Frequently Asked Questions

To view a Town of Fort Frances staff phone listing, click here.

Does the town have a full-time Fire Chief, Fire Protection Officer, and a Secretary for the Chief?
The full-time Fire Chief is Gerry Armstrong. You can reach him at (807) 274-9841 or email garmstrong@fort-frances.com. The Fire Prevention Officer is Bob Tkachuk, and there is no Secretary for the Chief.

How late are you open?
The Civic Centre Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri. for July and August. The rest of the year, it is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (Sept. to June), excluding statutory holidays. There is a drop-box for after-hours items located near the front doors.

How much does a tax certificate, bike license, dog license, letter of compliance cost?

  • Tax Certificate - $51
  • Bike License - $20
  • Dog License - $20(spayed or neutered animal), otherwise $30
  • Letter of Compliance - $50

How much is a marriage license? Do we both need to come in?
A marriage license costs $100. If neither person has been married before, an application form can be picked up and filled out by both applicants, and returned to the town office along with each applicant's birth certificates. If either of the applicants has been previously married, call the town office at 274-5323.

How do I book the community halls?
Call the Memorial Sports Centre at 274-4561.

Where is a good place to stay in Fort Frances? Is there a Chamber of Commerce in Fort Frances? What is the phone number?
To see a list of lodging options, you can check out the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce web site or call (807) 274-5773. View our lodging page or check out the nwontario.com business directory.

How do I get my power hooked up? How much does it cost? Do I have to come in to get that done?
You have to visit the town's main office and fill out an application form in person. The cost of the deposit varies from $100-$500, based on the residence you are moving to. The deposit will be refunded after twelve months, if all bills were paid on time. There is also a one-time fee of $15.00 + GST.

When are we going to Day Light Savings Time/Standard Time? Doesn't the town set the date?
No, the town does not set the date. Generally, we "spring ahead" an hour on the first Sunday of April, and "fall behind" on the last Sunday in October.

What is the phone number for:

  • the welfare office?
    • Ontario Works, at 274-5349
  • the cemetery?
    • For Intormation - 807-274-9893.
  • the court house?
    • 274-5961.
  • the Employment Office?
    • Call Human Resources Development Canada at 274-5307.

What is the fax number for:

  • (To see a complete listing of Town fax and phone numbers, click here.)
  • Civic Centre - 274-8479
  • Memorial Sports Centre - 274-3799
  • Public Works - 274-7360

When will the street/alleys be sanded/plowed?
To view the Snow and Ice Control Quality Standards, click here. For more information about winter operations, phone Public Works at 274-9893.

When any construction work is in progress, who is doing the work? What is the work being done?
All construction work within the Town of Fort Frances is under the supervision of the Operations and Facilities Division. The Town uses a combination of private contractors and day labour to complete all construction jobs. Any questions pertaining to a particular construction job can be directed to the Public Works Office at 274-9893.

When will the lanes be graded and the potholes fixed?
Lanes are generally graded twice annually. Usually once in late Spring and once again in the Fall. Potholes are repaired on an as required basis.

Who fixes the street lights and traffic signals?
The Operations and Facilities Division owns and operates all lights and traffic control and contracts the maintenance out to Fort Frances Power Corporation.

Who is the Town's paving contractor for the year and what is their address and phone number?
The paving contract for the Town of Fort Frances is tendered annually. Anyone wishing to know who the contractor is can contact the Operations and Facilities Division and we can supply you with the name and number of the Contractor once the tender is awarded.

What are the current Water and Sewer Rates?
To view water rates, click here:

Why do I have low water pressure or discoloured water?
Please contact the Public Works Dept. at 274-9893 or Water Treatment Plant at 274-2325 as soon as possible.

When is my watering day?
Fort Frances has a watering by-law in effect May 15 - September 15. If you live on the even numbered side of the street, you can water on even days. If you live on the odd numbered side of the street, you can water on odd days.

What are the hours for the dump? How much does it cost?
Landfill Site hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Holidays. There is a minimum charge of $12, and the cost per tonne is $46.41. To see a complete list of tipping fees, click here.

How does the Blue Box Recycling work? When is my blue box day?

  • Blue Boxes can be purchased for $8 from the Public Works Office at the corner of Fifth Street and Wright Avenue between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • See Recycling Instructions
  • Collection for recycling products will be bi-weekly only. Recyclables will be picked up on the same day of the week as garbage pickup.

When is my garbage day?
It depends where you live. You can come to the town office to pick up garbage pickup schedule, or call 274-9893.

Is there a free dump day?
Free tipping day at the Landfill Site for Yard and Garden waste is usually held the first Saturday in November. The exact date will be advertised in the Fort Frances Times.

What hours are the museum open?

  • Winter Hours
    11-4 Monday - Saturday
  • July & August
    10-6 Daily
  • Cost: Museum admission is free, with donations welcome

What about dust control? Trimming trees?
Dust Control is done by the Operations and Facilities Division. Trees are trimmed and removed through a co-ordination with the By-Law Department.

If your question is not on the list, please email it to us.