On Thursday, April 24, Champlain council unanimously approved a contract with Upanup Studios Inc. The firm will handle the township’s website redesign, implementation, hosting, and technical support services beginning January 5, 2026.
Champlain’s current website will reach its end-of-life on June 30, 2026.
Staff told council the current website platform is increasingly unreliable, citing recurring technical issues, the removal of key features, and significant cost increases.
Champlain partnered with three neighbouring municipalities—Clarence-Rockland, The Nation, and Alfred-Plantagenet—for a joint request for proposals earlier this year.
Among the 12 proposals received, Upanup Studios Inc. received the highest overall score, with the report to council citing the firm’s extensive municipal experience covering over 160 public sector websites.
Staff said the project will roll out in two phases, with Clarence-Rockland and The Nation launching their new websites this year, followed by Alfred-Plantagenet and Champlain launching theirs in 2026.
The total cost for Champlain’s website redesign, implementation, and first year of hosting and support will not exceed $72,640, of which $35,000 was allocated in reserves as part of the 2025 budget. The remaining balance will be applied to the 2026 operating budget and will range between $10,000 and $15,000 annually.
Staff noted that the township’s website plays a central role in transparency, service delivery, and public engagement, and this investment aims to provide a more reliable, user-friendly experience for residents.
