Russell Township held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Recreation Centre in the Village of Embrun, on September 17.
Russell Township is a rural municipality southeast of the City of Ottawa. Its new complex is the result of years of planning, at first for an indoor swimming pool, then expanding to include a community centre and three hockey rinks.
As the plans grew so did costs, which caused numerous changes to the original concept. The $88 million contract was awarded to MacDonald Brothers Construction earlier this year.
MPP Stephane Sarrazin attended the groundbreaking and announced the possibility that the Government of Ontario will kick in $10 million. Most persons at the ceremony were pleased construction is finally underway, but some residents have concerns about the financial aspect of the huge project, and local hockey advocates like the concept but hope for improvements to the dressing rooms and spectator seating.
