An appeal of town council’s decision to re-zone property at 1250 King’s Highway—the likely future site of a Wal-Mart—was dismissed this morning by the Ontario Municipal Board.
The decision came during a teleconference between the OMB, the Town of Fort Frances, Wal-Mart’s lawyers, and Bud Edwards, acting on behalf of local pharmacist and business owner Kim Metke who had filed the appeal in January.
Fort Frances CAO Bill Naturkach, who represented the town, said the OMB based its decision on evidence provided by all parties, including copious affidavits presented by Wal-Mart’s legal representation.
Metke’s appeal was based on several points, including concerns about the building’s impact on the environment and having a “big box” retailer located so far from the downtown core.
Council agreed to the re-zoning Dec. 9.
Meanwhile, Naturkach said Wal- Mart now has filed building plans with the town for a 130,000 sq. ft.
store at the King’s Highway site, and a site plan currently is being worked on.
A site plan must prove to council that the business built there must be focused on serving the needs of tourists and local residents, have sufficient parking for large vehicles (such as RVs), be attractive as part of the “gateway” at the west end of town, and pass any water quality, drainage, and erosion assessments.
Naturkach noted the site plan likely will come before council before the end of the month. If council gives it the nod, the company will begin construction
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
