The provincial government is providing Fort Frances with more than $3.5 million.
The money will be used for upgrades to sewage lift stations near Central Avenue and the former White Pine Inn.
The Central Lift Station was constructed in 1963 and underwent partial reconstruction in 1992.
The White Pine Lift Station was put into operation in 1992.
A 2024 assessment of the town’s six lift stations found much of the mechanical equipment at the two stations to be in good condition, but was well beyond their life expectancy.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the funding will improve the stations and help them meet Ministry of Environment guidelines.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford speaks with Fort Frances town officials at the Central Ave. Lift Station, February 11, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
“So it made perfect sense that the province was a significant partner to help Fort Francis meet the province’s own standard,” says Rickford.
He adds that the funding came through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Infrastructure Program and its Health and Safety Water Stream, of which several communities in his riding were recipients.
Mayor Andrew Hallikas says the improvements to the lift stations will also aid in future development.
“As well as rehabilitating the Central and White Pine lift stations, this is going to position the town economically, and it’s going to allow the development of the Shevlin Woodyard,” says Hallikas.
“This type of critical infrastructure investment is not something that can be funded by property taxes alone.”
The town has been eying plans for as many as 210 residential living units on the former wood yard.
