A proposal to change the name of Colonization Road in Fort Frances will head to town council for a decision next week.
The town’s Planning and Development Executive Committee is recommending the change go ahead.
Councillor Doug Judson says based on input received, the writing is on the wall.
“I counted more than 240 people who signed the letters that we have before us. Of those, I only counted ten that were opposed. Their reasons, in my view, are fabricated, exaggerated, or abundantly surmountable. None of them should prevent us from moving forward,” says Judson.
Councillor Wendy Brunetta also favoured changing the name when council was last presented with the issue in 2017. She also sees it necessary to move forward.
“I believe that we’ve heard loud and clear from people who did respond that the majority do agree that we should move in this direction,” says Brunetta.
Mayor June Caul is also showing her support for a road change but offering no apologies for the time they’ve taken or the approach to gathering public comment. She feels that has actually helped people better understand the reasons for making the change.
“I think this has helped to educate people more, and I do see people starting to come around a little bit more than they may be where before if they were on the side where they didn’t want it changed,” says Caul.
No names were suggested by the committee.
That process would begin if council agrees to change the name on Monday.
