Page 6 CASSELMAN EXAMINES PROPOSED 35-UNIT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
VOLUME 41 • NO. 15 • 4 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • OCTOBER 21 2026
N EWS RUSSELL RECREATION COMPLEX TO OPEN IN PHASES AS CONSTRUCTION NEARS COMPLETION
Russell Township anticipates occupancy of the new Recreation Complex's arenas and community hall on December 11, 2026, followed by the aquatic facility on February 14, 2027. Public opening dates have not yet been confirmed. (File photo)
on budget as it moves toward completion. The Township's goal is to provide a safe, fully tested and welcoming facility that meets residents' needs from the outset. Residents can follow construction pro- gress and view the project's photo gallery at www.russell.ca/RecreationComplex.
have progressed sufficiently.
arenas during 2027. The long-term future of those facilities will be assessed through a Master Planning study expected to be completed in October 2027. Despite the complexity of delivering a major multi-use recreation facility, the Township reports that the project remains
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
Preparing programs and services While construction continues, the Township is also planning the programs and services that will be offered at the new facility. Community feedback has helped guide the planning process. The Township received 1,998 responses to its aquatic programming survey, with strong interest in children's swimming lessons, aqua fitness, lane swim- ming, and family and public swims. Discussions are also underway with swim teams and school boards to explore potential programming opportunities and partnerships. Other preparations include reviewing the Municipal Facilities Allocation Policy, planning the transition of ice rentals to the new com- plex, developing staffing and training plans, and exploring sponsorship and naming-rights opportunities. The Township is also reviewing rental fees and packages to reflect operating costs and community needs. Plans include a one-year pilot project for the new canteen and tem- porary office space to address immediate administrative requirements. A draft of the updated facility allocation policy is expected to be presented to Council in November 2026, with adoption anticipated by December. Existing facilities and project outlook The Township continues to work with the project manager, general contractor, consul- tants, commissioning team and user groups to coordinate the complex's transition from construction to operation. Council will also discuss options for the interim use of existing community halls and
The Township of Russell is preparing for the opening of its new Recreation Complex, with the arenas and com- munity hall expected to be ready for occupancy in December 2026, followed by the aquatic facility in February 2027. According to the Township, occupancy of the arenas and community hall is anticipated for December 11, 2026, while the aquatic facility is expected to reach that stage on February 14, 2027. Both dates remain sub- ject to construction progress, inspections and regulatory approvals. The Township emphasized that occupancy dates do not represent confirmed public opening dates, as additional preparation will be required before residents can access the facilities. The complex will open in phases to allow staff to test equipment and building systems, complete training, review safety procedures and address any outstanding issues before welcoming the public. The operational readiness period is expected to take several weeks following occupancy. The aquatic facility will require additional preparations, including specialized equipment testing, water-quality verification and public health approvals. A phased approach will allow the arenas and community hall to open as soon as they are ready, without having to wait for the pool area to complete its additional requirements. The Township will announce public opening dates for each section once construction, testing, training and approvals
MUNICIPALITÉ DE CASSELMAN MUNICIPALITY
751 rue St. Jean Street, C.P./P.O. Box 710, Casselman ON K0A 1M0 ÉLECTIONS MUNICIPALES
La période de vote se déroulera du 21 au 26 octobre 2026. Vous pourrez voter en ligne en utilisant l’information de votre lettre d’information à l’électeur en tout temps à compter du 21 octobre à 9 h jusqu’au 26 octobre à 20 h. Un Centre d’aide aux électeurs sera offert à la salle communautaire Deguire du Complexe J.-R.- Brisson, située au 758, rue Brébeuf :
• Mercredi 21 octobre 2026 : de 9 h à 16 h • Jeudi 22 octobre 2026 : de 9 h à 16 h • Vendredi 23 octobre 2026 : de 9 h à 16 h
• Samedi 24 octobre 2026 : de 10 h à 14 h • Dimanche 25 octobre 2026 : de 10 h à 14 h • Lundi 26 octobre 2026 : de 9 h à 20 h
Pour toute questions concernant le processus électoral, veuillez communiquer avec le bureau de la greffe à elections@casselman.ca ou au 613-764-3139. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS The voting period will run from October 21 to October 26, 2026. You may vote online using the information provided in your Voter Information Letter at any time from 9:00 a.m. on October 21 until 8:00 p.m. on October 26. A Voter Help Centre will be available at the Deguire Community Hall at the J.-R.-Brisson Complex, located at 758 Brébeuf Street:
· Wednesday, October 21, 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Thursday, October 22, 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Friday, October 23, 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Saturday, October 24, 2026: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Sunday, October 25, 2026: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Monday, October 26, 2026: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For any questions concerning the election process, please contact the clerk’s office at elections@casselman.ca or 613-764-3139.
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