Town of Fort Frances and RRFDC restructure economic development partnership

Staff

The Town of Fort Frances and Rainy River Future Development Corporation (RRFDC) are changing the very dynamics of their relationship and thanking an outgoing economic development officer for her years of service.

In a press release from the RRFDC, the organization notes that in light of the departure of a longtime economic development officer, the Town of Fort Frances has decided to restructure its Planning and Development division in order to bring economic development for the town in-house. This brings to an end a particular partnership between the Town and RRFDC that, according to the release, began in 2021 with an agreement between the two parties to have the RRFDC provide economic development services specific to the Town of Fort Frances. In order to administer this service, the RRFDC hired on a consultant, which the release says “greatly helped the Town in encouraging and strengthening economic activities in the community.” This agreement was separate from the per capita contribution from the town which “supports the RRFDC ‘s regional economic development activities and projects.”

However, as the consultant has chosen not to renew that contract, the Town and RRFDC have restructured the agreement, which has led to the creation of the in-house position at the Town.

The RRFDC says in the statement they will continue to serve the Town of Fort Frances, as it does with other municipalities in the region. The RRFDC will also continue to support the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) committee, the Go Local Program and the Boundary Waters Forest Management Corporation, among other regional initiatives.

RRFDC chair Gord Armstrong extended his thanks to all the RRFDC staff and consultants who have put their time in to work with the Town of Fort Frances.

“We have many successes that both organizations can be proud of,” Armstrong said.

“Looking forward, I see continuing opportunities to advance Regional Economic Development in Rainy River District.”

The statement notes both the Town and RRFDC are looking forward to a continuing relationship, which it says is “positive and strong” and will help to facilitate additional economic development opportunities in the district. They also extend “their sincere thanks to the consultant for her longstanding service and commitment to the Town of Fort Frances.”