FORT FRANCES—Town council approved a report at its meeting Monday night to give $400 to the Fort Frances Curling Club to help host the Northwestern Ontario ladies’ playdowns here Jan. 5-8.
“I support them 100 percent. We should try to give as much support through the public relations budget as we can,” said Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft.
Coun. Roy Avis noted all groups which ask for money from the town can’t be supported, and there’s certain criteria in place to consider.
“Is it an economic benefit to the community? Does it come here every year? What’s the dollar amount—we have a $400 limit,” he remarked.
“When this came forward, given it wa a one-time deal, we put forth $400,” said Coun. Avis, adding a similar event the town likely will support down the road is the OFSAA boys’ hockey championship in 2006.
This is the first time in 20 years the Fort Frances Curling Club has had an opportunity to host this event, host committee chair Tom Fry wrote in a letter to council.
The top two teams will gain a berth in the 2005 Ontario Scott Tournament of Hearts.
In other news, town council denied a request to help fund the effort to keep the Victoria Cross earned by Cpl. Fred Topham in Canada.
While council agreed this was a good cause and at one point was prepared to contribute $500 to the purchase of the medal, it didn’t feel a financial contribution was necessary any longer given recent news reports which said fundraising efforts have far exceeded the goal of $275,000.
The town instead will send a letter stating Fort Frances still supports, in principle, the medal staying in Canada.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
