Staff
After having heard safety concerns from the BIA about the vacant Rainy Lake Hotel, the town will address some of the issues brought forth.
In a report to council last night, Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig wrote that some of the exterior signs and lamp posts have fallen into ill repair, and should be addressed in the interest of public health and safety.
Outside of health and safety, general complaints have been made regarding the exterior appearance of the building, McCaig added.
“As mayor and council are aware, the property is still in the tax sale registration process and the town has not vested the property,” he noted.
“In the absence of a specific entity providing basic care of the facility, the town should ensure that any visible threats to public health and safety should be addressed,” he stressed.
McCaig recommended the town remove the exterior signage (Coke signs and building designation), as well as some exterior lamp posts from the building, adding he’s spoke to the Fort Frances Power Corp., which is willing to provide resources to undertake the project on behalf of the town.
The town also will send letters of their intention to address these health and safety concerns to the registered owners, BDO (trustee of bankruptcy) and Northern Lights Credit Union, prior to doing so.
“Within these letters, the town should clearly indicate that the intended measures should not be perceived as the town assuming responsibility for the property,” McCaig said.
