With municipal election day set for October 26, incumbent Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel is making infrastructure, controlled growth and responsible spending central to his campaign for a third term.
Riopel says infrastructure would be his top priority if re-elected, with roads and the anticipated reconstruction of Main Street in Vankleek Hill among the major projects expected during the next term.
Main Street reconstruction among major projects
Riopel says the township is looking at beginning work on Main Street next year, with the project potentially costing between $4 million and $6 million.
The final price tag, he said, will depend largely on what is found beneath the road, including the condition of existing sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
Riopel says the township’s recent work on asset management and infrastructure assessments has also strengthened its ability to apply for provincial and other government funding.
He says Champlain Township has secured approximately $9.3 million to $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.
The mayor also says paving additional gravel roads would be part of his priorities if he wins another term.
Riopel calls for measured growth
Growth is another issue expected to play a major role in the next council term.
Riopel says Champlain Township is currently averaging approximately eight to 10 new homes a year, but larger developments could significantly change the pace of growth.
One example is a potential development in L’Orignal involving approximately 500 lots.
Riopel says growth needs to be carefully managed to ensure the township has the infrastructure and services needed to support new residents.
He says decisions around development also need to consider housing affordability, green space, seniors and young families.
“We have to be responsible with our growth and have it at a balanced pace,” he said.
Riopel warned that rapid growth could ultimately place a significant financial burden on taxpayers if infrastructure is unable to keep pace.
Speeding a major concern for residents
While campaigning, Riopel says speeding has emerged as the biggest concern he’s hearing from residents.
He says he has been working with the Ontario Provincial Police on the issue and suggested there could be an announcement regarding speeding enforcement later this month.
Riopel says improving safety and maintaining quality of life would remain important priorities during another term.
Parks, recreation and community facilities
Riopel also wants to see continued investment in parks and recreation.
The township has completed studies and assessments of its parks, which Riopel says will help support applications for outside funding.
He says Champlain intends to apply for funding through a provincial sports and community infrastructure program worth a total of $500 million.
L’Orignal Park has been identified as one area where improvements are being planned.
Riopel says the township has also continued investing in existing community infrastructure, including roads, the arena, museum and library.
He pointed to the township’s decision to invest approximately $200,000 in an existing Main Street building in Vankleek Hill rather than demolishing it and constructing a new facility, which he estimated could have cost between $700,000 and $800,000.
“It’s owned by taxpayers,” Riopel said. “If we don’t invest in our infrastructure, we’re going backwards.”
Riopel maintains opposition to Alto rail proposal
The proposed Alto high-speed rail project remains another major issue for the mayor.
Champlain Township council has formally opposed the proposed route, and Riopel says that position reflects feedback received 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 says the township does not support the proposed route in its current form and does not want the railway project affecting residents’ properties.
He says council has provided Alto with alternative options.
At the same time, Riopel acknowledged that he has heard from residents who support or are not opposed to the project, but says the township’s official position remains opposition to the proposed route.
Concerns over county-level services
The relationship between Champlain Township and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell could also become an important issue over the next four years.
Riopel says discussions around transferring or sharing certain municipal services at the county level need to be carefully considered.
He says he is not opposed to municipalities sharing services, but cautions that moving a service to the counties does not automatically mean taxpayers will save money.
“What we will no longer provide, the counties will be providing,” Riopel said, noting that the counties would then have to fund those services through county taxation.
Riopel also expressed concern that Champlain could have less influence over decisions made at the county level because larger municipalities hold more votes.
He says he wants Champlain to retain its employees and maintain local control over services whenever possible.
“We’re in a very, very good position,” he said.
Experience a key part of Riopel’s campaign
Riopel says his experience is one of his biggest advantages as he seeks another term.
He points to his previous experience as a councillor and his two terms as mayor, while noting that much of his first term was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riopel has also 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.
He stressed that decisions are not made by the mayor alone and that council plays an important role in determining the township’s direction.
“I am a believer in democracy. I believe in communication,” Riopel said.
Keeping taxes predictable and supporting the community
If re-elected, Riopel says he would continue focusing on long-term infrastructure planning while keeping tax increases “predictable and modest.”
He also wants to maintain support for local organizations, community groups and volunteers.
Riopel says the township has increased annual funding for community events and volunteer organizations from approximately $21,000 to about $75,000 during his time in office.
“We’re not going to waste tax dollars,” he said.
Looking ahead, Riopel says his priorities for another term would include infrastructure, financial management, safety, parks and recreation, youth and seniors, emergency services and continued communication with residents.
He also says he intends to remain accessible to residents through phone, email and text.
“Every tax dollar should be counted for,” Riopel said.