UCPR council updated on residence construction, 2022 budget, and funding for old jail

United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) council received a brief update on the progress of the new Prescott and Russell Residence long-term care facility on Spence Avenue in Hawkesbury, at its October 27 meeting. 

“We’re still on schedule and we’re being provided with regular progress reports on a weekly basis,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Stéphane Parisien told council.  

Recently, concrete columns have been poured and steel beams are beginning to appear, especially on the southeast side of the site.  

A brief video showing construction progress was shown. None of the eight UCPR mayors had questions or comments about the update. 

Construction on the new 224-bed, $90 million facility began in March 2021. It is projected to be completed by the end of 2023 with the first residents relocating during the second quarter of 2024 from the existing residence on Cartier Boulevard in Hawkesbury.

Budget revisions 

At the October 27 UCPR council meeting, Treasurer Valérie Parisien presented changes to the 2022 preliminary draft budget to reflect an earlier direction by council to keep the increase in the amount of tax revenue it will request at no more than three per cent.  

In 2022, the UCPR will request $50,439,400 in tax revenue, which is $273,000 less than originally proposed. 

Warden Stéphane Sarrazin thanked Treasurer Parisien for her efforts to make the adjustments. He also commented on the increased insurance costs across all departments.  

The Finance Department is planning to have the 2022 budget approved by UCPR council on November 24. 

Jail funding 

On October 27, UCPR council endorsed providing the Old L’Orignal Jail with a $10,000 grant to fund its operations and activities. 

A letter sent to the UCPR by jail President Louise Bedard and Treasurer Helen MacLeod explained that the historic site has had a minimal number of visits and events during the past year due to pandemic restrictions. The La Dernière Pendaison (The Last Hanging) play at the old jail has ended its run and the museum has a $3,500 annual insurance bill to pay. Jail management is concerned about the viability of the continued operation of the historic site and requested $10,000 to cover the facility’s needs. 

The Old Jail has received full federal and provincial funding to employ university students in 2021 and 2022. 

Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel proposed approving the $10,000 for the jail and noted the high insurance costs. 

“I support the request,” said East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby. “It’s a historic site in our region and I think it’s a good idea to help it.”

La Nation Mayor François St-Amour also spoke in support preserving the local history and heritage the jail represents. 

CAO Parisien said the administration supports the request and the efforts of the volunteers to preserve the historic site. 

The motion to approve the grant was carried unanimously.