The Town of Fort Frances is getting ready to clear away the dirt and refuse left by winter in preparation for the World Health Organization’s 11-annual Conference on Safe Communities coming here May 6-9.
“It’s certainly something that’s been discussed for some time. But with the conference coming soon, we’re getting ready to present the town the best we can,” said Operations and Facilities manager Pat Hickerson.
“Basically, what we’ll be looking to do is move forward some of our normal spring cleaning,” he added.
Such work will include extensive street sweeping from the airport to main streets, such as the downtown area and streets located near conference venues, as well as places where delegates may be staying.
“Then we’d be looking at some line painting, depending on the weather, and how quickly we get the street sweeping done,” noted Hickerson.
Other activities will include repairing or replacing signs and posts, cleaning out gutters, removing garbage and gravel from boulevards, and possibly cleaning up Pither’s Point Park.
But Public Works can only do so much in the next month so the town is hoping the public pitches in.
“In general, as by bylaw, the public is responsible for cleaning up the boulevard on their block,” said Hickerson. “But beyond that, it would be nice for residents to get out a do a little yard cleanup.”
Council agreed at its regular meeting Monday night to encourage residents to clean up by holding a free tipping day at the municipal landfill site April 27.
“We know there’s going to be conference-related activities going on before the conference actually starts, and delegates will be here,” said Hickerson. “We want to have everything cleaned up by May 3.”
Yet another aspect of the cleanup is Household Hazardous Waste Day 2002, which is slated here May 11. More details on that event, such as location and times, will be determined closer to the date.
It’s being held here upon request of the Rainy River First Nations Watershed Program, which hosted the event in Emo last year.
The reasoning is that since the majority of households participating last year were from Fort Frances, even more materials would be turned in if it was held here.
In related news, WHO organizers have requested a donation of in-kind rental of the Townshend Theatre and the Memorial Sports Centre from May 3-10.
Council agreed to refer the matter to the Administration and Finance committee.
Community Services manager George Bell told council this donation would mean the loss of up to $11,000 in revenue.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
