can sign at Betty’s on Scott Street.
Nathalie Donaldson, who came up with the idea for a fort theme for the market square, said she’s been “pleased with the response so far.”
“We’ve already gotten double the number of people who attended the kick-off event [on Feb. 16],” she noted.
“And in comparing that with the amount of people who disagree, it’s pretty clear that the people want a fort in Fort Frances.”
The petition also has generated comments—both at change.org and on Facebook—along with some constructive criticism.
“I had a really great conversation on the [Facebook] page with Bobbi Guimond-Morris, who brought up the point that rebuilding the fort may not be culturally-sensitive considering the effects of settlers on our First Nations,” Donaldson said in citing one example.
“But I feel that the fort represents a time of co-operation and cohabitation—before the government atrocities against First Nations—and it would stand as a proud reminder as a time of trade and collaboration,” she reasoned.
“I encourage everyone to read the conversation on the page because Bobbi provides wonderful insights and ideas into how the space could be developed,” added Donaldson.
A sample of comments from change.org include:
•“I like the fort idea. When I worked for both Ontario Travel and Border Bob’s, countless tourists would ask where they could go to see ‘the fort.’”
•“I believe that a fort in Fort Frances would be a boost to the town’s image, and create a unique area that will interest people.”
•“I am from Fort Frances and believe this would be an excellent opportunity for both businesses and the people of Fort Frances.”
•“It would be great. Like Fort once was.”
•“I remember seeing the old fort on the waterfront as a kid and I want to see something similar come back to the town!”
•“I think it’s important to have ‘The Fort’ back in Fort Frances. I’m sure it holds alot of memories for alot of people. It would be a great tourist attraction, as well!”
•“I grew up in Fort and gave always believed there should be a place designated to the many crafters and artists of many different wares. And a place to bring the town and tourist to the downtown area.”
•“The town has shown very little respect for its own history in recent years and this would be a huge step in the right direction.”
•“I lived not far from the “Fort” and I only got to see the structure when I was quite young. I would love to see it brought back to life in Downtown Fort Frances, right across from the Flint House!”
•“I grew up in Fort Frances and going back and seeing a Fort again would be incredible.”
•“When I come back home after years of not visiting, that’s definitely a stop I make to tour with my children. Brings back childhood memories.”
•“I think it’s a great idea. Don’t forget to include a play area for the kids while parents shop or eat.”
Meanwhile, opinions posted on the “Downtown Fort Frances” Facebook page have varied.
“I think we need to consider what the fort represented to our local First Nations,” Bobbi Guimond-Morris posted.
“I do agree that tourism is the industry we need to focus on in our community but I do not think that rebuilding the fort is culturally-sensitive,” she noted.
“The establishment of that fort had very drastic implications on the surrounding people in that time. The lasting effects, we are still trying to overcome.
“I would suggest a museum that is a coalition of our communities working together to represent the history of our area, both positive and negative, that reflect the true stories of our past here in Fort Frances/Treaty 3 area,” Guimond-Morris suggested.
Other individuals noted they liked the fort idea, but maybe it shouldn’t be located in the downtown core.
“I don’t think it will meld into the downtown area very easily . . . fact is, the downtown core as a whole doesn’t fit or resemble that feel or look so something new with that feel/theme not only stands out but it draws even further attention to the mismatch as a whole,” posted Katie Ann.
“One building isn’t going to change the entire downtown and create tourism in my opinion,” she added.
“However—I think a fort is great is idea, and I’m very interested in what ends up going in that space downtown!”
“I personally think it’s an awesome idea but to be honest, the more I thought about it, the more I was thinking it’s too small of a space for everything everyone wanted incorporated,” noted Kristen Kroocmo.
“It would also increase the need for more parking if there were, say, concerts or something going on,” she added.
“I do think the town should still look seriously at this idea, though, if they want to increase tourism and town pride,” Kroocmo said.
“I just think there could be more ideal locations like the Point or the old lumber yard.”
Yvonne Noon agreed.
“We should have a fort somewhere but not downtown,” she posted. “Tourists are going through Scott Street [downtown] anyway so let’s give them a reason to get off Highway 11 and out of their vehicles.
“Make it at the Point or on Front Street so tourists can see the beauty of our town,” Noonan stressed.
“I am not real ‘fussy’ on the ‘Fort’ idea myself,” said Jane Gillon.
“I don’t think it fits well with the space or the downtown area.”
But Gillon added she “will be happy with anything that creates an inviting space that can draw locals and tourists alike to the downtown core.”
