TOWN OF FORT FRANCES

MINUTES

May 14, 2018

The meeting of Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Town of Fort Frances was held in the Committee Room, Civic Centre on May 14, 2018 from 11:49 p.m. to 1:14 p.m.

PRESENT:

M. Caron, Acting Chair, C. Mallory, G. McBride, K. McCaig, J. Cumming, J. Gillon, K. Perry, L. Mose, MNDM and Mayor R. Avis

ALSO PRESENT:

D. Brown, CAO, G. Gillon, Regional Economic Developer, N. Gaudio, Economic Development Coordinator, E. Dykstra, Summer Student, RRFDC, R. Thoms, B.93 The Border and K. Lawson, Secretary

REGRETS:

G. Rogozinski, J. McTaggart, D. Fortes, T. Drysdale, Consultant, RRFDC

1.

Call to Order - 11:49 a.m.

2.

Non-agenda Committee items which because of urgency cannot be deferred to a subsequent meeting, identified to be considered later in the meeting. - none identified

2.1

As both Chair and Vice Chair were absent, Committee appointed M. Caron as acting Chair for purposes of conducting this meeting.

Mallory-McBride: THAT for purposes of conducting this meeting, M. Caron be appointed as Acting Chair.

CARRIED

3.

Disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof - none identified

4.

Approval of Previous Advisory Committee Minutes

4.1

April 9, 2018 Meeting Minutes.

Perry-Mallory: THAT the minutes from the April 9th, 2018 regular meeting be approved as distributed.

CARRIED

5.

New Business

5.1

Market Square Activities Update 2018 (Natasha Gaudio, Economic Development Coordinator, and Emma  Dykstra, Summer Student -  RRFDC).

- committee members ideas as captured during the meeting are provided.

Brainstorming Session

Rainy Lake Square Activity Ideas

         Northern ‘Elvis’ Fest (or similar artist)

         Soapbox night

         Culture-rama (food diversity event)

         Pow wow

         Dance Lessons (square dance)

         Yoga in the park (tai chi)

         Action figure/princess day (costume dress up day)

         Dog show (dog trainer)

         Comedy night

         MNRF, stuffed wild animals

         Open mic

         Mini TED talks on regional topics (series)

         Christmas caroling, tree?

         Interpretive theatre, local content

         Piano!

         Battle of the Bands

         Canadian artists (singer/song writer, Tom Jackson)

         Local politics- civic engagement (debates with local candidates)

         Fish tank, fishing related talks

         Fishing pond

         Kids dog show

         Bush plaid party

         Petting zoo

5.2

Brainstorming Session with Natasha Gaudio, Economic Development Coordinator, and Emma Dykstra, Summer Student - RRFDC - How to bring in International Falls residents to Fort Frances.

- committee members ideas as captured during the meeting are provided below along with item 5.3

5.3

Brainstorming Session with Natasha Gaudio, Economic Development Coordinator and Emma Dykstra - RRFDC Summer Student re:

"Great Ideas For One Hour in Fort Frances" and

"Great Ideas for One Day in Fort Frances"

- committee members ideas as captured during the meeting are provided.

What to do in Fort Frances Ideas

One Hour

         Museum, Hallet, tower

         River walk/marina

         Shop downtown

         Lunch anywhere\market square

         Playgrounds

         Fountain at Lions Park

         Point park

         Swimming at Point

         Pool

         Ice cream

         Geocache location?

         Barrel train?

Three Hours

         8th street trails

         Bog walk

         Skate park

         Library and tech centre (nature packs/fishing gear rental)

         Swimming at point park

         Tennis

         Picnic

         Historic markers tour

         Walking trails

         Tree walk

One Day

         Golf

         Kay-nah-chi-weh-nung historical centre

         Sunset country water sports

         Tour with Rusty Myers flight

         Pow wow schedule

         Swimming

         Tennis

         Water taxi

         Fishing on Rainy Lake

         Emo splash park

Website Ideas

Link Pages

         Town

         Sunset Country

         Library

         Museum

         Sportsplex

Misc. Ideas

         Sunset Country app

         Fort Frances app

         Community calendar at Tourist Centre

         Map of the town!

         Ambassador program

         Facebook page (update with events)

         How can they get there?

5.4

REMINDER - Rally at the Border Event - May 18, 2018.

- Natasha reminded everyone about the rally by the Canada Border Services building on Friday, May 18th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. It is hoped as many EDAC members who are available will take the time to attend and support this initiative.

6.

Non-agenda Items - none identified

7.

Adjourn 1:14 p.m./ Next Meeting Date -  changed to June 4, 2018