Page 8 TRIVIA NIGHT HONOURS LEGION’S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Page 10 BOISVENUE SEEKS SECOND TERM FOR WARD 5
VOLUME 41 • NO. 03 • 6 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • JULY 15 2026
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RUSSELL TOWNSHIP REVIEWS FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE OF SURPLUS RECREATION FACILITIES
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
activities for cooler parts of the day; r Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured, breathable clothing; r Dress babies and young children lightly, and avoid bundling them in blankets or heavy clothing; r Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight; r Take breaks from the heat in a cool place like under a shaded tree, an air-conditioned space, or a cooling centre; r Take cool showers or baths to stay refreshed; r Prepare meals that don't require using the oven; r Block out sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day; r Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella; r And limit physical activity. "You will always see both scales side by side, and you make the trade-off in the open," Boruslawski said. Council Discussion Councillors raised several questions, including how the process would distinguish broad community support from a small, orga- nized group, and whether existing strategic and economic plans would be reflected in the work. Councillor Charles Armstrong worried that user groups attached to current facilities might push to keep them open, something the Township "can't afford" alongside the new complex. Boruslawski said the final scenario list would be reviewed to avoid duplication. Engagement Begins July 9 Public engagement started with a kiosk at the Meet Me event on Thursday July 9 in Embrun, followed by interviews with Council and staff, advisory committee sessions, two public open houses, an online survey (July 23–September 30), and outreach to facility user groups. All materials are being prepared in both official languages from the outset. “For a community like Russell, this is not a nice to have. It's a baseline,” Boruslawski said. Results feed into a single Needs & Engagement Synthesis Report due Septem- ber 30, 2026. The project then moves into site-specific Expressions of Interest (EOIs), a non-binding market sounding, not a procurement or "a referendum on which scenario gets chosen." Each EOI is issued and managed by the Township, with results used to refine sce- narios rather than pick winners. Scenarios will then be evaluated on two scales never merged into one score, financial sustainabi- lity, and service and community value.
Councillor Jamie Laurin sought confirma- tion that divestment remains the baseline for every site, and asked that sites like Camille Piché Hall, which also houses a bowling alley and a second hall, be defined by full property rather than by building name. Boruslawski agreed to reference sites by parcel, noting the same applies to the Russell Arena. Other suggestions included broadening facility user groups to "associations and community groups," investing in paid marke- ting, and clarifying whether the 12 expected scenarios would come from single propo- nents or mixed partnerships. Boruslawski confirmed the EOI is a sounding board that could draw more interest than anticipated. Further questions touched on the Township's own potential role as a pro- ponent, advisory committee quorum chal- lenges in August, and how needs outside municipal jurisdiction would be captured, drawing on regional, provincial and federal reports. Councillor Marc Lalonde flagged the
Township's limited existing assets, interest from partners such as Habitat for Humanity, and a preference for partnerships over losing facilities outright. Councillor Laurin raised concern that July and August have historically seen weak public turnout and asked whether consultation could shift toward September. Boruslawski said the team would monitor turnout and consider a second round in the fall if needed. Council confirmed it had received the framework and provided feedback, with staff indicating no outstanding concerns. Next Steps 2B Developments asked Council to confirm availability for one-on-one interviews to be scheduled through the Clerk in June and July. Any direction from Council will be incorporated before engagement begins; absent further direction, the project proceeds as presented. Residents are encouraged to follow the Township's website and social media for updates.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting high tempera- tures that began on Monday, July 13 and last at least two days. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is advising residents of the five Eastern Counties to take steps to prevent heat- related illnesses. Everyone is at risk during a heat event, but health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, people who work or exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners. Health officials recommend the following precautions: r Drink plenty of cool liquids, espe- cially water, before feeling thirsty; r Reschedule or plan outdoor Russell Township Council received a presentation from 2B Developments Consultants & Associates Inc. at its June 22 meeting, outlining the project framework for the Master Plan for Surplus Recreation Facilities. The project will examine future uses for four recreation assets that may become surplus once the Township's new Recrea- tion Complex opens: the Russell Arena, the Embrun Arena, Camille Piché Hall, and the Centennial Pool. A Decision-Making Process, Not a Study 2B Developments, working with joint partner WSP, described the initiative as a structured decision-making process rather than a study that “ends up on a shelf”. Piotr Boruslawski, the firm's Engagement & Modelling Lead, said the goal is for Council to “act on all four assets with confidence and with evidence behind you”. The framework rests on three principles: every scenario must trace back to a docu- mented need or market signal, all viable options go to Council rather than being pre-filtered, and Phase 1 wraps up before the November 2026 election, so the final report serves the next Council. Divestment is carried throughout as the baseline for every site. The 18-month process runs in six phases, ending with a final report in October 2027, with Council holding direction at four deci- sion "gates": confirming the framework, short-listing up to three scenarios per site, confirming evaluation criteria, and receiving the final report.
Residents visit the 2B Developments kiosk at the July 9 Meet Me event in Embrun, the first stop in public engagement for the Surplus Recreation Facilities master plan. (Gabrielle Vinette, EAP)
EOHU WARNS OF EXTREME HEAT, URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
The EOHU wants to remind people that children perspire less than adults and are more prone to heat stress. Ask a health care provider or pharmacist whether medications or existing health conditions increase heat-related risk, and follow their guidance. More information is available at www. EOHU.ca/heat. Know the Warning Signs Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of the hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and heat cramps. Symptoms to watch for include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and unusually dark yellow urine with decreased urination. Anyone experiencing these symptoms during extreme heat should move to a cool place immediately and drink liquids,
preferably water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if caring for someone with a high body temperature who is unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help, cool the person down by moving them somewhere cool if possible, applying cold water to large areas of skin or clothing, and fanning them as much as possible. Check on Vulnerable Neighbours The EOHU is urging everyone to stay alert and take precautions, and to check in frequently on neighbours, friends and older family members, particularly those living with chronic illness, to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Residents can download the Weather- CAN app for weather alert notifications at canada.ca/en/environment-climate- change, or check updates directly at weather.gc.ca.
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