FORT FRANCES — Fort Frances town council is looking for further solutions to ongoing issues at the Rainy Lake Square. During Monday night's meeting of council, correspondence was received from Ink Spotz Apparel+ owner Scott Krienke-Turvey regarding what he said are recurring issues with loitering, and drug and alcohol use at the Rainy Lake Square on Scott Street in downtown Fort Frances. The letter notes the “ongoing” issue with individuals passing the day at the site, using the free Wi-Fi service and using outdoor outlets to charge devices, allegedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
While Krienke-Turvey acknowledged the increased presence of OPP foot patrols through the area, a measure previously introduced to address these issues, he called on council to do more. “This group essentially makes the market space unusable for the intended purpose, to be used by tourists and ratepayers as their continuous presence makes others uncomfortable for their own safety,” Krienke-Turvey's letter reads. “I understand that the OPP has stepped up patrols and to a small degree has, for the present time, made it uncomfortable for some of the regulars to stay for long.
However, the OPP will not be able to be present or able to attend for possibly dozens of non-emergency calls on a continuous basis. "An enlightened plan needs to be implemented to reduce the continuing need for police presence.” Krienke-Turvey suggested the town designate the stage area at the square for e.