The Nation and Russell present regional wastewater project to provincial officials

Council members from Russell Township and The Nation Municipality were in Toronto from January 18 to 20 attending the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, Ontario’s annual gathering of rural municipal leaders. During the conference, representatives from both municipalities participated in three delegation meetings with provincial ministries to advance a joint proposal for a new regional wastewater treatment plant that would service both communities.

Municipal representatives met with Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs; Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure Amarjot Sandhu, and Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy to present the proposed project and discuss next steps.

The Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant project responds to sustained and rapid population growth in both municipalities. During the next 20 years, populations in Russell Township and The Nation Municipality are projected to increase by approximately 50 per cent. Existing wastewater lagoon systems in Embrun and Limoges are expected to reach capacity by 2032, creating a significant risk of service limitations if action is not taken.

The two municipalities believe inter-municipal collaboration is essential to developing scalable and resilient infrastructure that supports long-term, sustainable growth. A regional approach offers several key benefits, including enhanced environmental protection, improved cost efficiency, sustainable development opportunities, and greater infrastructure resilience.

The municipalities are seeking provincial financial and planning support to ensure the project can move forward and deliver lasting benefits to residents in a timely manner.

“This is a regional infrastructure challenge that requires a regional solution. By working collaboratively with The Nation, we are demonstrating leadership and accountability through a fiscally responsible approach that protects quality of life and ensures essential infrastructure is delivered in a thoughtful, sustainable way for our communities,” said Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski.

“We are pleased to be working alongside Russell Township on a shared vision for the future. Both municipalities face similar growth pressures and are striving toward the same objective of ensuring our infrastructure can support continued development in a responsible and efficient way, said The Nation Mayor Francis Brière.

The proposed Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant project was also featured in a one-hour broadcast aired on local television and now available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@MunRussellTwp. The program provides additional background on the project, highlights the need for regional collaboration, and explains how the initiative will support sustainable growth in both municipalities.

Both municipalities remain committed to working together and with provincial partners to plan infrastructure that meets current needs while preparing for future growth.

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