FORT FRANCES, Ont. - A community staple in the town of Fort Frances is getting some much needed upgrades with the help of a $5 million investment from multiple levels of government.
On Tuesday, it was announced the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances will be receiving $1.9 million through the federal government’s Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure stream, as well as $1.6 million from the provincial government, and $1.5 from the town of Fort Frances.
“Our Memorial Sports Centre is the hub of this community,” said Fort Frances Mayor, June Caul. “It has been used for weddings, socials, funerals, exercise classes and many other groups.”
The funding will be used on several major upgrades, including replacing the roof, installing a new sprinkler system and upgrading the air conditioning system, power supply, ice plant controls, and dehumidifier.
There will also be upgrades to the pool, new squash courts, new flooring in the auditorium entrance, an upgraded security system, replacement of the furnace, and a new Zamboni.
“This upgrade comes at a very opportune time to do this,” Caul said. “With COVID in the works right now, hopefully we will be able to get some things done because unfortunately people can’t be inside the building as much.”
“We have an opportunity to promise the people of Fort Frances and Rainy River District that when we come back from COVID it will be to a facility that will be modernized,” added Minister Greg Rickford. “These are the kinds of the things we have to look forward to as we emerge out of COVID at some point.”
The project was first proposed in 2019 and Rickford said he is happy to see the federal government get on board with the project.
“I know how important it is to the people of Fort Frances and Northwestern Ontario,” said Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River.“It’s good to make this announcement and see these improvements made and ensuring it will be around for years to come for future hockey players and swimmers and everyone who uses this facility.”
Most of the design work is already complete and tender packages will be rolled out this week. This will be a multiyear project, with much of the major upgrades being done in the off-season to limit the impact on users.
“These projects need to get out the door,” Rickford said. “The communities have been waiting for them. That’s what I think makes these announcements unique. It’s not just the joy of getting them done, it’s the relief of getting them started.”
