TOWN OF FORT FRANCES

MINUTES

SESSION NO. #3

April 7, 2021

The meeting of the Economic Development Executive Committee of the Town of Fort Frances was held in the committee room and virtually on April 7, 2021 from 1200 to 1321 hrs.

PRESENT:

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

ALSO PRESENT:

D. Brown, CAO, C. Vangel, CBO / Municipal Planner, T. Drysdale, Economic Development Consultant, G. Gillon, RRFDC, J. Ruppenstein, CAO, Fort Frances Power Corporation, J. Forbes, Human Resources Manager, D. Cridland, J. Pryde, L. Slomke, Clerk, K. Haney, Deputy Clerk, Randy Thoms, B93, Merna Emara - Fort Frances Times

REGRETS:

1.

Call to Order/Roll Call

1.1

Meeting called to order at 1200 hrs

2.

Disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof - none

3.

Approval of Previous Committee Minutes

3.1

Session no. 2 - 03 March 2021 - Accepted as presented

4.

Items Referred from Council - None

5.

New Business

5.1

International Falls Border Crossing Data - Accepted as presented.  Will continue to monitor

6.

Outstanding Items

6.1

Ranier Bridge - Discussion held.  Engagement of local parties for consideration of U.S. aspirations.  Written communication to be initiated by Mayor to Rainier township.

6.2

OREA White Paper Small Towns Big Opportunities

Item brought forward to NOMA via Councillor Brunetta

Follow up to be sought from Councillor Brunetta

D. Brown to work with T. Drysdale to obtain further information to assist determining action plan and in seeking organizations that can assist in lobbying.

6.3

Standing items for future review:

- Large Industrial Tax Rate - Report will be provided next meeting

- Capital Priorities per Tourism Plan - Further information to follow

- Winnipeg to Thunder Bay tourism route initiative - Work in progress

- Cross Border Fishing Activity - Mayor Caul to follow up with affiliated representatives

7.

Information

7.1

TOFF 2 year workplan - Tannis Drysdale - Accepted as received

7.2

Action Canada/Public Policy Forum: Place-Based Policy Options for Entrepreneurship in a Post-COVID Canada - Councillor Judson - Discussion held.  Query procurement as future item at EDEC.

8.

In-Camera - None

9.

Adjourn @ 1321 hrs / Next Meeting Date - 05 May 2021