Catégorie : Reflet-News (Russell-Embrun-Casselman)

Access to Russell’s walking and running track at the sports dome is now free thanks to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell’s community investment fund. 

Mayor Pierre Leroux, in one of his final public appearances as mayor before stepping down for a job with The Nation’s administration, announced the initiative on April 9. Reimbursements for members paid in 2024 will be given at a future date. 

Thanks to the Regional Community Investment Fund, a United Counties of Precott and Russell (UCPR) program that sets aside $50,000 for each muncipality to access for cultural and recreational purposes each year, Russell introduced the removal of membership with the goal of “enhancing community health” and “ensuring equitable access to key recreational facilities.”  

Geneviève Lajoie, Mayor of Casselman was present for the presentation. She admitted that the idea came from Leroux himself. 

“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” she said. “I wouldn’t even thought of this. I always thought ‘what is Pierre going to do?’ I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do, and he did this and I’m like ‘of course it’s mega!’” 

The Community Investment Fund also aims to remove economic barriers to encourage a healthy lifestyle among residents. 

“After the pandemic, everybody was in a rut, so I wanted to give access to funds for the mayors because all the mayors know they communities best,” said Leroux.  

He went on the ask himself how they can inspire residents and how can they elevate them from a community standpoint. 

“And that’s sort of where this idea came from.” 

For the remaining nine months of 2024, the Community Investment Fund will fund $30,000. A future request of $40,000 for the next two years will be made to ensure the memberships remain free for that time. 

For residents owning a membership, payments are stopped as of April 9 and a credit will be issued if applicable. Information will be sent directly to residents by email, or they can call the Dome for more information at 613-443-9272. 

New visitors are asked to stop at the reception desk to learn about the rules and policies of the Dome. 

The Sports Dome’s hours of operation are listed on the Russell’s website. 

officiellement de son poste de maire le 19 avril 2024, afin d’assumer le rôle de chef de l’administration à La Nation. 

L’annonce est survenue soudainement, mais M. Leroux a indiqué que la décision a néanmoins été un choix difficile, ayant toute son identité enveloppée dans le rôle de premier élu de Russell. 

« Tous ceux qui prononcent mon nom, c’est toujours Pierre le maire, a-t-il déclaré. Mais comme tout dans la vie, tout a une durée de vie. » 

Pour M. Leroux, le choix de passer du statut d’élu à celui d’administrateur public était une décision tournée vers l’avenir. 

« Lorsque cette opportunité s’est présentée, j’ai dû y réfléchir, a déclaré M. Leroux. Cela m’a permis de réfléchir à mon avenir à long terme. Je vieillis, un jour je voudrai peut-être prendre ma retraite et c’était un chemin dans la bonne direction. » 

Après avoir été maire pendant près de dix ans et élu à Russel pendant près de quinze ans, M. Leroux estime que son expérience, combinée à des certificats de l’Université Dalhousie en droit municipal et en administration gouvernementale, l’a aidé à comprendre le point de vue de l’administration qui se trouve de l’autre côté de la table du conseil. 

« Je tiens à exprimer mes remerciements les plus sincères à chacun d’entre vous. Ce fut un privilège de vous servir, de grandir avec vous et de contribuer à la tapisserie vibrante de notre communauté », a déclaré M. Leroux lors de l’une de ses dernières apparitions publiques en tant que maire, annonçant l’accès gratuit à la piste d’athlétisme du dôme sportif de Russell, l’une de ses plus grandes réalisations depuis qu’il est à la tête de la municipalité.  

Prochaines étapes pour Russell 

Le dernier jour du mandat du maire approchant à grands pas, le conseiller Jamie Laurin, ainsi que trois autres conseillers, assureront l’intérim jusqu’à ce qu’un nouveau maire soit élu ou nommé. 

Le conseil municipal de Russell organise une réunion pour discuter des prochaines étapes pour le poste vacant. La date de cette réunion n’a pas encore été déterminée, mais selon Richard Godin, directeur général de la municipalité de Russell, elle aura probablement lieu lors de la prochaine réunion ordinaire du conseil, le 29 avril, ou lors d’une réunion spéciale avant cette date. 

Lors de cette réunion, le conseil déclarera le siège vacant, ce qui déclenchera un délai de 60 jours au cours duquel les membres du conseil décideront de la marche à suivre. Le conseil devra décider d’organiser une élection partielle ou de nommer un conseiller pour occuper le poste par un vote à la majorité.

During the Russell regular council meeting on April 8, councillors brought forward their thoughts and concerns over the public engagement policy.

Councillor Mike Tarnowski was the first to share that his hope for the policy is to achieve informed decision making on the councillor’s behalf as well as have more engagement from the community to provide feedback and different perspectives. He believes a new policy It would also bring community empowerment.

“It really allows our community to feel that they have a voice, and not only every four years when we’re elected,” said Tarnowski.

A fear both Tarnowski and Councillor Lisa Deacon shared is that there will be a minimal engagement dominated by a small number of residents, creating an echo chamber leading to “policy shortcomings and failures, conflict polarizations.”

Deacon points out that a concept of open government would encourage members of the public to question and comment.

“(The concept of open government) is not about just offering the opportunity to ask questions but showing people ‘what is the impact of you showing up here, and you giving this voice’.”

Councillor Marc Lalonde would not like to have the public involved in the decision-making processes.

“We have been elected, we the council members, to undertake, to absorb, to reflect the people,” explained Lalonde. “It’s not obvious to me that I’d like to see the public suddenly have a responsibility here.”

He suggests having a survey of specific and relevant questions to send out to all residents would be a good beginning.

Councillor  Jaime Laurin asks about the financial implications of the community engagement decisions being made.

“Because there will be a price tag to that,” he said.

Laurin points out that they already have many engagement options used now through their website, social media, electronic billboard, quarterly newsletters, daily and weekly emails. He questions whether there are other options available.

“Are we going to be asking everyone’s opinion on every single item that we vote on? No. That’s why we were elected. However, there are certain items that will require Town Hall meetings or public sessions.”

Before the discussion, a resident asked during the question period why the question period section of of the meeting was several items before the strategic discussion on a public engagement.

Richard Godin, Chief Administrative Officer of Russell, said the intent of it is to really have council’s feedback before we move too far into the policy and development.”

Godin reassures the public that there will be future opportunities to comment on the policy and its development.

No decision was made at the end of the discussion. The administration has taken notes of the ideas brought forward to inform the policy’s design.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to councillors to voice their agreement or disagreement with what was presented.

Des agents de la Sécurité publique et de la réglementation de la municipalité de Russell ont donné deux « contraventions positives » a des jeunes de la communauté pour leurs bonnes actions, leur comportement charitable et leurs actes de bonté. 

Jacob, 11 ans, ne manque jamais une occasion d’aider les gens. Il aime aider les personnes âgées à déneiger leur entrée et donner son temps lors d’événements ou autres activités. 

Puis Hayley cherche toujours à faire le bien. Elle aide souvent les parents de sa communauté en surveillant les enfants au parc. Un enfant a même déclaré qu’il « se sentait plus en sécurité avec les grands enfants quand Hayley était là ». 

Chaque contravention donnée inclut une carte-cadeau pour une entreprise locale, notamment le Kin Club, la Légion, Tigre Géant, McDonald’s et Tim Hortons. 

« Je me suis sentie fière que les gens me reconnaissent, a dit Hayley. J’aime les enfants et j’ai l’intention de devenir enseignante. » 

Pour sélectionner comme candidat une personne de 16 ans ou moins dans la communauté, il faut contacter le service de Sécurité publique et exécution des règlements de la municipalité de Russell. 

Only three days after the initial Fire Ban was put into effect, it has been lifted following a snowstorm that brought in nearly 20 centimetres of snow and 15 millimetres of rain. 

On April 4, from 8:30 a.m. and onward, Russell municipality lifted the Fire Ban. 

“It’s a great thing when we get moisture,” said Brian McBain, Fire Chief for the Russell township. “So definitely with the rain and snow, it helped with the surface that was so dry. That’s why we had lifted the ban.” 

“Hopefully, we’ll have some green grass soon,” he added. 

Fire permits are required for all other open-air fires, including farm and rural open-air fires but not for recreational and cooking fires. 

Residents may apply for one by contacting the Public Safety & Enforcement Department at 613-443-3066 or by email at bylaws.reglements@russell.ca. They are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

Applications for fire permits must be submitted 24 hours prior to open air burning and cost $30 each. 

As well, both The Nation and Clarence-Rockland Fire Departments have lifted the Fire Bans the same day. 

First Fire Since Fire Ban Lift 

On April 8, The Nation Fire Department responded to a grass/bush fire on the 10th Concession between Pioneer Way and Foreman Road. 

On their Facebook page, the department reminds people that although the ground may be wet from the rain and snow, the top brush and grass is still dry. 

The Nation, Russell and Clarence-Rockland have all instituted fire bans for the beginning of April, marking the start of what could be a very dry spring and summer after a major acre brush and forest fire tears through The Nation.

The brush fire spanned over 30 acres in the north of St-Bernardin involved the fire services of The Nation, Clarence-Rockland and Russell, and forced the Casselman fire service to respond to a fire in The Nation while that municipality’s fire fighters were dealing with the brush fire.

Two weathered sheds and two tractors were lost in the flames.

A civilian received minor burns trying to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived. The person was transported to the hospital.

Firefighters don’t know how the fire started.

Fire ban to kick off season

Due to dry weather conditions as well as little precipitation expected in the immediate future, The Nation and Clarence-Rockland put their ban in place on March 31, followed soon after by Russell on April 1.

Until further notice, all open-air fires are prohibited which include backyard campfires and even property owners who have valid fire permits.

Depending on the municipality, natural gas or propane appliances, certified barbecues, propane outdoor fireplaces with a gas shut off are still allowed.

Mario Villeneuve Fire Chief of the Clarence-Rockland, Casselman, and The Nation says the ban will stay until the vegetation turns green which means it contains enough moisture to prevent possible fires.

“Right now, there’s still a lot of greenery that’s dry on the ground. I know it’s going to rain or snow later this week, so we’ll be reassessing on a regular basis for when we lift the ban. But at the moment it’s impossible to say,” said Villeneuve.

On March 25, Russell municipal council approved an agreement with Blair Asphalt and added Route 300 to the list of roads to be repaved in 2024, joining seven other roads expecting repairs this summer. 

Of the four bids received for the project, Blair Asphalt came in with the lowest at $2,499,868.85, plus HST. 

The budget for paving the selected roads is $2,543,866.54. Russell will pay $1,538,893.05 and the remaining $1,004,973.49 will be financed by The Nation. 

With the bid and the other costs related to the road reconstruction (rock for shoulders, roller rental, and culvert replacement), the project is approximately $300,000 under the allotted budget. The Russell administration recommends adding more paving work to the contract to maximize the available budget. 

The municipality’s list of paving projects for 2024 includes an eight-kilometre section of St-Pierre Road from St-Guillaume Road to Route 300, more than two kilometres of St-André Road from Notre-Dame Road to Route 400, 1.5 kilometres of Route 400 from St-Marie Road to St-Jacques Road, 1.5 kilometres of Route 400 from Ste-Catherine Road to Wade Road, one kilometre of Felton Crescent, less than a kilometre of Cloutier Drive, 40 metres of paving on Ryan Crescent100 kilometres of Bruyère Court. 

Work is planned to begin this summer. Residents are referred to 511 for more details regarding detours during construction.

As of April 1, The Nation Municipality has lifted the winter parking restrictions. Parking on the streets between 11 PM and 7:00 AM is no longer prohibited.

Une journée de Pâques ensoleillée a permis aux enfants de Saint-Albert de participer à la chasse aux œufs annuelle des Chevaliers de Colomb et du Club Optimiste de Saint-Albert. 

Pour la troisième année consécutive de l’événement, nous avons constaté une baisse du nombre d’enfants présents, avec un peu plus de 25 enfants au centre communautaire de Saint-Albert. Comparativement aux années précédentes où plus de 60 enfants ont participé à la chasse aux œufs, cette diminution est notable. 

« Je sais qu’il y a d’autres municipalités qui en font (des activités) aussi. Puis vu que parfois (la fête de Pâques) c’est fêtée le samedi, bien il y a les rassemblements de famille, il y en a qui partent. Donc c’est difficile de prédire un peu », a dit Stéphane Dubuc, un membre des Chevaliers de Colomb. 

Mais cela n’a pas arrêté les enfants présents qui ont profité des cadeaux tels que des jouets, du chocolat et des coupons donnés par le Canadian Tire de Casselman, le Tigre Géant, les Costumes à Juliette, la fromagerie Saint-Albert, la pharmacie Jean Coutu de Casselman et le McDonald de Casselman. 

Après deux chasses aux œufs, les enfants et les adultes accompagnateurs ont été récompensés avec un goûter de chiens chauds et boissons chaudes. Chaque enfant a quitté avec un lapin en chocolat. 

« Le Club Optimiste, on est au service de la jeunesse et de la communauté. Alors ça nous fait plaisir d’organiser des choses, puis ça nous fait encore aussi plaisir quand que les gens viennent et participent », a ajouté Carole Prévost, présidente du Club Optimiste de Saint-Albert. 

The Nation, Russell and Clarence-Rockland have all instituted fire bans for the beginning of April, marking the start of what could be a very dry spring and summer after a 30-acre brush and forest fire tears through The Nation. 

Due to dry weather conditions as well as little precipitation expected in the immediate future, The Nation and Clarence-Rockland put their ban in place on March 31, followed soon after by Russell on April 1. 

Until further notice, all open-air fires are prohibited which include backyard campfires and even property owners who have valid fire permits. 

Depending on the municipality, natural gas or propane appliances, certified barbecues, and propane outdoor fireplaces with a gas shut-off are still allowed.

Brush fire kicks off-season 

Since the ban, a brush fire spanning over 30 acres in the north of St-Bernardin involved the three fire services, and forced the Casselman fire service to respond to a fire in The Nation while that municipality’s fire fighters were dealing with the brush fire. 

Two weathered sheds and two tractors were lost in the flames. 

A civilian received minor burns trying to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived. The person was transported to the hospital. 

Firefighters don’t know how the fire started. 

Mario Villeneuve Fire Chief of the Clarence-Rockland, Casselman, and The Nation says the ban will stay until the vegetation turns green which means it contains enough moisture to prevent possible fires. 

“Right now, there’s still a lot of greenery that’s dry on the ground. I know it’s going to rain or snow later this week, so we’ll be reassessing on a regular basis for when we lift the ban. But at the moment it’s impossible to say,” said Villeneuve.