On Sept. 29, 2024, Jacob Landriault located a missing 8-year-old autistic, non-verbal child and ensured he stayed safe until help arrived. For his quick thinking, bravery and compassion, he was presented with a Citizen Recognition award by the members of council. From left: Councillor Jamie Laurin, Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Jacob Landriault, Councillor Lisa Deacon, Councillor Marc Lalonde, and Councillor Charles Armstrong. Courtesy Photo

EMBRUN – At their regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 15, Russell Council officially welcomed a new member, presented a Citizen Recognition award, and took an initial look at what the budget for 2025 will look like.

Top of the agenda was the swearing in of Councillor Charles Armstrong for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, ending on Nov. 14, 2026. Armstrong was declared the winner of a by-election called to fill the role vacated by Michael Tarnowski, who assumed the role of Mayor following the resignation of former Mayor Pierre Leroux, effective Apr. 19, 2024.

Council also had the honour of presenting a Citizen Recognition Award to 13-year-old Jacob Landriault for his quick thinking and heroic actions.

On Sept. 29, 2024, Jacob was outside with his mother when they encountered a man frantically searching for his missing 8-year-old son. The boy, who has autism, a hearing impairment, and is non-verbal, had wandered off.

After hearing the boy’s description, Jacob immediately set off on his bike to help. He successfully located the child 1.2 km away on North Russell Road. Acting swiftly, Jacob contacted his mother and ensured the boy stayed safe, preventing him from entering the busy street. He stayed with the child, who eventually lay down on the ground, until the boy’s father and grandfather arrived.

Jacob’s courageous actions that day likely prevented the boy from being seriously harmed, and his efforts led to a joyful reunion with his family. For someone so young, Jacob demonstrated incredible bravery and compassion in a difficult situation. Congratulations to Jacob on this well-deserved recognition. His actions are an inspiration to us all.

Council also received report CSAS-FS-2024-17 dated Oct. 15, 2024, and acknowledged receipt of the first draft of the 2025 budget, which forecasts an overall tax increase of 10.63% (7.72% = General Operations increase) + (2.91% = OPP invoice increase).

This is only a first draft and further discussions will be held during scheduled budget working day sessions on Oct. 24 and 25, 2024.

One item that will be considered during budget discussion will be a road condition assessment report from May 2024. A proposed 10-year paving plan, which aligned with the 2019 approved strategy, was presented to council. The roads scheduled for paving will be finalized each year during the budget discussions. Adjustments may be required to the plan, as some roads are dependent on storm sewer reconstruction, and further investigations into the storm sewer conditions are still being conducted.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Council will be on Oct. 28, at 6:00 p.m.