Town to review lots up for sale

The town will conduct a review of its commercial and industrial properties for sale after council passed a motion introduced by Coun. Paul Ryan at last night’s regular meeting.
“Recent events dictate that the present prices of some of the lots for sale are in conflict,” noted Coun. Ryan. “Since the prices were calculated so long ago, I believe we should have all lots re-evaluated to reflect their present day value.”
He added some lots have been filled or partially filled over the years with waste materials (earth) from road and sewer projects, and this has never been considered in the current prices.
Coun. Ryan also pointed out the town should review the types of incentives it offers with its property sales.
These include:
•offering fill to the buyer of the property when the town may have to purchase the out-sourced material required;
•offering sewer and water services on some of the lots which are now in contravention of the town bylaw dictating this requirement; and
•offering drainage culverts and granular entrances to the properties upon purchase.
Other factors to consider include whether the lots should be sold through the Civic Centre or through economic development officer Geoff Gillon, and whether the location of lots should make a difference in pricing.
Council referred the matter to the Planning and Development executive committee, with input from the Operations and Facilities and Administration and Finance executive committees.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
•accepted a presentation from Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce president Christine Denby and vice-president Cathy Emes, and referred it to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation;
•referred a request from the Sunset Country Travel Association regarding an annual per capita marketing contribution to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation;
•referred an advertising request from the Fort Frances Times for its new “NW Ontario Vacation Guide Map” to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation;
•passed a bylaw to approve a “Dial-A-Ride” agreement with North Air Services; and
•passed a bylaw to approve an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources with respect to funding under the “Bear Wise” program.