Russell Council has approved upgrades to the dugouts at the Richelieu baseball diamond in Embrun, with construction expected in summer 2026. (Russell Township)
Russell Council has approved upgrades to the dugout structures at the Richelieu baseball diamond in Embrun after receiving a report on special recreation project considerations for 2026.
Council voted to include Project A, known as the Dugout Richelieu Project, in the municipality’s 2026 Capital Budget. The project will be funded using a $30,000 operating surplus identified by the Parks and Recreation Department from the 2025 budget and carried forward into 2026.
The approved project involves replacing and completing the existing dugout structures at the Embrun Richelieu baseball diamond. Municipal staff said the improvements are intended to enhance safety, durability, and the overall usability of the facility.
To help reduce costs, portions of the construction and installation work will be completed internally by Parks and Recreation staff. The estimated total cost of the project is $24,674, with completion targeted for summer 2026.
The report outlined four potential recreation projects for consideration. Based on the available surplus funding, only two proposals fell within or close to the current budget allocation.
In addition to the dugout project, the report identified a proposed tennis practice wall in Embrun at an estimated cost of $29,001. Two larger-scale projects exceeded available funding by a significant margin, including the replacement of the Marionville outdoor rink, estimated between $126,442 and $246,884, and a sports dome floor replacement estimated at $214,306.
Municipal staff noted that if council wished to proceed with one of the higher-cost options, alternative financing sources would need to be secured.
The proposed projects were identified during recent budget working sessions in response to requests from residents, community groups and facility users. Staff said some initiatives were also developed through collaboration with committees and user groups.
According to the municipality, the projects are part of ongoing efforts to maintain aging infrastructure, improve service levels, and support long-term community access to recreational amenities.
Councillor Lisa Deacon praised the broader purpose behind recreation investments during council discussion.
“I wanted to express my gratitude at that explanation that was brought tonight, because just looking at the numbers is not why we do Parks and Recreation work. We do it to improve people’s lives,” said Deacon.
The municipality said public communication regarding the project will be shared through its website, newsletters, and official social media channels as work progresses.
