The Rainy River District Future Development Corporation is hoping for a continued contribution from the town of Fort Frances.
The town ended a contract after deciding to hire its own economic development officer.
Project Manager Geoff Gillon says they are still there to provide support.
“In the last two or three months, we’ve been working closely with (the) new economic development officer, Martin. We’ve seen him three or four times. We’ve given him many reports, advice, good, bad, or indifferent,” says Gillon.
“I know he’ll have to find his own path, but we are there to support him and any of the projects that once he’s up and running, whether he’s bringing some of the town or they want to put on an event, RRFDC will be there to support them.”
RRFDC is asking for a per capita fee of seven dollars.
Gillon notes the rate is the same for all eight communities it works within the Rainy River District and has not changed in the last 15 years.
Atikokan does not contribute to RRFDC as it has its Futures Development Corporation.
Gillon notes the money collected is put directly into supporting projects, and having districtwide support helps when approaching senior levels of government.
“When we’re applying for funds to the federal and provincial governments, it’s as a district, and it makes it easier for us to get funding.”
Gillon notes the corporation still handles a number of portfolios on behalf of Fort Frances, including the Go Local Program and the Municipal Accommodation Tax Committee.
It also holds a seat on the Boundary Waters Forest Management Corporation Board of Directors.
Town council has not yet decided on the funding request.
