TOWN OF FORT FRANCES

MINUTES

SESSION NO. #4

May 5, 2021

The meeting of Economic Development Executive Committee of the Town of Fort Frances was held virtually in the Civic Centre on May 5, 2021 from 1200 to 1307 hrs

PRESENT:

Chairperson D. Judson, Councillors M. Behan and J. McTaggart, Mayor J. Caul (ex-officio)

ALSO PRESENT:

D. Brown, CAO, C. Vangel, CBO / Municipal Planner, T. Drysdale, Economic Development Consultant, G. Gillon, RRFDC, J. Forbes, Human Resources Manager, K. Haney, Deputy Clerk, E. Slomke, Clerk, D. Galusha, Treasurer, J. Pryde, T. Ryall, Randy Thoms. B93, Merna Emara, Fort Frances Times, Natali Trivunic, Fort Frances Times

REGRETS:

 J. Ruppenstein, CAO Power Corp, D. Cridland

1.

Call to Order @ 1200 hrs /Roll Call

2.

Disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof - none

3.

Approval of Previous Committee Minutes

3.1

Session no 3 - 07 April 2021 - Approved as presented

4.

Items Referred from Council - None

5.

New Business

5.1

Taxation Report - Report for discussion purposes at this point.  Based on discussion today, committee determined information be brought to AFEC as opportunity to attract industries.  EDEC requesting AFEC look at matter to review tax ratios prior to forwarding recommendations to Council.

6.

Outstanding Items

6.1

Ranier Bridge - Letters to Stauber and Klobuchar - Concerns re rail bridge.  C. Vangel to communicate with CN Public Affairs group and bring further information back to next meeting.  Tourism and flood protection concerns identified.  Discussion to occur with Canada Border Services.   Work with U.S. to form partnership for further engagement with Government.  Clerk's office to reply to author advising of Committee's focus on this topic.  Working group to be created and tentatively consist of C. Vangel, D. Judson, J. Caul, J. McTaggart, D. Cridland.

7.

Information

7.1

TOFF 2 year workplan REPORT to EDEC - Report accepted as presented.

7.2

Standing items for future review:

OREA White Paper Small Towns Big Opportunities -

D. Brown/T. Drysdale to obtain further information re action plan/seeking organizations that can assist in lobbying.

Item identified at RRDMA - On radar - may assist in lobbying going forward.  Query project pilot. 

Captial Priorities per Tourism Plan - Further information to follow.  Tannis to address in item 7.3.

Winnipeg to Thunder Bay tourism route initiative - Work in progress.  NOMA Conference - tourism panel aware of this - possible opportunity to piggyback with intent to draw people to Highway 11 and onto 71 corridor. 

Cross Border Fishing Activity - Mayor Caul to follow up with  affiliated representatives.  Conversation had with Mr. Palowski who contacted border services/RCMP.  Minister Blair contacted however no reply as yet.  Status of reciprocal agreement re walleye report to be determined.

7.3

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) - Information accepted as presented.

7.4

MAT Municipal Report - Accepted as presented.

8.

In-Camera - None

9.

Adjourn @ 1307 hrs/ Next Meeting Date 09 June 2021