The Rainy River District is showing its support for Fort Frances in seeking conditions with the pending sale of the International Bridge.
Transport Canada is reviewing that sale.
A resolution passing at the annual meeting of the District Municipal Association meeting asks Transport Canada for guaranteed public access, an asset management plan and a ceiling on tolls.
Fort Frances Councillor Doug Judson says it’s an important transportation link.
“This isn’t just a Fort Frances Bridge. It’s a Rainy River District bridge. It conveys traffic and economic goods all across northwestern Ontario and serves a region the size of France. So it’s really important that the government put in place those conditions,” says Judson.
Some municipal leaders also supported the call to have the bridge be owned government.
LaVallee Reeve Ken McKinnon says it’s sad the bridge is under private ownership.
“God only knows what’s gonna happen in the next few years as far as maintaining it and keeping it. Between the two levels of government and between the two countries, they should control that border,” says McKinnon.
The resolution also expresses concern the area hasn’t been sufficiently canvassed input on the sale.
