Duane Hicks
The town is hoping to get more bike racks to encourage active transportation.
Town council approved applications to be submitted to the Ontario Commuter Cycling Program at its regular meeting last night.
If successful, the applications could yield 80 percent funding for eight bike racks.
Four racks would be installed at the new Rainy Lake Square on the 200 block of Scott Street.
“The Rainy Lake Square will be an attraction to the downtown core, whereby local residents and tourists will be able to attend the site for farmers’ markets, concerts, and many other events,” the application notes.
“This centrally-located site in the heart of downtown will also serve as a commuter bike drop-off location for downtown workers,” it adds.
The other four would be added to those already located along La Verendrye Parkway.
“The La Verendrye Parkway riverfront walkway and bike path are a heavily-utilized area of the town,” the application states.
“We currently have limited bike racks along this stretch and currently those who bike here to walk the waterfront lock their bikes to trees, benches, or canopy structures.
“The expansion of bike racks here will allow users a safe, secure location to store their bikes while enjoying the riverfront,” it concludes.
The Ontario Commuter Cycling Program is a new funding program for cycling infrastructure within the province.
In other news, council granted permission to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to erect a new sign near the Sorting Gap Marina.
The 4’x8′ sign will be located on the north side of the parking lot near the old Resolute weigh scales, adjacent to the existing Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship sign and map of Rainy Lake.
The purpose of this sign will be to provide locals and tourists with information regarding the Rainy Lake Island Conservation Reserve, as well as a map of the protected area.
The sign will subject to conditions stipulated in the municipal sign bylaw.
