Brydon Cadieux was one of four Russell Township Employees recognized for their “professionalism, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility to the community,” in relation to an incident that occurred on March 31. From left: Councillor Charles Armstrong, Councillor Jamie Laurin, Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Brydon Cadieux, Councillor Lisa Deacon, and Councillor Marc Lalonde. Courtesy Photo

EMBRUN – At their regularly scheduled meeting on April 13, 2026, Russell Council worked their way through an agenda that included a variety of issues. Here is a summary of some of the things they dealt with.

For more information on these and other topics you can visit the Township’s website (russell.ca) for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes. As well, the full meeting can be viewed on the Township’s You Tube channel.

Extension of the Pylon Sign at the 417 Industrial Park approved

Council approved the expansion of the existing pylon sign at the entrance of the 417 Industrial Park.

There has been strong demand from industrial park businesses for additional advertising space, as the current sign has maintained 100% occupancy and has a growing waiting list. By expanding the existing structure, the Township will be able to accommodate more advertising while at the same time maximizing the use of an existing municipal asset.

The project will be fully self-funded through revenues generated by the pylon sign, and as a result there will be no impact on the tax base. All net profits will be allocated to a dedicated transit reserve. This reserve will support the future development of a transportation solution to the 417 Industrial Park, something identified by local employers and their workforce as a key challenge.

Special Recreational Project Considerations

The Parks and Recreation Department identified a $30,000 operating surplus from the 2025 budget. This surplus has been carried forward to 2026 to fund one of the proposed special recreation projects.

Council received the Special Recreational Project Considerations report and approved Project A, the Richelieu Baseball Diamond dugout in Embrun, for inclusion in the 2026 Capital Budget.

The project includes replacing and completing the dugout structures at the Embrun Richelieu baseball diamond. The upgrades will improve safety, durability, and overall use of the facility. In order to help reduce costs, parks and recreation staff will complete part of the construction and installation work internally.

The estimated total project cost is $24,674, with completion planned for summer 2026.

Recognition of Four Municipal Employees

Council received formal recognition from the Ontario Provincial Police and Staff Sergeant Lalonde for Infrastructure Department employees Sylvain Leduc, Paul Martel, Brydon Cadieux, and Will St-Yves.

On March 31, while carrying out their regular duties, the four employees noticed a toddler walking alone and unattended on Notre-Dame Street near the roadway. Recognizing that there was an immediate risk, the four staff members took control of the situation by positioning  their vehicles to prevent the child from entering the roadway and stayed with the child while assistance was requested and the family was located.

Their quick thinking, sound judgment, and compassion, allowed the situation to be resolved safely.

Their actions went above and beyond their regular duties, and Council thanked them for their actions and commended them for representing the Township with professionalism, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility to the community.

The next Council meeting will be Mon., April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.