Russell Township and the Nation Municipality are collaborating on a project to increase needed infrastructures as population increases. During ROMA they met with representatives from several provincial ministries on this matter. From the left: Mario Zanth, Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell; MPP Stéphane Sarrazin; Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski; the Honourable Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs; The Nation Municipality Mayor Francis Brière; and Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Rural Affairs. Courtesy Photo

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP – During the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) in Toronto, municipal leaders from Russell Townsip and The Nation Municipality met with provincial ministries regarding a proposal for a “new regional wastewater treatment plant that would service both communities.”

In the Jan. 23 press release from Russell Township, it was learned that the municipal representatives met regarding the proposed project with three provincial ministries.  These included meetings with the Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs, the Honourable Lisa M. Thompson; the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks the Honourable Todd McCarthy and Amarjot Sandhu, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure.

This project is responding to the rapid and sustained growth in the two municipalities with projects of a population increased by close to 50 per cent. It was noted that wastewater lagoon systems in Embrun and Limoges “are expected to reach capacity by 2032, creating a significant risk of service limitations if action is not taken.”

“Russell Township is growing, and our residents expect us to plan and manage that growth responsibly. This is a regional infrastructure challenge that requires a regional solution. By working collaboratively with The Nation, we are demonstrating leadership and accountability through a fiscally responsible approach that protects quality of life and ensures essential infrastructure is delivered in a thoughtful, sustainable way for our communities,” said Mike Tarnowski, Mayor of Russell Township.

A collaborative approach is felt to be essential in the development of “scalable and resilient infrastructure that supports long-term, sustainable growth”, with a regional approach to solutions offering several benefits. These included improved cost efficiency, opportunities for sustainable development and enhanced environmental protection as well as improving project cost efficiency.

The National Municipality Mayor Francis Brière commented in the release how “both municipalities face similar growth pressures and are striving toward the same objective of ensuring our infrastructure can support continued development in a responsible and efficient way.” He continued how a collaborative approach maximizes public investment and provides both communities with a manner of supporting sustainable growth and reflects a modern approach to problem resolution.

It was reported that a one-hour broadcast is “now available on the municipalities’ YouTube channels, providing additional information on the project being proposed.  “Both municipalities remain committed to working together and with provincial partners to plan infrastructure that meets current needs while preparing for future growth.

The proposed Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant project was also featured in a one-hour broadcast aired on local television and now available on the municipalities’ YouTube channels. The program provides additional background on the project, highlights the need for regional collaboration, and explains how the initiative will support sustainable growth in both municipalities.”