Dignitaries from many organizations and the community gathered for a photo op following the ceremonial groundbreaking of the project. From the left: Dan Faughnan (former CAO), Pierre Leroux (former Mayor), Marc Downing (MJMA), Paul McDonald (McDonald Brothers), Greg Stallard (Turner & Townsend), Céline Guitard (Director of Parks and Recreation Department), Richard Godin (Chief Administrative Officer), Mike Tarnowski (Mayor), Stéphane Sarrazin (MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell), Marc Lalonde (Councillor), Lisa Deacon (Councillor), Patrick Gehling (JL Richards), Luke Duross (MJMA), Jean Leduc (former CAO), and Jonathan Bourgon (Executive Director of Infrastructure Department). Thompson Goddard Photo

EMBRUN – There was a crowd of over 50 people who gathered to view the storyboards, listen to stakeholders and enjoy light refreshments during a ceremony to mark the grounding breaking for the Township of Russell’s recreation complex on Sept. 17.

The project was over five years in the planning and will feature three ice rinks, a 25 metre six lane indoor pool, a 10,000 square-foot community hall, which can be divided into three sections and will include a kitchen with all components described in a Sept. 17 press release from the Municipality of Russell.

“The Recreation Complex reflects the Township’s commitment to providing high quality recreational facilities that meet the diverse needs of its residents and foster a sense of community.” stated the release, and noted the contract for the construction of the complex was awarded to McDonald Brothers Construction Inc during the June 24, 2024 Municipality of Russell meeting.

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski, who was the emcee for the event, North Glengarry, Prescott-Russell MPP Stéphane Sarrazin and Municipality of Russell Chief Administrative Officer Richard Godin.

Tarnowski thanked all those involved with the development of this Russell Township Recreation Complex. He noted how it symbolizes the future of the area and will be adjacent to other sport centres, calling this project “an investment in our future” and the largest project to date in the municipality. MPP Sarrazin mentioned he will be working with the municipality to secure funding for the project with Godin commenting the new structure will be a space for all to come together and is a step towards ensuring the health of the people in the community.

“I am filled with pride witnessing the immense teamwork and dedication that has gone into this project from all our departments, consultants, contractors, and through extensive public consultations. Today, we break ground on a facility that reflects years of collaboration and commitment, and we are excited to deliver a space that will benefit our community for generations,” said in the press release.

More information on this project and other work of the Municipality of Russell can be found at www.russell.ca.