Fort Frances town council is willing to help someone establish a trail on Rainy Lake for skating in the winter.
The idea was put forward by the Fort Frances Municipal Accommodation Tax Committee for council to consider in their budget discussions.
In a letter to council, the MAT committee says the trail could assist in growing our tourism potential and be very popular among local residents.
Warroad, Minnesota, and Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg and Spray Lake in Manitoba have similar skating trails.
Spray Lake skating trail/Town of Fort Frances agenda hand out.
Thunder Bay created skating ice along an existing walking trail in a city park.
A report from Operations and Facilities Manager, Travis Rob, identifies several issues for council to consider, including questions about location, the need for things like benches and warming shelters, ice conditions, liability and the involvement of Couchiching First Nation.
As a result, council was split on adding the item to the capital budget for 2022.
Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft agreed with many of the concerns, including the cost.
“Not only the initial expense but the every year expense of keeping this thing going I think are just too much to consider at this point in time.
I would add that if you really want to attract tourists in the winter time, why not put your money into snowmobile trails?,” says Wiedenhoeft.
Councillor Doug Judson offered the suggestion of making funds available for another organization, group or business to undertake the project.
“I think that does address some of the issues that have been raised about our capacity, our liability insurance requirements and takes it off the table for the town,” says Judson.
The project is now being deferred to the operating budget for further discussion.
