With municipal election day approaching on Monday, October 26, incumbent Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel is emphasizing infrastructure, measured growth, and what he describes as responsible spending as he seeks a third term as mayor of Champlain Township. Riopel said infrastructure would be his top priority if re-elected, pointing to roads and an anticipated reconstruction of Main Street in Vankleek Hill as major projects for the next term.

“We’re looking at Main Street next year,” Riopel said, estimating the project could require an investment of between $4 million and $6 million, depending on the condition of existing infrastructure.

He said the final cost will depend in part on whether underground infrastructure, including stormwater and sewer pipes, needs to be replaced.

Riopel said the township’s work over the past several years to complete asset management and other assessments has put it in a better position to pursue provincial and other grants. He said the township has secured between $9.3 million and $9.4 million in grants over the past four years.

“Now that the foundation is built, the walls of the building are standing. Now we can start building properly,” Riopel said.

Growth is another major issue facing the township, but Riopel said he wants to see it happen at a measured pace. He said the township is averaging approximately eight to 10 new homes per year and pointed to a potential development involving roughly 500 lots in L’Orignal as an example of future growth.

Riopel said development needs to be balanced with infrastructure capacity, housing costs, green space protection, and the needs of both seniors and young families.

“We have to be responsible with our growth and have it at a balanced pace,” he said.

He said growing too quickly could leave the township facing significant infrastructure costs down the road.

Riopel also identified speeding as the biggest concern he has heard from residents while campaigning. He said he has been working closely with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and suggested there could be an announcement related to speeding enforcement later this month.

He said safety and quality of life would remain central to his priorities if re-elected.

Riopel also pointed to parks and recreation as an area where he wants to see further investment. He said the township has completed studies and assessments related to its parks as it looks to pursue funding opportunities. He continued, saying the township intends to apply for a provincial sports and community infrastructure grant program that has a total value of $500 million.

He specifically identified improvements to L’Orignal Park as a priority, saying plans are in place for upgrades.

He also said paving some gravel roads would be part of his next mandate.

Opposition to Alto high-speed rail project

Riopel also reiterated his opposition to the proposed Alto high-speed rail route through Champlain Township. Township council has formally opposed the proposed route. Riopel said the municipality’s position reflects what council has heard from residents.

“We’ve listened to our population. We’ve understood what they were saying. We are 100 per cent backing them up,” he said.

Riopel said the township does not want the proposed railway on residents’ properties and does not support the route “in its present state.” He said council has provided Alto with alternative options.

At the same time, Riopel acknowledged that he has also heard from residents who are not opposed to the project, while reiterating that the township’s formal position is opposition to the proposed route.

Counties and local control

Riopel said the relationship between Champlain Township and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) could become an important issue over the next four years, particularly as municipalities consider whether some services could be transferred or shared at the county level.

While he said he is not opposed to sharing services, Riopel cautioned that transferring responsibility to the counties does not necessarily mean lower costs for taxpayers.

“What we will no longer provide, the counties will be providing,” he said, adding that the counties would then have to pay for those services through county taxation.

Riopel also expressed concern that Champlain could have less influence over decisions at the county level because larger municipalities have more votes. He said he wants the township to retain employees and maintain control over services where appropriate.

“We’re in a very, very good position,” he said.

Making the case for another term

Riopel said his experience is his biggest advantage over his two mayoral challengers. He pointed to his years as a councillor and his two terms as mayor, while noting that much of his first term was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also emphasized that he has left his previous employment to serve as mayor full-time.

“I’ve left my job to do this full-time, so that the population of Champlain Township is 100 per cent well-served,” he said.

Riopel stressed that the mayor does not make decisions alone, saying council’s role is an important part of the township’s decision-making process.

“I am a believer in democracy. I believe in communication,” he said.

Riopel also highlighted municipal investments during his tenure, including investments in roads, the arena, museum, and library. He said the township chose to invest approximately $200,000 in an existing Main Street building in Vankleek Hill rather than demolishing it and constructing a new building, which he estimated could have cost $700,000 to $800,000.

“It’s owned by taxpayers,” he said. “If we don’t invest in our infrastructure, we’re going backwards.”

If re-elected, Riopel said his approach would continue to centre on infrastructure, long-term asset planning, and keeping tax increases “predictable and modest.”

He also said he wants to continue supporting community organizations and volunteers, noting that the township has increased annual funding for community events and volunteer groups from roughly $21,000 to approximately $75,000.

“We’re not going to waste tax dollars,” Riopel said.

Beyond infrastructure and finances, Riopel said he wants the next term to focus on safety, quality of life, parks and recreation, youth and seniors, emergency services, and communication with residents.

He said he remains accessible to residents by phone, email, and text, and considers communication and transparency important parts of his role.

“Every tax dollar should be counted for,” Riopel said.