Parking spaces being reviewed

Duane Hicks

The town will take a closer look at its bylaw that allows for designated parking areas downtown.
Council last night approved a handicap parking zone for Service Canada, as well as a private parking space in front of H&R Block.
But then it instilled a moratorium on any other requests for parking in the BIA area until further review by administration and the Planning and Development executive committee.
Mayor Roy Avis noted the current bylaw does not clearly allow for private parking spots to be designated; only loading zones and handicapped parking spots.
Coun. Paul Ryan felt the town has set a precedent in allowing private parking spots up to this point, but should rectify that by reviewing the bylaw and making the necessary changes.
“I think we should go ahead and pass these two, and put a moratorium on the rest if any others come, and look at the bylaw and straighten this thing out,” he argued.
As reported two weeks ago, Mayor Avis has expressed concerns that if the town allows for too many designated parking spots, it will leave too few spaces for the public to use.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
•agreed to allow the 116th Independent Field Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery to use the municipal property to the north and east of the Fort Frances Curling Club for a survival exercise on Jan. 26-28 (this location was changed from the Point Park);
•awarded Tender 13-RD-17 (three-year janitorial tender for the Fort Frances Museum, Children’s Complex, Library, Public Works, Sister Kennedy Centre, and Civic Centre) to RAS Maintenance, Nicolson Janitorial Services, S&A Cleaners, and Marianne Hellsoe commencing Jan. 1, 2018 and further that an authorizing bylaw be prepared;
•endorsed the 2018 Community Services student wage rates, which have been changed to reflect wage increases as per Bill 148 (the Fairer Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017);
•referred a financial request from “Meals on Wheels” to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation; and
•referred a request from Eric and Antoinette Kaufman to consider resurfacing Cornwall Avenue, between Sixth Street and Eighth Street, to the Operations and Facilities executive committee for it recommendation.
A presentation by local resident Stan Hoard, regarding the health hazards of wood smoke coming from outbuildings, was tabled to a future council meeting as Hoard was unable to attend the one last night.