Talks between council and Agency One bands are progressing in a positive direction.
At last night’s council meeting, Mayor June Caul said the First Nations Advisory Committee has had productive meetings with Agency One chiefs and continue to focus on the restoration and revitalization of Point Park.
“We will be identifying some proposals to council that we feel will help the positive progress to our communities,” she noted.
Mayor Caul said they continue to build upon the trust and sincerity of their intentions outlined in the joint declaration which was signed earlier this year at Point Park to end courtroom litigation.
“We continue to meet monthly and will continue also to discuss our aspirations for our communities,” she remarked.
The community will be updated as matters progress and when the town is in a position to do so.
Also at last night’s meeting, Coun. Douglas Judson highlighted the Save the Boundary Waters Campaign’s special information session being hosted at the Fort Frances Public Library tomorrow (Aug. 14) from 7-8:30 p.m.
“They are concerned about the potential for threats posed by sulfide ore mining to Canadian waters in the Rainy River drainage basin,” he explained.
This will be the first event in Canada regarding the issue of regional waterways under threat by proposed copper mining from Chilean mining giant Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project.
Attendees will hear from presenters who say waters are under threat in Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park and Voyageurs National Park and Water Canoe Area Wilderness in the United States.
“We will hear . . . about why they feel those waters are under threat and we hope that community stakeholders will find that information helpful as they determine whether or not to engage with that issue,” noted Coun. Judson.
Coun. Judson also mentioned the several local businesses who have made efforts to revitalize their storefronts and create an even more attractive business district.
“They look terrific and I want to acknowledge those investments because they show your confidence in our economy, your respect for our community, and they help us to build an even more attractive business district,” he lauded.
Meanwhile, Second Street East construction is on track and progressing well.
Operations and Facilities manager Travis Rob said it should be finished by the middle or end of October.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
- approved a report re: design works for the roof replacement at the Memorial Sports Centre.
- approved a report that will redefine the non-prime time ice surface rental user fee class to include the hours 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- approved a request from Rainy River District School Board re: unbudgeted construction of a sidewalk along McIrvine Road; and
- approved a request from CN to proclaim Sept. 23-29, 2019 as “Rail Safety Week” in the Town of Fort Frances.
