Russell seeks the public’s input

To help Russell Township administration and council understand residents’ challenges and visions, a special council session was held to hear the public’s requests for the 2018 budget.

During the September 11 meeting, many requests were brought forward for the Township’s consideration, ranging from road paving and safety requests to repairs to facilities and recreation development support.

Among others, Russell resident Theresa Wever spoke on behalf of the Russell Agricultural Society, who just held the 159th edition of the Russell Fair, in a request to increase their annual funding.

“We’re not looking for a hand-out or a bail out. We believe that any financial support the Township decides to give the fair would in fact be an investment”, said the Russell Fair board member.

In fact, each year, this event is said to bring a “huge economic impact in the community”. This year, it was estimated to have brought “roughly $ 200,000 just this weekend to our local economy”, in addition to all the visitors that come and discover the community. The Russell Canada Day committee also asked for an increase in their annual support, which they attribute to increased costs in fireworks and sound, just to name a few.

For their part, the Embrun Minor Baseball Association and Carleton Little League made a request to improve existing diamonds in Embrun, and perhaps transform into hybrid diamonds for younger players. As it is a growing sport everywhere, they have also hit their limit, so a small call for new diamond places was also heard, so that the organizations may expand their capacity or even host Little League Canada championships.

The meeting also allowed the Limoges and Marionville citizens committees to make specific requests, such as extending or repaving different areas for safety measures, and helping with outdated facilities. Finally, other suggestions were made for the development of recreation areas, augmentation of the existing edible tree area along the bike bath and the priority of rerouting heavy truck traffic in the heart of Russell Village.

The municipal budget meetings should take place early this fall, whilst council and administration will have to discuss and see how they can try and “work miracles”, as mayor Pierre Leroux concluded.

Afin de comprendre les défis et les visions de ses contribuables, la Municipalité de Russell a tenu une séance spéciale en vue de la préparation du budget pour la prochaine année.