Members of Fort Frances council are reacting positively to the potential opportunities that developers of the former Resolute Forest Products mill property have presented.
Council took no action on the proposal but did offer encouraging words.
Mayor June Caul sees it as a win-win for the project investors and the community.
“We’ve been in limbo here since the mill has gone down, and it’s exciting to see that there are new opportunities coming to make this town a vibrant hub for our area,” says Caul.
Councillor Doug Judson feels the project takes into account issues and needs previously identified.
“I think big ones are for me the opportunity to better reflect local indigenous culture and communities in the fabric of Fort Frances. I think that’s something that has been a need because we see we know that those youth populations are the fastest-growing ones. We know we’re relying on those young people to support our population into the future. And I also think there’s a really important economic reconciliation theme here,” says Judson.
Councillor Wendy Brunetta also likes the inclusion of Indigenous history, seeing it as a huge draw.
“I’ve always believed that focusing on our indigenous history will really draw a lot of tourism to our community, so I think it’s a great path to go down. I also like the focus on the green energy or the green projects that you’re looking at as well, ” says Brunetta.
Councillor John McTaggarts is excited to see it move ahead.
“I’m particularly pleased with the waterfront precinct to see the waterfront walkway extension as part of what (is) recommended,” says McTaggart.
