Spots along the waterfront are identified as permanent locations for the Hallett and Owandum.
The Hallett will be situated on green space near the parking lot, while the Owandum will sit on land where the Hallett previously was located.
The design also maximizes open space to allow for events and programming.
Recreation and Culture manager Nathan Young says consultants provided the preferred option after incorporating features from two others.
“We talked at length about a lot of different variables to consider in terms of the intended use of the space, potential projects that are going to happen around that space, like the Shevlin woodyard pieces, and trying to find a concept that would allow for an event space that ties into the current use of Front street with our parades that go down there, as well as the bass tournament, and how it might converse with the development of the Shevlin woodyard, and again create that atmosphere of a place that we can put programs and events in,” says Young.
Fort Frances town council agenda hand-out
Fort Frances town council agenda hand-out.
Both vessels will be accessible to the public.
“There are some restoration pieces that need to be done onto the Hallett to ensure that that is a safe venture. And the concept designs do have accessible ramps leading up to the entrance of the Hallett,” says Young.
The Hallett was removed from the water in May 2022 because of flooding and was placed on cement blocks ever since.
The Owandem has been in storage after being donated to the Fort Frances Museum and restored in 2017.
“It’s been a long time coming,” says Mayor Andrew Hallikas. “It’s going to be a real pleasure seeing the Owandum and the Hallett together displayed at the waterfront. I know we have a lot of our residents who put a lot of time and effort into seeing this to fruition, and we’re getting very, very close now.”
Young says the next steps will be to turn the designs into construction plans and tender out the project, with the work possibility starting in late spring or early summer.
