Area municipal leaders are calling on the provincial government for roadside rest stops in the west end of the Rainy River District.
Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald says there are none west of Fort Frances.
“There’s one that goes up the (Highway) 502 which you have to go off the (Highway) number 11 to add to access. The other one is at Mine Centre. So other than the one that Dawson has in Sleeman, there are none,” says Ewald.
The one in Sleeman is maintained by the township of Dawson but is not during the winter months.
Ewald notes there are about five different locations between Thunder Bay and Atikokan.
Ewald says businesses tell her travellers are turning to them to offer washroom facilities without making a purchase.
“And he said, you know what, I have to buy supplies. I have to clean it. And he said that that’s just not fair. If they’re just looking for a place to use, then there should be something available,” says Ewald.
Delegates attending the Rainy River District Municipal Association approved a resolution seeking provincially-run locations open year-round.
They will pass it on to various levels of government, but also the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association for further support.
