Duane Hicks
The Town of Fort Frances will begin the official process of looking for new buyers for the old Fort Frances Public Library building on Church Street.
In a report received by council at last night’s meeting, Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig noted the old library building and property formally was transferred to the town for $1 on Feb. 9.
“As council is aware, there have been inquiries from numerous parties regarding the acquisition of the facility,” McCaig wrote.
“In circumstances like this, many considerations must be taken into account,” he added.
“A simple, straightforward sale to the highest bidder is not the overriding factor, and in some circumstances not even a consideration during a municipal disposition of property.
“When considering the disposition of property such as this, the town needs to thoroughly assess all proposals to identify which one best suits the criteria of community,” McCaig stressed.
As such, he recommended the town proceed with advertising for the submission of expressions of interest (EOI) in the old library.
Working with the Rainy River Future Development Corp., this was the same process the town used for the potential disposition of property at the corner of Front Street and Mosher Avenue, noted McCaig.
At its Feb. 15 meeting, the Administration and Finance executive committee agreed the town should proceed with the invitation for expressions of interest for the old library building.
Council last night agreed with that recommendation.
