N EWS RUSSELL ALLOCATES COUNTY GROWTH REVENUE TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabriellevinette@eap.on.ca
Reserve. Administration had originally recom- mended dividing the remaining funds equally between the two reserves. However, council opted to prioritize the wastewater project in order to reduce the financial burden on residents in the future. During the discussion, councillors acknowledged concerns raised by admi- nistration about the long-term financing of the wastewater treatment plant expansion, a major infrastructure project needed to support continued development in the township. If the municipality were to rely solely on wastewater user fees to finance the project, significant rate increases would likely be required over the coming years. Councillor Lisa Deacon said dedicating more growth-related funding to the project could help limit pressure on taxpayers. “What I’m reading in the report, and the increased feeling of the gravity of this conversation tonight has me thinking very conservatively,” Deacon said. “Applying growth-related funding that’s coming to,
us to this growth pressure, and avoiding as much as possible pressure on general taxation in the coming years.” Mayor Mike Tarnowski noted that while the current funding is a one-time payment, there is an intention at the county level to continue redistributing growth-related reve- nues to local municipalities in the future. “This is a one-time funding amount,” Tarnowski said. “But there is certainly an intention at the county level, whether it comes through or not, to see growth-related dollars like this redistributed back to where the growth is coming from to help relieve some of this pressure.” According to the report presented to council, the wastewater treatment plant expansion is a major growth-related invest- ment that will support future residential, commercial and industrial development in the township.
municipal services such as roads, parks, re- creation facilities and emergency services. The township has already begun building funds for the project through wastewater user-fee increases approved in the 2026 budget, including a $20 increase in 2026 followed by $10 annual increases over the next decade. The wastewater plant expansion is cur- rently estimated to cost about $100 million, with roughly $68.75 million expected to be the Township of Russell’s share after contributions from development charges and neighbouring municipalities. Municipal staff say using a combination of user fees, development charges and growth-related tax revenues represents the most sustainable approach to financing the project while maintaining affordability for residents. Council’s decision to allocate a larger share of the county funding to the wastewa- ter reserve reflects what staff described as a proactive approach to long-term financial planning and infrastructure investment nee- ded to support the township’s future growth. as needed throughout the project. Officials say there may also be periods of increased noise and activity due to construction equipment operating during regular working hours. The work is expected to continue over several months, with the project scheduled for completion in fall 2026. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time when passing through the area during construction. Updates and additional information about the project will be available through the Municipal511 platform, while questions can be directed to the county’s Public Works Department.
The Russell Township council has approved a strategy to distribute $544,588 in regional growth revenue received from the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), direc- ting most of the funds toward future infrastructure needs. The one-time funding, redistributed by the county as part of its 2026 budget, is intended to help local municipalities address costs related to population growth and development. As part of the approved plan, $46,296.43 will be transferred to the Township’s Com- munity Improvement Plan (CIP) Reserve, which supports revitalization projects and economic development initiatives across the municipality.
The remaining $498,291.57 will be split between two reserves, with council choosing to allocate 80 per cent to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion Reserve and 20 per cent to the Municipal Growth CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON ROUNDABOUT AT ST-GUILLAUME ROAD AND ROUTE 300 Although wastewater services directly benefit properties connected to the muni- cipal system, the increased treatment capacity will enable broader development that expands the tax base and supports
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabriellevinette@eap.on.ca
(St-Guillaume Road) and Route 300 is set to begin Monday, March 23, as part of a project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in the area. The project is being carried out by the
United Counties of Prescott and Rus- sell (UCPR) Public Works Department in partnership with the Township of Russell. According to municipal officials, the roun- dabout is intended to enhance road safety, improve traffic movement through the inter- section, and support long-term community development as the region continues to grow. During construction, residents, busi- nesses, and motorists travelling through the area should expect some disruptions. Temporary lane closures and traffic delays are anticipated within the work zone, and re- duced speed limits will be in effect to ensure the safety of workers and drivers. Clearly marked detours will also be implemented
Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of County Road 28
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GOLD SPONSORS - COMMANDITAIRES OR Ronna Sheldrick - exp Realty, Thompson Boiler Works Inc., Black & McDonald, Valley Eats Wever Financial, Russell Foodland, Martel/Lévesque - Avocats/Lawyers SILVER SPONSORS - COMMANDITAIRES ARGENT BRONZE SPONSORS - COMMANDITAIRES BRONZE Our 13 th Annual Richard Kargus Men’s Bonspiel recently took place at the Russell Curling Club. For our 2026 tournament, here are our sponsors. Le 13 e tournoi annuel de curling Richard Kargus, pour hommes, s’est tenu récemment au Club de curling Russell. Pour notre tournoi de l’année 2026, voici nos commandites :
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Construction crews are installing roads and underground infrastructure for a new subdivision between St-Augustin Road and St-Pierre Road in Russell. (Russell Township)
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