Page 12 WORKERS HONOURED FOR SAVING TODDLER
Page 15 KIND ACTS EARN LOCAL REWARDS
VOLUME 40 • NO. 41 • 6 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • APRIL 22 2026
RUSSELL APPROVES EMBRUN BASEBALL DUGOUT PROJECT FOR 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET "$56"-*5 4r/&84
BUUIF&NCSVO3JDIFMJFVCBTFCBMMEJBNPOE Municipal staff said the improvements are intended to enhance safety, durability, and the overall usability of the facility. To help reduce costs, portions of the construction and installation work will be completed internally by Parks and Recreation staff. The estimated total cost of the project is $24,674, with completion targeted for summer 2026. The report outlined four potential rec- reation projects for consideration. Based on the available surplus funding, only two proposals fell within or close to the current budget allocation. In addition to the dugout project, the report identified a proposed tennis prac- UJDFXBMMJO&NCSVOBUBOFTUJNBUFEDPTUPG Based on those projections, the Township estimates the original capital investment could be recovered in approximately three years. Administration also proposed financing the capital cost through an internal 10-year loan, resulting in annual repayments of about $23,000 plus interest. Remaining profits would then be directed to a dedicated transit reserve fund. Township officials said the reserve will be used to support a future transportation solution connecting workers and employers to the 417 Industrial Park, an issue identi- fied by businesses as a key challenge for employee attraction and retention. Council was told that even if the sign does not reach full revenue potential immediately, strong demand and the historical 100 per cent occupancy rate of the existing sign support expectations that the project will remain profitable over the medium and long term. Tender documents for the project were issued in February, with one compliant bid SFDFJWFEGSPN,#.FEJB8IJMFPOMZPOF submission was made, seven companies reportedly reviewed and downloaded the tender package. Administration recommended awarding the contract after confirming the bid met all technical specifications. 8JUIDPVODJMBQQSPWBMOPXJOQMBDF UIF project is expected to proceed as part of the municipality’s broader economic deve- lopment efforts while generating revenue for future transit planning.
$29,001. Two larger-scale projects exceeded available funding by a significant margin, including the replacement of the Marionville outdoor rink, estimated between $126,442 and $246,884, and a sports dome floor replacement estimated at $214,306. Municipal staff noted that if council wished to proceed with one of the higher- cost options, alternative financing sources would need to be secured. The proposed projects were identified during recent budget working sessions in response to requests from residents, community groups and facility users. Staff said some initiatives were also developed through collaboration with committees and user groups. According to the municipality, the projects
are part of ongoing efforts to maintain aging infrastructure, improve service levels, and support long-term community access to recreational amenities. Councillor Lisa Deacon praised the broa- der purpose behind recreation investments during council discussion. “I wanted to express my gratitude at that explanation that was brought tonight, because just looking at the numbers is not XIZXFEP1BSLTBOE3FDSFBUJPOXPSL8F do it to improve people’s lives,” said Deacon. The municipality said public communi- cation regarding the project will be shared through its website, newsletters, and official social media channels as work progresses.
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
Russell Council has approved upgrades to the dugout structures at the Richelieu baseball diamond in Embrun after recei- ving a report on special recreation pro- ject considerations for 2026. Council voted to include Project A, known as the Dugout Richelieu Project, in the muni- cipality’s 2026 Capital Budget. The project will be funded using a $30,000 operating surplus identified by the Parks and Recrea- tion Department from the 2025 budget and carried forward into 2026. The approved project involves replacing and completing the existing dugout structures
RUSSELL APPROVES EXPANSION OF 417 INDUSTRIAL PARK PYLON SIGN GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
Russell Township has approved the expansion of the existing pylon sign at the entrance of the 417 Industrial Park, responding to strong demand from local businesses for additional advertising space. Council approved a contract with K.B. Media for the supply and installation of the extension at a cost of $203,941, excluding HST and additional hourly rates for electrical contracting and general labour. Council also approved an increase of $150,000 to the existing capital budget, bringing the total project allocation to $230,000. Municipal officials said the current pylon sign has maintained full occupancy since its installation in 2019, with a growing waiting list of businesses seeking advertising space. The expansion is intended to maximize use of the existing municipal asset while creating new revenue opportunities. The project includes an extension to the right side of the current structure, featuring eight additional advertising panels and a OFX-&%EJTQMBZJOUIFVQQFSSJHIUDPSOFS The updated scope of work is the primary reason costs exceeded earlier estimates prepared in 2023. According to the municipality, the expanded sign is projected to generate approximately $100,000 in annual gross revenue once all advertising spaces are leased. That figure includes traditional sign panel rentals as well as digital advertising POUIF-&%EJTQMBZ Annual operating costs, including mainte- nance, electricity, and general upkeep, are estimated at roughly $20,000. Once fully operational, the sign is expected to generate about $80,000 in annual net profit.
Side A of pylon sign at the entrance to the 417 Industrial Park. (Russell Township)
Side B of pylon sign at the entrance to the 417 Industrial Park. (Russell Township)
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online