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Sorting Gap

Sorting Gap Marina July 2026 (5)

Fort Frances’ Sorting Gap Marina getting a facelift

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Federal funding is helping Fort Frances make improvements to the Sorting Gap Marina.

FedNor recently provided the town with more than $35,000 for the work.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski says it adds to a previous grant that provided over $200,000.

“I think a pretty good bang for your buck for $250,000. Makes what’s already a pretty nice site a little bit nicer and hopefully helps to attract more tourists and tourism and makes it a better kind of communal spot,” says Powlowski.

Powlowski made the announcement during a visit to Fort Frances on Wednesday.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski (l) with Carig Miller, Community Services & Facilities Manager and Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas at the Sorting Gap Marina, August 12, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia News

Some of the money was spent on giving the building a new paint job and roof repairs.

There are plans to replace windows and improve the air conditioning unit this fall.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas says the building is an important tourism asset.

“The economy of Fort Francis is heavily dependent upon tourism,” says Hallikas.

“Our waterfront and our marina are prime attractors, and this funding is going to contribute to the revitalization of the Sorting Gap Marina and provide tourism enhancements for our community.”

Some of the money was also used to tear down the weigh station at the former Shevlin woodyard as the town looks at a long-term development of the woodyard.

Alzheimer walk in Fort Frances Facebook

Alzheimer walk set for May 30th in Fort Frances

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Registration is now accepted for this year’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Fort Frances.

The Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River’s event will take place on May 30th.

Client Services Coordinator Mary O’Connor says participants get pledges or make a minimum contribution to take part.

“There’ll be prizes for the individual who raises the most money, the top two, and also the group,” says O’Connor.

“If you want to put in a family group in memory of somebody, or if you have a business that you want to put in, that’s fine too. We’ll have one prize for the group and prizes for individuals.”

There will also be two routes for participants.

“The joggers and the ones that are really keen, they will head east and go towards the point,” notes O’Connor.

“The leisurely strollers will come with me, and we will go towards the hospital.”

All participants will return to the Sorting Gap Marina for a barbecue lunch and the presentation of prizes.

All of the money raised goes toward keeping services and programs free for people with dementia and their families.

“We have touch quilts for people that are free with all sorts of buttons and zippers and lace on,” says O’Connor.

“We have the music project where I sit down with families who have a loved one with dementia and get a list of all the music that the person can tell us themselves. We give them headphones and a charger and a list of music.”

Registration is done through the Society’s website, click here, or by contacting O’Connor.

Sorting Gap Marina July 2020 (2)

Upgrades to Sorting Gap Marina in Fort Frances planned

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Improvements are planned for the Sorting Gap Marina.

The town of Fort Frances looks to give the building a new paint job and replace its doors, windows and AC unit.

There are also plans for a new kayak shed to be in place in 2027.

This year’s budget also indicated plans to demolish the scale shack at the former Shevlin woodyard.

The town is seeking $161,000 in funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

The total cost of the project is listed at $215,000.

It lists additional funding coming from FedNor, with the town’s portion to be about $21,000.

A Heritage Fund grant of $143,175 to refurbish the Sorting Gap Marina and surrounding waterfront was announced last November.

This was to repair the dock access ramps, replace retaining wall stones and docking timbers, and install new light poles.