Hallett/Owandem project decision delayed again

Fort Frances council will try again next month in determining how to display the Hallet and Owandem.

The absence of one councillor this week led to a deadlock on the favoured options.

Three support the original plan to place both logging boats on land, but phase in the work over a couple of years.

Three others wanted to see the Hallet returned to Rainy Lake, where it was on display until 2022, when it was removed over fears it would break free from its mooring during the rising floodwaters.

The estimated cost to return the Hallett to its original cribbing is $750,000.

Operations and Facilities Manager Travis Rob notes that the existing foundation is substantially damaged from repeated freezing and thawing of the river, and would require engineering and repairs before the boat can be placed back.

Rob says the Hallett may need to be removed again in the event of future flooding.

Councillor Bill Morrison says placing the Hallet back in the water will be less costly than the original land display.

“I’d like to see it back in the river because that million dollars over budget, we could deal with 10 floods lifting the Hallett in and out of the water for the price of a million dollars over budget,” says Morrison.

The proposal to do the work in stages includes the need to re-engineer the design package and issue a new tender over the winter.

Councillor John McTaggart does not want to see the town spending more money than it needs.

“I’m really concerned about the dollars. We rejected $700,000 that came in, a million dollars over that, and to go back to option two and spend more money on more studies, it just goes against my grain,” says McTaggart.

The original plan to create displays on land came in at $1.7 million, where the town had estimated the cost to be closer to $700,000.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas says reworking the tender may help get a better price.

“We’ll have a chance to get some re-engineering done, perhaps get a cheaper rate, but also have a chance to apply for more funding,” says Hallikas.

“Even going over budget on this, and I recognize what Councillor Morrison said, we have a formidable tax burden, but we need to do something to make us a tourist attraction, and this is one of the things that we can do.”

Councillor Steve Maki agrees that by having the Hallett on display on land, they are not burdening future councils.

“Putting it on land seems to make more sense than putting it over top of water,” says Maki.

“On land, you’re not gonna have any more issues, and we don’t need to be putting upon future councils, future million-dollar bills because of another flood.”

Council is expected to discuss the issue again at their meeting in October, when all seven members are expected to be in attendance.