Fort Frances council supports sewer/water project for further housing development in former woodyard
Fort Frances council is approving a key project that supports development in the former Shevlin Woodyard.
More than $657,000 will be spend on a connection to bring sewer and water services to the area.
The project coincides with plans by a private developer to establish a 24-unit apartment complex.
Councillor John McTaggart says while the price tag may be a little concerning, it is still necessary to kickstart development of the woodyard.
“And this is really, I think, our investment into getting that particular piece of property developed,” says McTaggart.
He adds the planned apartment complex is dependent upon the tie-in of water and sewer services.
“So I see it as an investment, something that we can show a tangible effort made by the town when we go out looking for other funders for the rest of the wood yard.”
Councillor Wendy Brunetta agrees.
“We have to keep in mind that development always includes the municipality. It’s not something we can 100 % just put on developers. So in order to grow, we need to put some money behind it,” says Brunetta.
Mayor Andrew Hallikas is also supportive, saying that the housing project is desperately needed in the community.
“And this is a very, very important step. A lot of people that will be moving into these apartments will be giving up uh standalone houses, which will open up the housing market to young professionals and young families,” says Hallikas.
The town intends to use existing reserve funds to cover the construction costs.
The work would include connections from the Reid Avenue and Scott Street intersection into the former woodyard.