The town of Fort Frances is following up with its senior elected officials on the status of the International Bridge, linking it with International Falls.
The town recently learned the US side of the bridge was sold but may have contravened Canadian legislation.
Councillor Doug Judson says the Canadian is still in the hands of Resolute Forest Products.
“As far as we know, the Canadian side of the bridge remains unsold, and Resolute has now been informed by Transport Canada that before any sale, it will also need to secure federal approval,” says Judson.
Judson says there is also a role the province can take and is following with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.
“We know from the Ontario’s Toll Bridges Act that the provincial government can enter into agreements for the financing or operation of an international bridge and that they also have jurisdiction to regulate tolls that are charged on international bridges,” notes Judson.
Judson adds that now they know more about the governance of the bridge and the allowing for conditions on any approvals grants, Fort Frances could see conditions that are favourable to their interests.
