Fort Frances public meetings in 2022
33 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Make a Big Splash Spray Park - Advisory Committee
The Make a Big Splash Spray Park Advisory Committee reviewed a design presentation from Open Space Solutions. The committee voted to recommend the design proposal 22-1132R2 to Council for approval.
- Recommendation of design proposal 22-1132R2 from Open Space Solutions
- Discussion regarding potential Christmas fundraising event at Townshend Theatre
- Review of website design and social media updates
Regular Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing a $419,409.96 grant application for the Fort Frances Seniors Centre Expansion. The agenda also includes appointing an Integrity Commissioner and reviewing public submissions regarding the 2023 Budget.
- $419,409.96 Canada Cultural Spaces Fund application for Seniors Centre Expansion
- Appointment of David G. Boghosian as Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator
- Awarding of KPMG contract for Governance Review Audit (RFP 2022-AF-03)
- By-Law 68-22 regarding 2023 User Fees
- Request from Sunset Country Metis to permanently raise the Metis Flag
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing 2023 user fee increases and budget submissions. The meeting includes discussions on water treatment plant design awards, wastewater upgrades, and a funding request for a new spray park.
- Proposed 5.9% increase for Community Services, Administration & Finance, Operations, and Cemetery user fees
- Award of $147,058 to TBT Engineering for Water Treatment Plant design
- Award of $51,480 to LBE Group for Wastewater Collection System Lift Station upgrades
- $75,000 financial contribution request from Make a Big Splash Committee for a spray park
- Petition for Cornwall Avenue North pavement, curbs, and gutters
Special Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Town Council will meet to discuss the appointment of an external financial auditor for the Fort Frances Power Corporation for the 2022 corporate year. The Board of Directors has recommended BDO Dunwoody LLP for this role. Council will also meet in-camera to discuss director appointments.
- Appointment of BDO Dunwoody LLP as auditors for the 2022 corporate year
- In-camera discussion regarding director appointments and personal matters
Operations and Facilities Executive Committee
The Operations and Facilities Executive Committee is reviewing contracts for water treatment plant assessments and wastewater system upgrades. The committee is also discussing proposed 2023 water and sewer rates and a 5.9% increase to division user fees and cemetery prices.
- Award of $147,058 contract to TBT Engineering for Water Treatment Plant design and life assessment
- Award of $51,480 contract to LBE Group for Wastewater Collection System Lift Station upgrades
- Proposed 5.9% increase to 2023 Operations and Facilities Division user fees and charges
- Proposed 5.9% increase to the 2023 Cemetery Price List
- Approval of 2023 water and sewer rates under Scenario 1
Planning & Development Executive Committee
The committee is considering a recommendation to establish 2023 user fees for the Planning and Development Division. Most planning and building permit fees are proposed to increase by 5.9%, while several parking and animal control fees are recommended to remain at 2022 rates.
- Proposed 5.9% increase for most planning and building permit fees
- New fee of $3,500.00 for concurrent Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments
- Proposed increase of surcharge for construction commenced prior to permit issuance from $166.19 to $300.00
- Recommendation to maintain 2022 rates for animal control, metered on-street parking, and annual parking rentals
- Annual parking space rental rate recommended to remain at $600.00
Regular Council Meeting
Council will review the 2023 Budget Schedule and a proposal to increase user fees by 6.5% based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index. Other items include appointing a new By-Law Enforcement Officer and discussing the cancellation of the Seniors Centre expansion tender.
- 2023 Budget Schedule approval
- 6.5% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for 2023 User Fees
- Appointment of Katelyn Svoboda as By-Law Enforcement Officer and Weed Inspector
- Adoption of final splash park design (proposal 22-1132R2)
- Cancellation and redesign of the Fort Frances Seniors Centre Expansion tender (2022-OF-14)
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2023 budget schedule and a proposed 6.5% increase to user fees based on the Ontario CPI. The agenda also includes decisions on staff appointments, aerial photography agreements, and the cancellation of a seniors centre expansion tender for redesign.
- Proposed 6.5% increase to 2023 User Fees based on Ontario CPI
- Adoption of the final design proposal 22-1132R2 for a new splash park
- Cancellation of Tender 2022-OF-14 for the Fort Frances Seniors Centre Expansion to allow for redesign and cost savings
- Approval of a $1,000 plus HST agreement for North West Ontario aerial imagery
- Appointment of Katelyn Svoboda as By-Law Enforcement Officer and Municipal Weed Inspector
Special Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will hold a special meeting to conduct an in-camera educational session. This closed session is for the purpose of training and educating Council Members for the 2022-2026 term.
- Council Orientation 2022-2026 Term Educational Session
Special Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will hold a special meeting to conduct an educational session for the 2022-2026 term. This portion of the meeting will be held in-camera to facilitate training and education for Council members.
- Council Orientation 2022-2026 Term educational session
Special Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will hold a special meeting to conduct an in-camera educational session. This session is for Council Member orientation for the 2022-2026 term.
- Council Orientation 2022-2026 Term Educational Session
Inaugural Meeting of the 2022-2026 Term of Council 21 Nov 2022
The Council is conducting its first meeting of the new term, including an inaugural ceremony and official declarations. The session includes the appointment of a Deputy Mayor and the assignment of councillors to various boards and committees.
- Appointment of M. Behan as Deputy Mayor
- Appointment of councillors to 30 different boards and committees
- Establishment of Committee of the Whole Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons through 2026
- Inaugural address by Mayor Andrew Hallikas
Make a Big Splash Spray Park - Advisory Committee
The Make a Big Splash Spray Park Advisory Committee is reviewing design proposals and fundraising progress for a new splash pad. The committee is also tracking a $100,000 grant application for accessibility features.
- Presentation of proposed splash pad design by Janet Elliott of Open Space Solutions
- Application submitted for an Enabling Accessibility grant of up to $100,000.00
- Discussion of fundraising via a Christmas event and local business outreach
- Review of Urban Blu self-cleaning washroom units as a potential addition
- Review of Waterplay conceptual layout and equipment components
Regular Council Meeting
The Council is considering several items, including a resolution of support for a proposed battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property. The agenda also includes reviewing tax adjustments for 433 Mowat Avenue and approving new by-laws for service agreements and easements.
- Resolution of support for a 150 MW Battery Energy Storage System project at the Lagoon property
- By-Law 60-22: Easement agreement with the Township of Alberton
- By-Law 61-22: Service Agreement with Steve William Both
- Tax adjustment for property located at 433 Mowat Avenue
- Support for Connecting Links Program applications for Scott Street and Third Street West
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a tax adjustment for 433 Mowat Avenue and considering a new water service agreement for 11 Highway 11. The meeting also includes the review of several monthly drinking water summary reports.
- Tax adjustment for 433 Mowat Avenue resulting in a $1,548.99 reduction
- Proposed water service agreement with Steve William Both and 501801 Ontario Limited for 11 Highway 11
- Extension of lot lease agreement with Canadian National Demolition at Fort Frances Municipal Airport
- Review of July through October 2022 Drinking Water Systems Monthly Summary Reports
Operations and Facilities Executive Committee
The Operations and Facilities Executive Committee is reviewing monthly drinking water summary reports for July through October 2022. The committee is also considering a water service agreement for 11 Highway 11 and a lease extension for Canadian National Demolition at the municipal airport.
- Water service agreement with Steve William Both and 501801 Ontario Limited for 11 Highway 11
- Lot lease extension for Canadian National Demolition at Fort Frances Municipal Airport until March 31, 2023
- July, August, September, and October 2022 Drinking Water Systems Monthly Summary Reports
- Review of 2022 operations statistics for Public Works and Environmental areas
Police Services Board - 04 Nov 2022 Rescheduled from October 28th
The Board is reviewing the 2023 OPP Municipal Policing Annual Billing Statement and the Detachment Commander's report covering June to September 2022. The meeting also includes correspondence regarding a proposal for the OPP Detachment Board in Rainy River.
- OPP 2023 estimated total billing of $2,611,500 for Fort Frances
- Detachment Commander's report for June to September 2022
- OPP Municipal Policing 2023 Annual Billing Statement package
- Proposal for OPP Detachment Board - Rainy River
New Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law - Technical Advisory Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee met to discuss the review of Fort Frances's Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law. The meeting included a project overview by WSP and a discussion regarding the draft Community Background Report. The committee is tasked with providing technical input and analysis during the development of these planning documents.
- Review of the draft Community Background Report
- Project overview of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law update by WSP
- Discussion of the Technical Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
- Planning for the upcoming Public Open House #1
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee is reviewing two applications for land severance and lot changes. One involves adding land to an existing property on Eighth Street West, and the other involves creating a new lot at McKenzie Avenue for a residential dwelling.
- A2-2022: Consent application to add land from 186 Eighth Street West to 180 Eighth Street West
- A3-2022: Consent application to sever 804 McKenzie Avenue for use as a single-family dwelling
- Proposed rezoning of 804 McKenzie Avenue from Institutional (I) to Residential Type One (R1)
- Approval of a minor variance for 1061 Walker Avenue at the September 14 meeting
Make a Big Splash Spray Park - Advisory Committee
The Make a Big Splash Spray Park Advisory Committee is reviewing playground equipment and park designs. Members discussed design features like shade structures and the high cost of soft surfacing, while also tracking fundraising and grant applications.
- Review of playground equipment and splash park designs
- Discussion of high costs for rubber or soft surfacing and slides
- Stage 2 NOHFC application submission scheduled for October 19
- MAT Tax reserve contains approximately $136,000
- Potential addition of a disc golf course under consideration
Make a Big Splash Spray Park - Advisory Committee
The Make a Big Splash Spray Park Advisory Committee is discussing fundraising initiatives and project scoping. The committee is reviewing a 'fish theme' equipment quotation and tracking grant applications with Tbaytel for Good and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
- Review of a $322,332.50 total invoice quotation for 'Fish Theme' splash pad equipment and installation
- Discussion of fundraising letters to community organizations
- Update on Tbaytel for Good semi-final application status
- Update on Stage 2 Northern Ontario Heritage Fund application
- Review of design updates and play structure costs
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a resolution to support a 150 MW battery energy storage project at the Lagoon property. The meeting also covers several grant applications for road reconstructions and park rehabilitation.
- Resolution to support SB Energy US Holdings One battery energy storage project at the Lagoon property
- Approval of $2,227.66 in travel expenses and honorarium for Councillor Wendy Brunetta
- Connecting Links Program application for Scott Street reconstruction (Reid Avenue to Armit Avenue)
- Connecting Links Program application for Third Street West design works
- Community Enhancement Program application for Legion Park Rehabilitation
Regular Council Meeting
The Council will consider a resolution to support a 150 MW battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property. Additionally, several applications for provincial and federal funding regarding road reconstructions and park rehabilitations are on the agenda.
- Proposed 150 MW battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property
- Connecting Links Program application for Scott Street reconstruction
- Connecting Links Program application for Third Street West design works
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund application for Legion Park Rehabilitation
- Request from Township of Chapple for by-law enforcement services
Regular Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing several by-laws, including agreements for transit funding and canteen services. Members are also discussing correspondence regarding federal electoral boundary redistributions in Northern Ontario.
- By-Law 53-22: La Verendrye Parkway Expansion feasibility study and design funding
- By-Law 54-22: GIS Datashare Agreement with WSP Canada Inc
- By-Law 55-22: Canteen operator agreement with Tess’s Kitchen
- Tax adjustment for 1325 Sixth Street East
- Implementation of Information Technology Resources Policy
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several funding agreements and administrative reports. Key items include provincial transfer payments for highway and street projects and a contribution agreement for the Memorial Sports Centre expansion.
- Kings Highway reconstruction from Pit Road 2 to Oakwood Road funding agreement
- Scott Street design works from Reid Avenue to Armit Avenue funding agreement
- Memorial Sports Centre expansion contribution agreement with NOHFC
- Tax adjustment for 1325 Sixth Street East following property demolition
- Implementation of the Information Technology Resources Policy
Operations and Facilities Executive Committee
The Operations and Facilities Executive Committee is reviewing several funding agreements. These include provincial transfer payments for road projects on Kings Highway and Scott Street, and a contribution agreement for the Memorial Sports Centre expansion.
- Transfer payment agreement for Kings Highway reconstruction from Pit Road 2 to Oakwood Road
- Transfer payment agreement for Scott Street design works from Reid Avenue to Armit Avenue
- Contribution agreement with Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for Memorial Sports Centre expansion
- Information reports regarding landfill, sewer, water, and airport statistics
Make a Big Splash Spray Park - Advisory Committee
The Make a Big Splash Spray Park Advisory Committee is reviewing design updates and funding options for a new splash park. The committee recommended designating Legion Park as the development site and noted a potential $500,000 funding stream from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
- Recommendation to designate Legion Park for the splash park development
- Proposed concurrent reconstruction of Lillie Avenue from Kings Highway to the river
- Potential Northern Ontario Heritage Fund grant of up to $500,000
- Estimated total project budget of $665,500
- Equipment quotation for 'fish theme' features totaling $129,025.21
Special Council Meeting
Council will discuss whether to close municipal offices and buildings on September 19, 2022. The proposal recognizes the National Day of Mourning following the announcement by the Prime Minister. Options include closing all facilities for all staff or only for unionized staff.
- Proposed closure of Municipal Offices and buildings on September 19, 2022
- In-camera session regarding labour relations and solicitor-client privilege
- Recognition of National Day of Mourning per Collective Agreements
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment met to review zoning amendments and minor variance applications. Members recommended approval for a solar farm and industrial computing project at 1229 Cornwall Avenue, subject to specific conditions.
- Recommended approval for zoning amendment at 1037 Third Street East
- Recommended conditional approval for 150 MW solar farm at 1229 Cornwall Avenue
- Recommended conditional approval for industrial scale computing at 1229 Cornwall Avenue
- Accepted the resignation of Charleen Mallory from the Committee
Regular Council Meeting
The Council will review a conceptual land use plan for former mill properties and a request for a battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property. Members will also discuss a resolution regarding proposed federal electoral boundary changes in Northern Ontario.
- Proposed battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property
- Conceptual Land Use Plan for the Former Mill Properties
- Active Transportation Fund Grant for La Verendrye Parkway expansion
- Award of canteen services at the Memorial Sports Centre to Tess's Kitchen
- Tax adjustment for 842 Second Street East
Regular Meeting of Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a new Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law. They are also considering a request to support a battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property.
- New Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Review presentation by WSP Canada Inc
- Request for support of a battery energy storage facility at the Lagoon property
- Tax adjustment for 842 Second Street East following garage demolition
- Active Transportation Fund Grant Agreement for La Verendrye Parkway expansion
- Award of canteen services contract at the Memorial Sports Centre to Tess's Kitchen
Special Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will review an investigation report by Integrity Commissioner Paul S. Heayn. The report addresses allegations that Mayor Caul violated the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by releasing confidential information.
- Integrity Commissioner report regarding Mayor June Caul
- In-camera discussion regarding Point Park/RTR litigation
Regular Council Meeting
The Council will review several by-laws regarding infrastructure funding and engineering contracts. They will also discuss the status of a reconciliation policy/plan and potential surplus declaration for industrial park land.
- Moffat Funding disbursement for 908 Rainy Lake Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets
- Declaration of Lot 26 in the Industrial Park as surplus for direct sale
- Design works contract with TBT Engineering for 52 Canadians Arena power feed
- Amendment to the Fort Frances Community Microgrid Feasibility Study agreement
- $1,866.50 grant to Safe Communities Rainy River District