Champlain Township is allocating money from the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) for eventual improvements at L’Orignal Park.
On Wednesday, October 22, township council approved the creation of a reserve fund where the $150,000 received from the UCPR’s Regional Community Investment Fund (RCIF) since 2023 will be kept for two future park improvements. Those projects are building a new pavilion and relocating the tennis court. Each of those projects is estimated to cost about $200,000 each. A report prepared by Champlain Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Tessier says a more accurate budgeted cost will be provided during budget preparation. Both projects are eligible under the RCIF Guidelines, but Tessier’s report recommends using the RCIF grants to fund the pavilion, and that application be submitted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for a grant to fund the relocation of the tennis court.
Councillor Paul Burroughs asked if a replacement for the existing Châlet-abri building at the park is being considered, or just a pavilion.
Tessier said further evaluation of the Châlet-abri is necessary.
Mayor Normand Riopel said the future of the Châlet-abri will be discussed during 2026 municipal budget preparations.
Burroughs emphasized that the Châlet-abri is essential for any winter activities taking place at L’Orignal Park.
