Fort Frances public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council Meeting
Fort Frances Council will consider several major items, including the final drafts of a new Official Plan and comprehensive Zoning By-law, a zoning amendment for 1231 King's Highway, and the Little Amik Revitalization Project. Council will also hear a deputation from Segal Construction about a housing proposal, receive correspondence on water fluoridation and a taxi meter rate increase, and enact several by-laws, including one to appoint an interim municipal clerk.
- New Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law final drafts
- Zoning by-law amendment for 1231 King's Highway to allow dwelling units and reduce lot frontage from 60m to 10m
- Little Amik Revitalization Project: continue Indigenous consultation and include as water tower feature
- By-Law 81-24 to impose certain user fees for 2025
- By-Law 82-24 to authorize amended lease agreement with Minister of Infrastructure
Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation
The Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation Board of Directors is meeting to approve financial statements for August through October 2024, capital investments for July to September 2024, and the draft 2025 capital and operating budgets. They will also set the 2025 meeting schedule. The agenda includes only routine approvals and no items referred from council.
- Approve financial statements for August, September, and October 2024
- Approve capital investments for July to September 2024
- Approve 2025 Capital Draft Budget
- Approve 2025 Budget Submission
- Approve 2025 meeting schedule (March 19, June 18, Sept 17, Dec 17)
Public Meeting - 02 Dec 2024 - Zoning By-Law Amendment
The Town of Fort Frances Council is holding a public meeting to hear comments on a zoning by-law amendment application (File B2-2024) from Farm Boy Real Estate Holdings LTD for the property at 1231 King's Highway. The amendment would allow dwelling units and multiplex dwelling units as permitted uses under the R3 zone and reduce the required lot frontage from 60m to 10m, to permit potential future development of modular dwelling units. No decision will be made at this meeting; comments will be considered before any final decision.
- Zoning by-law amendment application B2-2024 for 1231 King's Highway
- Request to allow dwelling units and multiplex dwelling units in R3 zone
- Request to reduce lot frontage requirement from 60m to 10m
- Purpose: permit potential future modular dwelling unit development
- Public comment period open; no resolution to be made at this time
Public Meeting Official Plan and Zoning By
The Town of Fort Frances is holding a statutory public meeting to present and receive input on the Final Draft Official Plan and Final Draft Zoning By-law, which will replace the 2011 Official Plan and 2014 Zoning By-law. The meeting includes a presentation by consultants from WSP and a public comment period. Residents who do not speak or submit written comments before the by-laws are passed may lose the right to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
- Public meeting on Final Draft Official Plan and Zoning By-law
- Replaces 2011 Official Plan and 2014 Zoning By-law (03/14)
- Consultant presentation by WSP planners Jill MacDonald and William Turman
- Public comment period for input on draft documents
- Notice: failure to comment may bar appeal to Ontario Land Tribunal
Regular Council Meeting
Council will hear a deputation from FirstLight Energy about a proposed solar and battery storage project on municipal land, and will decide on several items including the 2025 user fees, water and sewer rates, a water tower rehabilitation contract, and various by-laws. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and committee reports.
- Award RFP 2024-OF-09 for water tower rehabilitation to Landmark Municipal Services ULC for $3,964,000 (excluding HST)
- Approve 2025 user fees schedule and set 2025 water and sewer rates
- FirstLight Energy deputation on solar and BESS project seeking municipal support resolution
- By-laws for NOHFC contribution agreements (roof repairs, firehall renovation), marriage license modernization, firefighter collective agreement, and employee benefits provider
- Councillor Firth notices of motion on municipal annex options, Sunny Cove camp, and revenue-generating activities
Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee
The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee is meeting to handle routine business: approving the agenda and October minutes, discussing unfinished business on men's fitness classes, and receiving a resignation from committee member Irene Laing. New business includes a presentation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario, a Seniors Centre activity report, and a financial update. The meeting is largely procedural with updates and reports.
- Resignation of Irene Laing from the Senior Centre Advisory Committee, effective immediately due to relocation to Winnipeg
- Discussion of men's fitness classes as unfinished business
- Presentation by Retired Teachers of Ontario, c/o Cynthia Woodland
- Seniors Centre activity report including 23 yoga and 31 Tai Chi participants, and $1,539.69 in donations since January
- Financial update showing $44,843 budget vs $35,970.58 actuals YTD (19.79% variance)
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes from November 5, 2024, and to discuss unfinished business including committee member recruitment. New business includes the curator's report and planning for a January 2024 exhibition. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approval of minutes from November 5, 2024
- Discussion on committee member recruitment
- Curator's report covering operations, funding, and programs
- Planning for January 2024 exhibition
Special Council Meeting 2025 Budget
Council is meeting to begin deliberations on the 2025 Municipal Capital Budget, totaling $29,310,695. The budget includes $12,247,165 in projects carried forward from 2024, with $7,969,389 for two major road projects. New projects total $17,063,530, including water infrastructure work. Council will also consider a report on water tower rehabilitation.
- 2025 Capital Budget of $29,310,695
- Carried forward projects: $12,247,165
- Road projects: Third Street West (Central to York) and Scott Street (Reid to Mosher) - $7,969,389
- Water Treatment Plant TSS and Dechlorination Project - $2,750,000
- Water Tower Rehabilitation Project - $4,033,800
Regular Council Meeting
Fort Frances Council is meeting to decide on several administrative and financial items, including appointing BDO Canada LLP as auditors, partnering with People Corporation for employee benefits, and entering into conditional contribution agreements with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for roof repairs, arena upgrades, and firehall renovations. They will also consider a resolution urging the province to address the physician shortage, and receive financial statements and committee minutes. The meeting includes a closed session for litigation, land purchase, and labour negotiations.
- Appoint BDO Canada LLP as auditors for a two-year term to December 31, 2025
- Enter into conditional contribution agreement with NOHFC for Fort Frances Roof Repairs
- Support NOHFC grant application for 52 Canadians Arena Brine and Controls Upgrade ($208,000 total, $156,000 NOHFC)
- Enter into conditional contribution agreement with NOHFC for Fort Frances Firehall Renovation
- Approve by-law to amend traffic regulations on Keating Avenue at First Street West
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee - 22 Oct 2024 - Held on 05 Nov 2024
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, receive updates on the Museum and Culture Strategic Plan, discuss committee member recruitment, and hear the Curator's Report. The agenda also includes volunteer recruitment and potential motions to Mayor and Council. The meeting is largely procedural, with substantive discussion expected on the strategic plan and curator's report.
- Museum and Culture Strategic Plan update
- Committee member recruitment (2 adult, 1 youth vacancy)
- Curator's Report: HVAC upgrade needed, pest infestation discovered, CMOG funding updates
- Volunteer recruitment
- Motions to Mayor and Council
Regular Council Meeting
Council will declare a councillor seat vacant and choose how to fill it, consider creating a tournament coordinator position, and review several policies and agreements. The meeting also includes a deputation on reconciliation and a request to support a provincial campaign on physician shortages.
- Declare 1 councillor seat vacant and select option to fill it
- Consider creating a Tournament and Events Growth Coordinator position (18-month term)
- Approve $480 plus tax partnership with Royal Canadian Legion for drug safety program
- Authorize Connecting Links funding application for Central Avenue roundabout redesign
- Enact by-laws for generator load bank contract and insurance renewal
Rainy River District OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District OPP Detachment Board will meet to decide on member remuneration, including a $2,000 annual payment for the Provincial Appointee, and to discuss the apportionment of operational costs among municipalities. The board will also consider adopting a formal name, a procedural by-law, and a partnership agreement. Several items were tabled from the previous meeting and are up for decision now.
- Approve $2,000 annual remuneration for Provincial Appointee until Nov 14, 2026
- Recommend same remuneration for Community Representatives
- Decide method to apportion municipal cost shares (e.g., by population or equal split)
- Adopt a formal name for the board
- Adopt draft Procedural By-Law and Partnership Agreement
Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee
The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee is meeting to handle routine business: approving the agenda and prior minutes, reviewing a committee bylaw, discussing a letter to Council about Victoria Avenue street parking, and receiving a presentation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario. The agenda also includes a seniors centre activity report and a financial update. This is a regular advisory meeting with no major decisions expected.
- Committee Bylaw Review
- Letter to Council regarding Victoria Avenue Street Parking
- Retired Teachers of Ontario Presentation - c/o Cynthia Woodland
- Seniors Centre Activity Report
- Financial Update
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider a minor variance application (A7-2024) from Farm Boy Real Estate to place a modular dwelling unit on a trailer in the front yard of 1231 King's Highway for display and marketing purposes. The property is zoned Residential Type Three (R3), and the variance seeks relief from zoning rules that prohibit outdoor storage and trailers in the front yard. The committee will also approve the minutes from the July 17, 2024 meeting.
- Minor variance A7-2024: 1231 King's Highway, to permit temporary outdoor display of a modular dwelling in the front yard
- Relief from Zoning By-law section 3.19 (outdoor storage) and section 3.36 (trailers) for the display unit
- Property is a mobile home park (R3 zoning) with 10 demolition permits and 2 addition permits lacking final inspection
- Building and Planning advises no building permit will be issued; structure is for display only, no occupancy
- Approval of minutes from July 17, 2024 Committee of Adjustment meeting
Regular Council Meeting
Fort Frances Council is meeting to decide on several administrative and operational items, including approving a $224,759.69 contract for a generator load bank at the water treatment plant, renewing municipal insurance for $441,369, and receiving the OPP 2025 annual billing statement of $3,431,494. Council will also consider a 2.1% increase to 2025 user fees, continue the summer ice pilot program, and discuss traffic and capital projects. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and financial statements.
- OPP 2025 annual billing statement: $3,431,494 total, $285,958 monthly
- Award tender 2024-OF-11 to Benka Electric for $224,759.69 (excl. HST) for generator load bank
- Renew municipal insurance with Intact Public Entities for $441,369 plus taxes
- Approve 2.1% CPI increase for 2025 user fees
- Continue Summer Ice pilot program for 2025 (July 8–August 31)
Rainy River District OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District OPP Detachment Board is holding its inaugural meeting to organize itself under the new Community Safety and Policing Act. Members will elect a chair and vice-chair, receive the code of conduct, and vote on appointing an administrator and treasurer. They will also decide on remuneration for board members, approve a budget and cost-sharing method, and set a quarterly meeting schedule.
- Approve $2,000 annual remuneration for Provincial Appointee until Nov 14, 2026
- Appoint Board Administrator and Treasurer (names not specified)
- Approve 2024 budget and apportion costs using Rainy River District Services Board levy method
- Adopt Code of Conduct as per O. Reg. 409/23
- Set quarterly meetings on 3rd Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. starting Dec 18, 2024
Regular Council Meeting & 2025 Budget Public Meeting
Fort Frances Council is holding a public meeting to hear input on the 2025 budget, including written comments on traffic safety and accessible parking. Council will also consider several administrative items, including a three-year garbage and recycling contract with GFL, a resolution supporting a Housing Accelerator Fund 2.0 application, and an emergency expenditure for a lift station repair.
- 2025 Budget Public Consultation with written comments on traffic safety and accessible parking
- Award of Tender 2024-OF-15: 3-year contract with GFL for garbage and recycling pickup
- Support resolution for Housing Accelerator Fund 2.0 application to CMHC
- Emergency capital expenditure of ~$125,000 for 5th Street Sanitary Lift Station repairs
- By-laws for Connecting Links funding for Scott Street and Third Street West reconstruction
Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee
The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee is meeting to review unfinished business, including a final review of the committee bylaw, a report on Seniors Month, plans for the Volunteer Dinner and Outstanding Senior of the Year, and a letter to Council about parking on Victoria Avenue. They will also discuss new business such as the Seniors Centre activity report, the Senior Games Dinner on September 21, and a financial update. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being updates and discussions rather than final decisions.
- Final review of committee bylaw
- Letter to Council regarding Victoria Avenue street parking
- Senior Games Dinner on September 21
- Financial update showing $44,294.73 spent YTD against $44,843 approved budget
- Discussion on painted lines in the parking lot
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the Museum and Culture Strategic Plan, committee member recruitment, and a final by-law review. They will also hear the Curator Report and discuss the Annual Gala. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being updates and discussions rather than final decisions.
- Museum and Culture Strategic Plan Update
- Committee Member Recruitment
- Final Committee By-Law Review
- Curator Report
- Annual Gala
Regular Council Meeting
Fort Frances Council is meeting to decide on several administrative and financial items, including approving contribution agreements for road reconstruction on Scott Street and Third Street West, a 2025 budget schedule, and a tax reduction for a property. They will also discuss a proposal to fund a Tournament Growth Coordinator and review policies on the town tagline and logo use. The meeting includes a closed session for labour negotiations, litigation, and a personnel matter.
- Connecting Links Program agreements for Scott Street (Reid to Mosher) and Third Street West (Central to York) reconstruction
- Tax reduction of $12,283.31 for 1301 Eighth Street East
- 2025 Budget Schedule approval
- Proposal to hire Tournament Growth Coordinator with $56,000 salary, FedNor funding up to $52,500
- By-laws for sidewalk installation, canteen agreement, and policy adoptions
Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation
The Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation board will consider approving a 2.5% market rent increase for 2025, as well as financial statements for May, June, and July 2024 and tenant write-offs for 2023. The board will also receive information on capital reserves investment. The meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2024.
- 2025 Market Rent Increase: 2.5% for current tenants, with examples like 2-bedroom rent rising from $804 to $824 and 3-bedroom from $853 to $874
- Financial Statements for May, June, July 2024
- 2023 Tenant Write Offs
- Capital Reserves Investment information
Regular Council Meeting
Fort Frances Council is meeting to decide on several contracts and policies, including awarding a sidewalk installation tender, approving a canteen agreement, and adopting new policies. They will also receive a presentation from MPAC and consider a resolution on healthcare. The meeting includes a closed session for litigation, labour negotiations, and a personnel matter.
- Award Tender 2024-OF-14 for sidewalk supply/installation to Signature Contractors for $191,096.12
- Approve canteen agreement with The Penalty Box Canteen for Memorial Sports Centre (Sept 15, 2024–June 30, 2026, with 2-year option)
- Approve $650 contribution to Rainy River Vet Services Trust Fund
- Approve Minutes of Settlement for 861 Kings Highway reducing taxes by $8,368.25
- Adopt revised Public Complaint Policy and Claims Handling Policy
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider a minor variance application (A6-2024) for a property at 925 Williams Avenue. The applicant seeks to reduce the required 2.0m clearance between the main building and a proposed detached garage to 1.8m to avoid encroaching on the sideyard setback. The committee will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- Minor variance A6-2024: 925 Williams Avenue, reduce building clearance from 2.0m to 1.8m for new garage
- Approval of June 19, 2024 Committee of Adjustment minutes
- Property zoned Residential Type One (R1), designated Living Area in Official Plan