The main purpose of a special meeting of United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Council on Wednesday, October 29 was to examine the first draft of the 2026 budget, but the assembly of mayors also discussed about when the new Prescott and Russell Residence on Spence Avenue in Hawkesbury will open.

In October, the UCPR announced that it and the Town of Hawkesbury have been working together to resolve a matter related to the interpretation of Ontario’s Building Code and the facility’s fire alarm system. To determine the way forward and avoid further delays, the UCPR has requested the Ontario Building Code Commission (BCC) to review the matter. The matter must be resolved by the BCC before an occupancy permit may be issued.

The BCC process may take 10 to 12 weeks once initiated. Once the UCPR obtains the occupancy permit, the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care will also complete its own quality control inspections.

The physical residence building is the responsibility of the UCPR Department of Public Works. Department Director Jérémie Bouchard said the application to have the matter heard by the BCC was to be completed by the end of the week on Friday, November 1. He said a further delay of eight weeks is possible while the commission reviews the package. Bouchard said the best-case scenario is that the BCC conducts a hearing in January and decides on the case by the beginning of February 2026. He said the speed at which the matter is resolved also depends on the response from the Town of Hawkesbury.

Bouchard said the worst-case scenario is a two and a half or three-month delay for extra installation of sound devices associated with the reason for the Building Code dispute.

Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre said the town is also waiting for reports it needs to complete files related to its role in the case.

The Nation Mayor Francis Brière asked what the original move-in date was supposed to be for the new Residence. He alleged the UCPR is losing $125,000 per week in revenue due to beds remaining empty.  

“At $125,000 a week, the taxpayer needs to know,” Brière said.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Stéphane Parisien said the original move-in date was to be sometime in January 2025.

Treasurer Valérie Parisien also noted there have been delays due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cost of labour and materials.