Special Council Meeting Set to Discuss Future of Recreation Complex

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate distribution

Russell Township – November 6, 2023 – Following the closed session on the costing update of the recreation complex at the November 2 Special Council meeting, Council has scheduled another Special Council Meeting on Thursday November 9, 2023, to deliberate on the future recreation complex. While the Council welcomes public attendance to ensure transparency, the focus will be on the presentation and consideration of options informed by many months of thorough stakeholder engagement.

Importance of Timely Decision-Making

The community’s voice has been instrumental in reaching this stage, and while further feedback is always valued, the Council is cognizant that additional delays to our current timeline in decision-making could incur significant costs, amounting to hundreds of thousands or most likely millions of dollars depending on the decisions of Council. Therefore, this meeting will not actively seek further feedback but will be a platform for Council to review and consider the options presented by staff.

Navigating Today’s Economic Realities

The Council faces the complexities of today’s economic environment, which necessitates a careful and strategic approach to capital projects. Despite our original financial plan being on target, market conditions and recent provincial changes outside our control have necessitated revisions to our approach. The staff report will outline multiple scenarios to address these changes while adhering to our strategic plan of completing the recreational complex by December 2026.

Strategic Planning and Fiscal Responsibility

Our strategic plan is guided by pillars that ensure a robust framework for decision-making and community development. These pillars include a commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainable planning, and ensuring that public funds are used effectively to meet the long-term needs of the community. In keeping with these principles, the specifics of our financial strategy will not be disclosed publicly at this stage to protect the Township’s position in the upcoming tender process. However, the Council wishes to assure the public that before any award is accepted in spring of 2024, all financial details will be presented publicly and subject to approval in a public forum.

We invite the community to attend this meeting to understand the Council’s strategic deliberations as we move forward with this significant capital project.

Event Details:

• Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Location: City Hall, 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun ON
• Note: This meeting is open to public observation, with the understanding that the focus is on Council’s evaluation of presented options.

The Township looks forward to progressing with the recreation complex project in a manner that is both economically prudent and reflective of our community’s needs and aspirations.

To stay informed on this project, visit russell.accwebdev.com/parks-and-recreation/recreation-facilities/recreation-complex/, follow us on social media (@MunRussellTwp) and subscribe to receive email alerts at russell.accwebdev.com/town-hall/news-and-notices/subscribe/. For further details, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department.