Staff
The Fun in the Sun committee is asking for $7,500 for next year’s Canada Day fireworks.
In a written submission from Dave Coats received by council as part of its budget input process at last night’s meeting, Coats noted the Town of Fort Frances generously contributed $7,500 to the fireworks show held this year—and it went off with a bang.
“Many people have said it was the best fireworks show the town has seen and I would agree,” he remarked.
“Through the contributions of the town and local sponsors, we were able to purchase not only more product than in previous years, but higher-quality effects that resulted in a spectacular display enjoyed by many citizens of the town.
“2017 marks Canada’s 150th birthday and we are hoping to put on an even better show to celebrate the special occasion,” Coats added.
“I would ask mayor and council to consider once again contributing $7,500 towards our 2017 Canada Day fireworks show.
“We will also pursue additional funding through federal and provincial grants, local sponsors, and fundraising,” he noted.
Also at last night’s meeting, the Fort Frances Lakers’ asked the town to reduce its practice ice time costs.
The Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Club, meanwhile, requested continued use of the Sorting Gap Marina and a parking space for its trailer there, as well as $1,000 to help stage next year’s dragon boat festival.
All requests will be referred to the budget, which council will be begin to review in January.
Also yesterday, council:
•declared various items from the wastewater treatment plant and Public Works shop as surplus (the town will advertise the items for sale and sell them by way of a sealed bid submission);
•awarded Tender 16-CS-13 (Fort Frances Children’s Complex vehicle) to MacDonald Motors for a 2017 Equinox AWD LT 3.6L at a total cost of $32,533.83 plus HST;
•approved per diem and travel expense claims for Coun. June Caul ($853) for her attendance at the AMO conference in Windsor on Aug. 14-17;
•received, with appreciation for service, a letter of resignation from J. Lampi-Hughes from the Economic Development Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
•referred a financial request from Sandra Allan, founder and co-ordinator of the “When Eagles Fly” program, to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation, with input from the Police Services Board;
•passed bylaws to authorize the entering into of hangar lot lease agreements with Shane Pope (NW Flying Inc.) and Todd Lougheed at the Fort Frances Airport;
•passed a bylaw to approve an agreement with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. for funding for a programming and events co-ordinator intern at the Fort Frances Museum (this is a one-year position that will provide support to the museum in anticipation of, and during, Canada’s 150th birthday celebration next year);
•agreed that Couns. Doug Kitowski and Ken Perry will attend the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference Jan. 29-31, 2017 in Toronto; and
•agreed Mayor Avis, as well as Couns. Paul Ryan and Perry, will attend the Association of Municipalities Ontario conference Aug. 13-16, 2017 in Ottawa.
