Transport Canada is reaching out to the town of Fort Frances regarding the ownership change of the International Bridge.
The agency has received a formal application to turn Resolute Forest Product’s ownership share over to Aazhogan Limited Partnership. That group identifies Riversedge Development and Rainy River First Nations are partners.
Councillor John McTaggart says it might be an opportunity to solicit for a government takeover.
“This bridge is critically important to the commerce of northwestern Ontario. It’s critical to the commerce and stability of this community. I really think that we need to approach both levels of government once again,” says McTaggart.
Town council earlier this year voiced concerns about the proposed handover to both Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford. They also reached out to International Falls council for support on the U.S. side in a call for governments taking over the ownership of the bridge linking the two communities.
Aazhogan signed a deal in May for the other ownership share of the bridge held by the Minnesota, Dakota & Western Railway Company.
Councillor Mike Behan says that could be a wrinkle in seeking government control.
“The U.S. side of the bridge has already been sold, so I’m not sure what else we can do going forward except to maintain that the importance of the bridge being open and tolls being reasonable and maintaining standards,” says Behan.
Mayor June Caul says there are issues she would like addressed, including the aesthetics of the bridge and maintenance standards.
“I want to make sure that it is being maintained the way it should be according to government regulations, and we have no information about that at all,” says Caul.
Documents submitted to Transport Canada show plans for some minor maintenance next year with major work scheduled between 2027 and 2030.
Transport Canada is giving the town of Fort Frances until November 22 to respond.
