New signage in Fort Frances generating some comments on social media.
The signs promote local motels and hotels and the Fort Frances Museum, with a cartoon moose peering out from behind.
Economic Development Consultant Tannis Drysdale says the signs replace older ones and are paid for with the accommodation tax collected by each hotel and motel.
“All of those businesses have contributed to the cost. And of course, our museum is our new Tourist Information Centre. So as soon as they come out from the COVID cloud, they’re going to be open to provide information for the community,” says Drysdale.
Drysdale emphasizes no municipal money was used to pay for the signs.
She adds the signs passed through a committee overseeing that the use of the accommodation tax money. That committee includes representatives from a number of organizations, including the local motel and hotel industry.
The signs include the phase Boundless Amoosment, a play on the world amusement.
Drysdale says it’s a fun way to welcome people to the community.
She says the use of a moose isn’t to replace past characters used to promote the area in the past.
“He’s not our logo. He’s not replacing Little Amik or any other. It was just a cool way to make a sign that was on brand but which catch folk’s eye.”
She adds the new signs are part of a new two-year tourism strategy.
“Because of COVID, (the plan) had to be delayed. But as we move out of COVID, we’re taking the action steps associated with the two-year plan that was presented to council about a year ago.”
One of the signs greets traffic entering from the border.
The other two are located on Highway 11, to the east and west of Fort Frances.
