ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS
As I complete my first term (2018-2022), many things have changed in our township. Our population alone has grown by nearly 18% since 2018. I am proud of what we've accomplished, but more work is needed.
Here is a snapshot of some of our successful projects over the past four years:
We've made great strides in improving the township's financial position with our asset management policies (putting money aside for capital investments before they are required). We’ve lowered our infrastructure deficit by nearly 39%. All new capital projects are now required to be financially sustainable before proceeding. (New project proposals include maintenance and replacement costs as part of the financing plan)
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We are moving ahead with the new recreation complex (pool, arenas, community hall, gymnasium). After extensive community input, we have just awarded contracts to a project manager and an architectural firm that will design the facility. If we don’t lose momentum, the design should be completed by the end of 2023, with construction (shovel in the ground) starting in 2024. I am particularly proud of the finance plan for what promises to be the largest project ever undertaken in our township. Right away in 2018, we started putting money aside, increasing investments every year to prepare for this project. As of 2022, we expect to have over 2 million dollars set aside for the project. This plan ensures that residents won’t see a significant increase in taxes when the complex is built.
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We can’t speak about the complex without mentioning our new, fully accessible Jonathan Pitre Park with additional space, including new tennis and basketball courts. With the existing dome and the new rec complex, this space will quickly become a great community gathering place for all our residents.
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I am also excited that we have finally secured a proper location for the Embrun library branch. Our Embrun Library will have a new home in the current Embrun Community Hall. Our residents built that community hall, and the building will continue serving as a great community gathering space. Plans even include a wall dedicated to the residents that helped build it. The new Complex will house a larger and more versatile community hall that could easily be split to accommodate multiple groups/events at once, including a proper catering space to support the events.
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Our commercial and industrial mix is growing. Think of all the new businesses that have opened their doors in the past four years. Our industrial park has also grown dramatically. Township has purchased and sold many new properties to new businesses establishing themselves within our township. We’ve recently completed design plans for servicing it (water sewer). Still, there is more to do; the new council will need to make the difficult decision to either move head or not with the servicing of the park.
Remember that the more industry/ commercial we have, the less we need to rely on residential taxpayers and the more local jobs we produce for our residents.
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The condition of the roads is generally the most discussed item by residents making budget requests. Over the past four years, the township has rehabilitated almost 38% of our road network. The projects are guided based on a 2019 engineers report which ensured a transparent process to help us prioritize projects based on use and conditions. Given the shortfall of previous investments to properly maintain the road network, I also supported the addition of a 1% tax levy in 2020 & 2021 to reduce further the deficit moving forward.
Speaking of roads, I am also very proud of the accomplishments made on our recreational trail. This includes all the signage and the road crossing safety signage. As chair of the Parks and Recreation committee, I strongly advocated adding information and security signage along the trail. After all, the trail is what brings our Russell and Embrun residents together.
Regarding safety for our residents, we enacted a bylaw to reduce the maximum speed in residential areas across the township from 50 to 40km/hour. We also use digital speed feedback signs in problem areas to further educate the public and road bollards as required.
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Further to the development and maintenance pieces, I am proud to have always supported our local social organizations like the Kin Club and Optimist clubs. I am also incredibly proud and supportive of our grassroots resident projects like the Embrun trail train station revitalization project or the Stiver park community fundraising to improve their local park.
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In addition to sitting on council, I have continued my involvement with the township Library Board now in my 12th year (2018-2022 as past chair). I also chaired the Parks and Recreation Committee and participated as a member of the township Planning and Advisory committee.
As I said, we’ve accomplished a lot in these past four years, but there is still more to be done.
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Here are some of the priorities I plan to focus on should I be re-elected:
Keep residential tax rate increases below inflation rates. Our rate per $100,000 of property valuation is still below 2015 rates. We want to maintain our position as the 2nd lowest tax $$ per $100,000 of property value compared to all eight municipalities in Prescott Russell.
Continue shrinking the infrastructure asset management deficit. Enough resources to properly maintain township asset value (roads, water, sewers, equipment)
Support the township in continuing the development of our rec complex. Given the current economic conditions, now more than ever, we need to work with staff to source additional funding for this project through government grants and private partnerships.
Protect the Russell Library branch and finally move the Embrun library to a new home outside the elementary school. Embrun needs a welcoming library for all our residents, designed with the latest library space thinking (a community gathering space to foster culture and education).
Look for additional automation opportunities to optimize service delivery for our residents while ensuring resident-focused services.
Ensure that our community provides enough childcare spaces, including before and after school programming and summer camps, to help support our young families.
Continue looking for ways to responsibly reduce our township’s carbon footprint, including the introduction of composting, further investment in the recovery of our tree canopy cover and pushing for the implementation of an environmental action plan. This is in parallel to promoting resiliency and protecting residents from oncoming climate change events.
Ensure that township growth and development don't take away from our sense of community (manage growth).
All these projects, coupled with our current economic situation (high inflation), require experience, dedication, and the ability to make difficult decisions.
Between October 19th-24th, I hope I can count on your vote.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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Mike Tarnowski, MBA
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