The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) are pleased to announce that Pierre Leroux, Mayor of the Township of Russell, will be the Warden for the year 2024. Mr. Leroux was elected by acclamation at the annual Inaugural Meeting held on December 20, 2023.
Pierre Leroux has 14 years of experience in municipal politics. Councillor for the Township of Russell from 2010 to 2014, Mr. Leroux then became Mayor. Very involved in his community, he is currently serving as Chair for both the South Nation Conservation and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network. He is well acquainted with the reality of local businesses, having owned convenience stores in Embrun and Casselman. He was also the Warden of the UCPR Council in 2020.
The new Warden shared his priorities for 2024 in his swearing-in speech:
- The completion of the construction of the new Prescott and Russell Residence scheduled to open in 2024. It will offer 224 beds, 78 more than the current Residence.
- The creation of multi-level partnerships and close collaboration with local municipalities as well as neighbouring regions of the UCPR. This cooperation will advance innovative and creative governance solutions.
- The establishment of the Cultural Fund. This regional support program will sponsor community initiatives, with a focus on concrete actions and sustainable projects promoting a positive and winning mindset.
“I would like to thank my predecessor, Mr. Normand Riopel, for his accomplishments this past year,” said Mr. Leroux. “During my second mandate as Warden of the UCPR Council, I will promote collaboration with all our local and regional partners. By working together, we will be able to tackle common challenges such as infrastructure development, sustainable economy, and the environment. Above all, we will establish effective strategies to ensure the well-being of citizens.”
As per tradition, during the Inaugural Meeting, the outgoing Warden, Mr. Normand Riopel, had the opportunity to donate an amount of $25,000 to 19 community organizations in the region. These funds were raised during the Warden’s Golf Tournament in June 2023 and the Warden’s Banquet in November 2023.
- Arbor Gallery - $1,500
- Club de l’Amicale du Village de L’Orignal Inc. - $500
- Club du Réveil VKH Inc. - $500
- Club Entre Amis de Lefaivre - $500
- Hawkesbury Central Food Bank - $2,000
- Higginson Tower Committee - $1,000
- L’Orignal Food Bank and Thrift Store - $3,000
- L’Orignal Old Jail - $3,000
- L’Orignal-Longueuil Heritage - $1,500
- Maison Interlude House Inc. - $2,000
- Prescott-Russell Community Services - $500
- Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail - $1,000
- Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 472 - $1,000
- Ski Vent Clic - $2,000
- Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society - $1,000
- Vankleek Hill and District Historical Society - $1,500
- Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society - $500
- Vankleek Hill Business Merchant Association - $500
- Vankleek Hill Food Bank - $1,500