Residents visit the 2B Developments kiosk at the July 9 Meet Me event in Embrun, the first stop in public engagement for the Surplus Recreation Facilities master plan. (Gabrielle Vinette, EAP)
Russell Township Council received a presentation from 2B Developments Consultants & Associates Inc. at its June 22 meeting, outlining the project framework for the Master Plan for Surplus Recreation Facilities.
The project will examine future uses for four recreation assets that may become surplus once the Township’s new Recreation Complex opens: the Russell Arena, the Embrun Arena, Camille Piché Hall, and the Centennial Pool.
A Decision-Making Process, Not a Study
2B Developments, working with joint partner WSP, described the initiative as a structured decision-making process rather than a study that “ends up on a shelf”. Piotr Boruslawski, the firm’s Engagement & Modelling Lead, said the goal is for Council to “act on all four assets with confidence and with evidence behind you”.
The framework rests on three principles: every scenario must trace back to a documented need or market signal, all viable options go to Council rather than being pre-filtered, and Phase 1 wraps up before the November 2026 election, so the final report serves the next Council. Divestment is carried throughout as the baseline for every site.
The 18-month process runs in six phases, ending with a final report in October 2027, with Council holding direction at four decision “gates”: confirming the framework, short-listing up to three scenarios per site, confirming evaluation criteria, and receiving the final report.
Engagement Begins July 9
Public engagement started with a kiosk at the Meet Me event on Thursday July 9 in Embrun, followed by interviews with Council and staff, advisory committee sessions, two public open houses, an online survey (July 23–September 30), and outreach to facility user groups. All materials are being prepared in both official languages from the outset.
“For a community like Russell, this is not a nice to have. It’s a baseline,” Boruslawski said. Results feed into a single Needs & Engagement Synthesis Report due September 30, 2026.
The project then moves into site-specific Expressions of Interest (EOIs), a non-binding market sounding, not a procurement or “a referendum on which scenario gets chosen.” Each EOI is issued and managed by the Township, with results used to refine scenarios rather than pick winners. Scenarios will then be evaluated on two scales never merged into one score, financial sustainability, and service and community value.
“You will always see both scales side by side, and you make the trade-off in the open,” Boruslawski said.
Council Discussion
Councillors raised several questions, including how the process would distinguish broad community support from a small, organized group, and whether existing strategic and economic plans would be reflected in the work. Councillor Charles Armstrong worried that user groups attached to current facilities might push to keep them open, something the Township “can’t afford” alongside the new complex. Boruslawski said the final scenario list would be reviewed to avoid duplication.
Councillor Jamie Laurin sought confirmation that divestment remains the baseline for every site, and asked that sites like Camille Piché Hall, which also houses a bowling alley and a second hall, be defined by full property rather than by building name. Boruslawski agreed to reference sites by parcel, noting the same applies to the Russell Arena.
Other suggestions included broadening facility user groups to “associations and community groups,” investing in paid marketing, and clarifying whether the 12 expected scenarios would come from single proponents or mixed partnerships. Boruslawski confirmed the EOI is a sounding board that could draw more interest than anticipated.
Further questions touched on the Township’s own potential role as a proponent, advisory committee quorum challenges in August, and how needs outside municipal jurisdiction would be captured, drawing on regional, provincial and federal reports. Councillor Marc Lalonde flagged the Township’s limited existing assets, interest from partners such as Habitat for Humanity, and a preference for partnerships over losing facilities outright. Councillor Laurin raised concern that July and August have historically seen weak public turnout and asked whether consultation could shift toward September. Boruslawski said the team would monitor turnout and consider a second round in the fall if needed.
Council confirmed it had received the framework and provided feedback, with staff indicating no outstanding concerns.
Next Steps
2B Developments asked Council to confirm availability for one-on-one interviews to be scheduled through the Clerk in June and July. Any direction from Council will be incorporated before engagement begins; absent further direction, the project proceeds as presented. Residents are encouraged to follow the Township’s website and social media for updates.
