The appears to be some confusion from board members as to what the Sister Kennedy Centre should be called.
The senior centre, which opened its doors in 1981, was named after Sister Betty Kennedy, who helped create the first senior drop-in centre in Fort Frances known as Pleasant Past Times Place.
In November 2017, the centre’s board voted to change the name to Fort Frances Senior Centre.
Town council endorsed the change a month later, and a new sign was erected not long after.
Chair Irene Laing wonders why both names are being used.
“It was changed. We thought it went to council. Council appeared to have approved it at the time. If they couldn’t do it, you would think they would have had the courtesy to let us know that they couldn’t do it because we’re totally confused,” says Laing.
Recreation and Culture Manager Aaron Bisson says it appears approval of the Fort Frances Senior Centre name was for branding purposes only. The Sister Betty Kennedy Centre remains the legal name.
“The reason behind that had to do with the gifting of the property back in the day, and I don’t believe they can actually change the legal name of it, ” says Bisson.
Board members are looking for further clarification.
