New signage for new name
The building which houses the Township of Russell Library was officially renamed on June 3 to the Jean Paul St. Pierre Building. Vetter photo
Candice Vetter
Villager Staff
RUSSELL — The Russell Library Branch building has been officially renamed after late Mayor of Russell Township, Jean Paul (J.P.) St. Pierre.
On Sat., June 3, a ceremony was held at the branch, attended by about 50 onlookers, including current Russell Council members, Mayor Pierre Leroux, Jocelyn St. Pierre, St. Pierre’s children, Township staff, firefighters, and members of the community.
St. Pierre served as Councillor for four years before winning election as Mayor in 2010. He passed away nine days before he would have been elected again in 2014. He played a major role in the construction of the Russell Library branch building. He was also a Police Village of Russell Trustee for six years, and was a member of or a contributor to numerous local organizations in Russell including the Russell Curling Club, the Lions Club, the Kin Club, the Optimist Club, and the Russell and District Horticultural Society. He inspired loyalty in both the Embrun and Russell firefighters, who lined up together to form an honour guard at his funeral in October 2014. Besides serving as mayor, before his death he was also sitting as Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.
A plaque near the library’s entrance praises St. Pierre’s role in building the library. He was also closely involved with the creation of the new Embrun Fire Hall, the Municipal Dog Park and was a supporter of the Sports Dome which is now under construction.
