Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau says partnership with town critical to keeping doors open

The treasurer of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau (FFVB) says a partnership with the Town of Fort Frances is the only option that will allow it to continue delivering social programs out of the former train station. Due to an increase in operating costs and a decrease in monetary donations, [...]

The treasurer of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau (FFVB) says a partnership with the Town of Fort Frances is the only option that will allow it to continue delivering social programs out of the former train station. Due to an increase in operating costs and a decrease in monetary donations, the bureau is facing the possibility of closing its doors permanently, treasurer John Sus said Monday in a presentation to town council, forcing it to turn to the town and propose a mutually beneficial partnership. “I’m really going to have to find a long-term solution to this,” Sus said.

“Costs aren’t going to go down, and our donors—to be quite blunt—are getting older. With inflation and the other problems that they’re having, that’s why we’re seeing a downturn.” The FFVB is run completely by volunteers and funded by donations from the public and charitable organizations, acting as a drop-in centre for services like food, beverages, internet access, laundry facilities, showers and washrooms.

Sus said there are essentially three options for the FFVB as things stand. The first would be for a memorandum of understanding with the town that would allow it to retain ownership but receive relief on utilities so that operations can continue. The second was to sell the building to the town for $1, making it a municipal property and taking the burden of taxes and utilities off of the people operating the bureau, also allowing them to continue service.

The third option also includes handing the building to the town, but allowing the mayor and council to decide on whether to keep it open or not. Sus acknowledged that council would need time to weigh the decision but reminded them that the bureau can currently only continue operations until about November without additional resources. “I realize it’s something that you guys are going to have to take some time to think about the ramifications of ownership of the building, or how you want it to proceed,” Sus said.

If the bureau were to shut its doors to the people who use it on a daily basis, there is no alternative site open seven days a week to which they can turn. “I really applaud your passion and the dedication you’ve shown to this cause and to helping our vulnerable population and the homeless, and I really respect and appreciate that as well,” Deputy Mayor Mike Behan said. “If we can find a way to work this out, that’d be great.”

Since a decision on an agenda item can’t be made the same day it’s brought to council, Behan suggested town administrative staff bring back a report on the different options. This was agreed on unanimously by council, meaning a report will be brought back for members to weigh the best solution at the next regular meeting on Aug. 10.