Fort Frances public meetings in 2025
33 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation
The Fort Frances Municipal Non‑Profit Housing Corporation board will approve the September 2025 financial statements. It will receive the 2025‑2030 Needs Report, which totals $1,474,172 for various unit upgrades. The board will also approve the 2026 Capital Draft Budget and the overall 2026 Draft Budget.
- Approve September 2025 financial statements
- Receive 2025‑2030 Needs Report (total $1,474,172)
- Approve 2026 Capital Draft Budget ($12,000)
- Approve 2026 Draft Budget (amount not specified in agenda)
Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board will approve its meeting agenda and adopt the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting. It will accept a letter from the municipal clerk, consider the Rainy River District North West Region 2026‑2029 Action Plan, and approve a new Procedural By‑Law. The board will receive the Detachment Commander’s October and November 2025 report and hold a closed‑session to review personal matters concerning a board member.
- Approval of the Procedural By‑Law authorizing the Chair and Administrator to sign and seal it
- Acceptance of the municipal clerk’s informational letter
- Review of the Rainy River District North West Region 2026‑2029 Action Plan
- Approval of the agenda for December 15, 2025
- Approval of the October 20, 2025 board minutes
Ad-Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee
The Ad‑Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee received report AR‑25‑0967 to inform its consideration of an off‑leash dog park. Members discussed potential site features, associated product costs, and budget constraints. No formal decisions were made; the report is being taken as information for future planning.
- Report AR‑25‑0967 received as information for dog park development
- Estimated $30,000 for 200 m of fencing (≈0.62 acres enclosure)
- Two park benches priced at $975 each ($1,950 total)
- Two dog waste receptacle systems at $785 each ($1,570 total)
- One drinking fountain with dog bowl estimated at $10,000
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Town Council will consider a consent agenda, several settlement‑minute reconsiderations, and a volunteer‑recognition policy. Council will decide the future of the Kiwanis Sunny Cove Camp, either rehabilitating it or pursuing its sale. The council will approve a $700,000 grant for the East End Outdoor Rink reconstruction, with $500,000 from NOHFC and $200,000 municipal contribution. Five new by‑laws—covering an MNP LLP agreement, 2026 user fees, public art, special events, and zoning—will be introduced and voted on.
- Request for reconsideration of settlement minutes for 1208 Olde Shambles Rd, 1301 Eighth St E, 375 Scott St, and 804 Scott St
- Decision on Kiwanis Sunny Cove Camp: rehabilitation and operation or sale
- Approval of East End Outdoor Rink reconstruction grant: $500,000 NOHFC, $200,000 municipal, total $700,000
- Adoption of By‑Laws 89‑25 to 93‑25 (MNP LLP agreement, 2026 user fees, public art policy, special events policy, zoning by‑law)
- RFP for Hallett and Owandem relocation limited to $528,000 budget allocation
Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Fort Frances Council will consider several approvals, including the consent agenda, the Youth Councillor Policy (By‑Law 87‑25), and the appointment of MNP LLP as auditors for fiscal years 2025‑2029. It will also authorize interim use of the Draft Reconciliation Policy, adopt the 2026 User Fees Schedule, and approve the final draft of the Town's Zoning By‑law for later adoption. A closed‑session will address the disposal of the town's recycle depot and Point Park litigation settlement costs.
- Adopt Youth Councillor Policy by‑law 87‑25
- Authorize interim use of Draft Reconciliation Policy
- Approve appointment of MNP LLP as external auditors for 2025‑2029
- Approve 2026 User Fees Schedule
- Approve final draft of Town of Fort Frances Zoning By‑law (adoption to follow)
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee will approve the agenda, acknowledge Treaty Three territory, and confirm minutes from the previous meeting. Unfinished business includes ongoing committee member recruitment and a review of the volunteer policy. New business features a Curator's Report noting an approved HVAC grant slated for installation in 2026, discussion of the draft Public Art Policy that requires consultation before Council, and a 5‑year planning discussion for future budgeting.
- Review of draft Public Art Policy – needs consultation before Council recommendation
- Curator's Report – HVAC grant approved, installation planned for 2026
- Ongoing Committee Member Recruitment
- Discussion of 5‑Year Planning projects for future budget inclusion
- Volunteer Policy – review of volunteer waiver and project list
Ad-Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee
The Ad‑Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee accepted a document on dog park surface and design ideas as information. It also received report AR‑25‑0947, which outlines six possible land locations for an off‑leash dog park to be considered in future decisions. No formal site selection or design choice was made at this meeting.
- Accepted dog park surface and design ideas (artificial turf recommended) as information
- Received report AR‑25‑0947 detailing six potential land options for the dog park
- Option 1: Southern portion of Legion Park – ~4 acres, central, parking, washrooms
- Option 2: Former North End Rink at Portage Ave & Eighth St East – ~2 acres, flat
- Option 3: East portion of Wastewater Treatment Plant – ~2 acres, requires zoning amendment
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will approve its consent agenda and adopt a series of by‑laws covering health and safety, vehicle use, workplace harassment, airport safety, a renewal agreement with IPE, and a Transfer Payment Agreement for the Ontario FireSmart Communities Grant. It will also approve two Connecting Links Program applications for detailed design work on the Central Avenue intersection and the Scott Street (Hwy 11) corridor. Additional reports include funding approval for the FireSmart program and updates on municipal insurance and the Kiwanis Sunny Cove Camp.
- By‑Law 85-25: Transfer Payment Agreement for the FireSmart Communities Grant
- By‑Laws 80‑25 to 84‑25 adopting updated health & safety, vehicle, workplace harassment, and airport safety policies
- Approval of Connecting Links Program application for detailed design of Central Avenue Intersection redesign
- Approval of Connecting Links Program application for detailed design of Scott Street (Hwy 11) reconstruction between Armit Avenue and Victoria Avenue
- Funding approval for Ontario FireSmart Communities Program and related consultant procurement
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee approved the agenda and the September 16 minutes, noted ongoing member recruitment and reviewed the volunteer policy. Councilor J. McTaggart gave an update on the Hallett project. The Curator’s Report highlighted an approved HVAC grant that will be installed in 2026 and presented strategic‑plan updates. Members began discussing projects to include in a five‑year budgeting and planning cycle.
- HVAC grant approved; installation scheduled for 2026
- Volunteer policy reviewed with waiver and project list
- Hallett project update provided by Councilor J. McTaggart
- 5‑Year Planning discussion to identify future museum projects
- Ongoing committee member recruitment
Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee
The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee will review unfinished business items such as the Active Living Fair, TV usage, Bring a Friend Day, grant funding, and volunteer appreciation night. New business includes a senior centre activity report and planning a December volunteer appreciation event. The meeting will also consider recommendations to the mayor and council and set the date for the next meeting.
- Active Living Fair
- TV Usage
- Bring a Friend Day
- Grant Funding
- Volunteer Appreciation Night
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will adopt five by‑laws covering service agreements, easements, a tender award and two option agreements. It will also approve the renewal of municipal insurance for 2025‑2026 at a cost of $478,215 plus airport insurance of $5,651. Additional expense approvals include $102,250 for storm‑sewer replacement and $58,000 for fire‑hall renovation. Policy updates on health‑safety, vehicles, workplace harassment and airport safety will be approved and forwarded for formal adoption at the next meeting.
- Renew municipal insurance: $478,215 (municipal) + $5,651 (airport) for 2025‑2026
- Approve $102,250 additional expense for Woodward storm‑sewer replacement
- Approve $58,000 additional expense for Fort Frances fire‑hall renovation
- By‑Law 74‑25: Service Agreement with 2491570 Ontario Limited
- By‑Law 75‑25: Easement Agreement with the Township of Alberton
Ad-Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee
The Ad‑Hoc Dog Park Advisory Committee will approve its agenda, adopt its terms of reference, and appoint a chair and vice‑chair. The committee will also introduce its members and discuss the meeting schedule. These actions establish the framework for planning the municipal off‑leash dog park.
- Approve meeting agenda
- Adopt terms of reference for the dog park project
- Appoint chair and vice‑chair of the committee
- Introduce committee members
- Discuss future meeting schedule
Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board will adopt By-Law 02-25 that sets rules for its meetings and member conduct. It will also decide on a website option and its pricing estimate, discuss priorities for the 2026‑2029 business plan, and review the budget. A standing item includes receiving the Detachment Commander’s report as information.
- Adopt By-Law 02-25 to govern the proceedings of the Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board
- Decision on website options and pricing estimates
- Discussion on priorities for the 2026‑2029 business plan
- Budget discussion
- Detachment Commander’s report (information item)
Regular Council Meeting
Council will approve a water servicing agreement with 2491570 Ontario Limited and an easement with the Township of Alberton to supply water to 147 Oakwood Road. The meeting also adopts a 1.7% CPI increase for 2026 user fees, adds $10,000 to the Indigenous Relations budget, and awards contracts for an airport audit, landfill operation, and park construction. A motion to make summer ice at the Memorial Sports Centre permanent and by‑laws on disconnecting from work are also considered.
- Enter water servicing agreement with 2491570 Ontario Limited for 147 Oakwood Road
- Enter easement agreement with Township of Alberton for water services to 147 Oakwood Road
- Award RFP 2025-OF-13 to WASCO Group for internal SMS audit of the municipal airport
- Award Tender 2025-OF-14 to Tom Veert Contracting Limited for landfill operation (Nov 2025‑Oct 2030)
- Pass By‑Law 71-25 to adopt a Disconnecting From Work policy
Indigenous Relations Advisory Committee
The Indigenous Relations Advisory Committee accepted the Draft Reconciliation Policy as information and will continue to gather feedback from Town Council, senior leadership, the public, Sunset Country Métis, Agency One First Nations, the ten First Nations of Southern Treaty 3, and local Indigenous organizations. The committee also endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action that relate to municipal government and recommended that Fort Frances Council adopt those calls. The meeting concluded with setting the date for the next session and adjournment.
- Accept Draft Reconciliation Policy as information and continue feedback process
- Endorse 94 Calls to Action for municipal government and recommend Council adoption
- Solicit feedback from Town Council, senior leadership, public, Sunset Country Métis, Agency One First Nations, 10 First Nation communities of Southern Treaty 3, and local Indigenous organizations
- Set date for next Indigenous Relations Advisory Committee meeting
- Adjourn the meeting
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Town Council will vote on a package of by‑laws that includes creating a new Multi‑Residential Property subclass, deeming lots in plans SM19 and SM23 as not part of a registered subdivision, and adopting policies on youth councillors, employee conduct, GIS data sharing, and park renovations. It will also approve the appointment of Wayne Riches as Interim Fire Chief and award Tender 2025‑OF‑09 to Bay City Contractors for $4,157,103.59. Additional items include a trial change to council meeting times and a $1,688.91 tax reduction for 835 Frenette Avenue.
- By‑Law 60‑25: Create a new Multi‑Residential Property subclass with a 10% reduction on affordable rental units
- By‑Law 58‑25 and 59‑25: Deem lots 1‑1475 (plan SM23) and 1‑588 (plan SM19) not part of a registered subdivision
- Appointment of Wayne Riches as Interim Fire Chief
- Award of Tender 2025‑OF‑09 to Bay City Contractors for $4,157,103.59
- Trial moving council meetings to Tuesdays at 5:00 pm and agenda publishing to Fridays at 12:00 pm
Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board will approve its agenda and the minutes from the June 27, 2025 meeting. It will receive updates on focus patrol, bail statistics, the 2024 annual report, and the status of a SOLGEN grant application. The board will also vote to approve payment of OAPSB zone dues and to appoint Travis McCormick as a board member.
- Approve the September 22, 2025 agenda
- Approve the June 27, 2025 board minutes
- Receive Focus Patrol and Bail Report updates
- Approve payment of OAPSB zone dues
- Appointment of Travis McCormick to the board
Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation
The Fort Frances Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation met on September 17, 2025. The board approved a 2.1% market rent increase for current tenants, to take effect in 2026. The board also approved the agenda, the minutes from June 25, 2025, and financial statements for June, July, and August 2025.
- Approve 2.1% market rent increase for current tenants effective 2026
- Approve agenda for September 17, 2025 meeting
- Approve minutes of June 25, 2025 meeting
- Approve financials for June, July, and August 2025
- No outstanding items or items referred from council
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee discussed the future of the Hallett and approved a new volunteer policy. The body also reviewed the Curator's report regarding museum operations, funding, and facility maintenance.
- Approval of the volunteer policy and volunteer waiver form
- Agreement to prepare a presentation to Council on the historical significance of the Hallett
- Report of HVAC replacement needs and ongoing pest issues in the Museum
- Upcoming 'From Badge to Bench' exhibit scheduled for mid-to-late October
- Report of 4,455 total visitors from January 1 to June 14, 2025
Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee
The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee will review senior activity reports, financial statements, and discuss various senior initiatives including the Senior Games and Active Living Fair.
- Review of Senior Activity Report
- Review of Financial Statement (Jan-Aug)
- Discussion of Senior Games (OSGA)
- Discussion of Active Living Fair
- Discussion of Senior Month
Regular Council Meeting
Council will consider and vote on an Indigenous internship program supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation with a town contribution of $22,387.98. The council will adopt a drafted Youth Councillor policy and approve the 2026 Budget Schedule while reducing the amendment period from 30 to 27 days. Additional approvals include a GIS data‑share agreement for the Central Avenue Intersection redesign, an increased budget of $40,510.66 for a Nelson Street sidewalk extension, and a conditional contribution agreement for the McIrvine Rink and Park renovation.
- Indigenous internship position approved with $22,387.98 town contribution under NOHFC grant
- Adoption of drafted Youth Councillor policy
- Approval of 2026 Budget Schedule and reduction of amendment period to 27 days
- GIS Datashare agreement for Central Avenue Intersection redesign study
- Nelson Street sidewalk extension approved with $40,510.66 budget increase
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will review a request to allow an accessory building to exceed the 15% lot coverage limit at 624 Riverview Drive. The owner, Sasha Galbraith, is seeking a minor variance for a structure that would occupy approximately 21% of the lot. The committee will also consider a second minor variance application at 217 Forth Street West.
- Minor Variance A5-2025: 624 Riverview Drive (request to exceed 15% lot coverage)
- Minor Variance A6-2025: 217 Forth Street West
- Approval of July 16, 2025 Committee of Adjustment minutes
- Status update on four pending minor variance applications
- Meeting held via Microsoft Teams
Regular Council Meeting
Council will consider and vote on a consent agenda, a resolution opposing Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers, and several operational matters. Major decisions include approving a $4,157,103.59 tender to Bay City Contractors for Phase 2 of Scott Street reconstruction from Mosher Avenue to Armit Avenue, and authorizing by‑laws for a Food Truck program and other matters. The council will also direct recruitment of an interim fire chief, draft a youth council policy, and establish a committee to plan a municipal off‑leash dog park. Additional reports, correspondence, and a closed‑session on land disposition and fire‑department personnel will be addressed.
- Approve Tender 2025‑OF‑09 to Bay City Contractors for Scott Street Reconstruction Phase 2 (Mosher Ave to Armit Ave) at $4,157,103.59, including $200,000 contingency and HST
- Adopt resolution opposing the imposition of Strong Mayor Powers and request removal from the designated municipalities list
- Direct Administration to begin recruitment for an Interim Fire Chief and prepare a by‑law for the appointment
- Accept Food Truck Fast Track Pilot report and adopt User Fees By‑Law amendment (By‑Law 50‑25) for new pricing
- Establish an ad‑hoc committee to plan a municipal off‑leash dog park under a future amendment to By‑Law 90‑23
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will review Application A4-2025, a request to reduce the side‑yard setback to 0.92 m for a new 24‑ft wide accessory garage at 652 Third Street East. The committee will also consider the status of several other minor variance applications, including those at 841 Minnie Avenue, Walleye Trailer Park, 1336 Elizabeth Street, and 915 Portage Avenue. Decisions will be made according to the four tests set out in the Planning Act.
- A4-2025: Minor variance – 652 Third Street East – request to reduce side‑yard setback to 0.92 m for a 24‑ft garage
- A3-2025: Minor variance – 915 Portage Avenue – approved height 5.5 m and overhang limited to 18 inches
- A5-2023: Minor variance – 841 Minnie Avenue – status update
- A7-2024: Minor variance – Walleye Trailer Park – status update
- A1-2025: Minor variance – 1336 Elizabeth Street – status update
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will approve a $175,000 renovation of the Memorial Sports Centre dressing rooms and include the project in the 2026 Capital Budget, with any overages up to 15% funded from the Modernization Reserve Fund. The meeting also includes approval of a $100,000 out‑of‑budget storage facility, direction of a Food‑Truck Fast Track pilot by‑law, and adoption of two new by‑laws. Additional items are the 8th Street Trail memorandum of understanding and volunteer policy, and several financial and committee reports.
- $175,000 renovation of Memorial Sports Centre dressing rooms, with up to 15% overage funded from the Modernization Reserve Fund
- $100,000 out‑of‑budget construction of a weather‑protected, unheated storage facility on town‑owned land
- Food‑Truck Fast Track Pilot By‑Law to be drafted, piloted through Dec 31 2026, with a post‑pilot report
- Adoption of By‑Law 81‑24A and By‑Law 46‑25 as new municipal by‑laws
- 8th Street Trail Memorandum of Understanding and Volunteer Policy to be adopted via by‑law
Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board
The Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board will create a Policy Sub‑Committee and approve its membership. It will adopt the draft annual report and direct the Board Administrator to distribute it to all municipalities in the catchment area. The Board will decide on the timing of member payments (per meeting, quarterly, or end of fourth quarter). By‑Law 01‑25 will be introduced to officially name the Board, and By‑Law 02‑25 will be introduced to govern the Board’s proceedings, conduct, and meeting calls.
- Creation of a Policy Sub‑Committee with designated members
- Approval of the draft Rainy River District West OPP Detachment Board annual report
- Decision on payment schedule for Board members (per meeting, quarterly, or end of Q4)
- By‑Law 01‑25 to approve and enact the official name of the Board
- By‑Law 02‑25 to establish rules for Board proceedings, member conduct, and meeting calls
Fort Frances Municipal Non Profit Housing Corporation
The Fort Frances Municipal Non‑Profit Housing Board met on June 25, 2025. It approved the March‑May 2025 financial statements, accepted capital‑investment information for Jan‑Mar 2025, and accepted the End of Mortgage and Financial Template Tool. The Board also approved the Draft Auditor's Report for the year ending December 31, 2024.
- Accept Capital Investments (Jan 1 – Mar 31 2025) as information
- Approve March 2025‑May 2025 financials as presented
- Accept End of Mortgage and Financial Template Tool
- Approve Draft Auditor's Report for year ending Dec 31 2024
- Asset Management presentation by Michelle Shute
Regular Council Meeting
The Fort Frances Council will discuss declaring a parcel of the Shevlin Wood Yard as surplus land and expanding civil marriage service options. The meeting includes votes on new policies for CAO performance and sponsorship naming rights.
- Declaration of surplus land for Lot 1 of Shevlin Wood Yard
- Donation of $2,277 to The Salvation Army for East End Hall rental
- Deeming application for 1024 and 1032 Victoria Avenue to be one lot
- New civil marriage offerings including elopement packages and Council Chambers rental
- Adoption of CAO Performance and Sponsorship and Naming Rights policies
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will review Application A3‑2025, a request to reduce the rear setback to 0.6 m and increase the accessory‑building height to 6 m at 915 Portage Avenue. The Committee will also receive a status update on several other minor‑variance applications filed in 2023‑2024. No other agenda items involve decisions beyond routine information.
- A3‑2025: minor variance to reduce rear setback to 0.6 m and raise height limit to 6 m for an accessory building at 915 Portage Avenue
- A4‑2024: minor variance for Lots 95, 96 & 114 on Sinclair St (status listed as complete)
- A7‑2024: minor variance for Walleye Trailer Park (status listed)
- A5‑2023: minor variance for 841 Minnie Avenue (status listed)
- A1‑2025: minor variance for 1336 Elizabeth Street (status listed)
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee approved its agenda and the minutes from the May 20 meeting. Members noted that recruitment for the committee is ongoing. The curator reported on basement flood recovery efforts and described upcoming exhibits. The Museum's Strategic Plan, presented to council on May 26, was accepted and council asked for updates on its implementation.
- Approved agenda and May 20 meeting minutes
- Ongoing recruitment of committee members
- Curator's report on basement flood recovery and upcoming exhibits
- Presentation and acceptance of the Museum's Strategic Plan (May 26)
- Council request for progress updates on Strategic Plan actions
Regular Council Meeting
Council will approve the Draft 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements prepared by BDO Canada LLP. It will consider consent‑agenda items including a $650 contribution to the Rainy River Vet Services Committee and a reallocation of capital funding for an initial traffic study of the Central Avenue redesign Connecting Link project. The meeting will also adopt By‑Law 39‑25 establishing a Culture Plan and By‑Law 40‑25 establishing a Museum & Cultural Strategic Plan for 2025‑2030.
- Approval of Draft 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements prepared by BDO Canada LLP
- $650 contribution to the Rainy River Vet Services Committee’s Vet Assistance Trust Fund (from Council Public Relations expense)
- Reallocation of capital funding to fund an initial traffic study for the Central Avenue redesign Connecting Link project
- Adoption of By‑Law 39‑25 (Culture Plan “Woven Together”) and By‑Law 40‑25 (Museum & Cultural Strategic Plan 2025‑2030 “Connecting Threads”)
- Declaration of surplus land northeast of McIrvine Road and Eighth Street West (W1/2 of SW1/4 SEC19 PCL9515)
Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Fort Frances will adopt a five-year strategic plan for its museum and cultural centre, alongside a town-wide cultural master plan. The council also approved a by-law to enter into a gas tax funding agreement with the Ministry of Transportation. A request was sent to the Ministry of Transportation to extend the deadline for reconstructing Scott Street.
- Adoption of 5-year Museum and Cultural Centre Strategic Plan
- Adoption of Town of Fort Frances Cultural Master Plan
- By-law 37-25: Agreement with MTO for Dedicated Gas Tax Funds
- Request for one-year extension on Scott Street reconstruction funding
- E-Scooter Pilot Program report received as information
Museum and Culture Advisory Committee
The Museum and Culture Advisory Committee will approve the agenda and prior meeting minutes, and continue discussion on recruiting new committee members and rebuilding the Exhibit Working Group. The committee will review the Curator's Report, which outlines a change in museum operating hours, upcoming exhibit openings, grant application deadlines, and the need to replace the HVAC system. No final decisions beyond routine approvals are recorded in the agenda.
- Ongoing recruitment of committee members
- Plan to rebuild the Exhibit Working Group for exhibit planning
- Operating hours change to Tuesday‑Saturday, 10 am‑5 pm effective May 20, 2025
- Grant deadlines: OTF Culture and Strategic Plan grant due May 28, 2025; CMOG Digital Strategic Plan due June 30, 2025
- HVAC replacement needed; grant phase 2 being pursued