Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas, November 21, 2023. Image: Randy Thoms

The mayor of Fort Frances says some residents are confronting family members of town staff over decisions made by the town.

Andrew Hallikas says in some cases it is also toward staff, not part of the decision-making.

But he says confronting or harassing family members is just wrong.

“I think it is never appropriate to confront or harass town employees who were not involved in the decision-making process and are just doing their jobs. Even more concerning is when some members of the public confront or harass family members of town employees. To put it bluntly, this is extremely inappropriate,” says Hallikas

Hallikas says many of the complaints stem from decisions impacting the Memorial Sports Centre.

Several programs were halted due to a lack of certified staff.

“We’ve got a new administration, and they’re discovering that alot of the policies and procedures that should be in are not in place. We’re in the midst of writing a recreation master plan, so there’s a lot going on, and so a lot of issues have come ahead at the same time,” says Faisal Anwar, Chief Administrative Officer.

Hallikas says the town welcomes feedback, but it should be through the proper channels.

“My message to members of the public who disagree with the decision made by council or administration and wish to inform the municipality of their disagreement is to, by all means, exercise their democratic right to protest or question decisions made by the administration or mayor or council.”

The town also has a complaint form residents can fill out on its website.