The owners of the mill property in Fort Frances are preparing for one of their first major development projects.

The BMI Group proposes a wellness centre within the wellness precinct of the overall development plans for the former mill property.

Identified as the Wellness Centre of Excellence, the proposed four-story building would provide space for various medical services, such as a new clinic and dental services, with the upper floors set aside for apartment units for seniors and medical professionals practicing in the area.

The BMI Group also proposes to repurpose a former mill warehouse, known as the Portage Stores building, into new facilities for the Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services, formerly known as Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services.

Subject to final agreements with the proponents, BMI hopes to finalize the design and architectural drawings in the near future, with construction starting later this year.

Requests to rezone mill property along Nelson Street have been put to the town to consider.

It includes redesignating the land from Employment Area to Downtown Business Area.

BMI also wants a new mixed-use zone that allows for a mix of residential, commercial and selected institutional uses.

An application to subdivide the land into three lots is also before council.

BMI will hold an open house on its plans Thursday night.

Town council has scheduled a public meeting on the rezoning requests for later this month.

Town of Fort Frances agenda handout, March 12, 2024.