We are now learning of a new owner of the International Bridge linking Fort Frances and International Falls.
The US side of the bridge, at least, was recently sold to Aazhogan U.S. LC.
It was owned by Minnesota, Dakota and Western Railway, a subsidiary of Boise Inc.
Resolute Forest Products is believed to still hold ownership on the Canadian side but has indicated its plans to sell off its share as well.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski says while the bridge is privately owned by the two companies, there is still government involvement through the International Bridges and Tunnels Act.
“The department (Transport Canada) has been in touch with both companies because basically, it seems that if they’re going to do anything with the change of ownership of the bridge, it has to be through ministerial approvals,” says Powlowski.
So far, there has been no formal paperwork that has reached the Minister of Transport.
Powlowski does confirm that Aazhogan has assumed responsibility of inspecting and maintaining the Canadian side of the bridge.
Fort Frances town council has expressed concern that a potential sale could impact public access.
Powlowski doesn’t believe that will be the case with the government continuing to have a say on operations.
“I think that’s the bottom line is that it shouldn’t be up to private companies to control that bridge even though they may own it. It is certainly in the public’s interest that it keeps functioning both from the Canadian side and the American side,” says Powlowski.
