A Message from the Warden, Normand Riopel
As Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, I am committed to working diligently for the well-being of all citizens in our great region. To achieve this, I will focus on the interests, needs, and concerns of all eight municipalities that make up our beautiful region, with the goal of prioritizing the matters that are most important to the residents of Prescott and Russell.
I will begin by ensuring that a balanced and responsible financial strategy is implemented during the budget process. The current economic situation demands that we review our processes and the status quo. We must find efficiencies and conduct analyses that will allow us to counter inflation pressures while maintaining sound management of financial resources. I will also ensure that all initiatives aimed at maintaining the effectiveness of governance within our region are supported.
The Prescott and Russell Residence Redevelopment Project is progressing rapidly. If momentum continues, the first residents should be able to move into the 224-bed state-of-the-art facility as planned in the spring of 2024. Continuing to provide the highest quality of long-term care to our residents is a top priority for our Council, and we will continue to ensure that this project, which is extremely important to our community, is successfully implemented.
The unbeatable quality of life that Prescott and Russell communities offer is one of the greatest assets of our region. To ensure that our communities continue to offer an incomparable and safe living environment, I will, among other things, work to expand the natural gas distribution network in rural areas and to increase initiatives that target road safety.
During the course of my term, I will be working closely with our regional MPs, community partners, and neighbouring communities on a number of common issues such as improving access to high speed internet and quality of the cellular network, widening highways 17 and 174, and supporting the priorities of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, including increased access to affordable housing and the health care system.
Our region’s greatest strength lies in the contribution, diversity, and wealth of each of our eight municipalities. The interest in our region, whether it is to live here, discover our attractions, work, or invest has been growing steadily over the past few years. I intend to encourage collaboration, promote unity, and highlight our common strengths in order to better showcase the enormous potential of our region.
It is with great honour that I accept to serve as Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell for the year 2023, and it is with dedication and integrity that I will work with Council Members to support our regional interests.