Charles Armstrong, 37-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran, is Russell Township’s latest councillor following the Monday, Sept. 30, by-election.
As of Tuesday, Oct. 1, the unofficial vote count stood at 1278 for Armstrong, 878 for Jean-Yves Otis, 789 for Julian Hunt and 772 for Jevon Rudder.
Less than 23 per cent, 3,746, of the 16,407 eligible voters came out to cast their ballots.
‘‘Thank you to those who voted for me, who voted for a change in the focus of the Township — from a recreation complex project to the significant challenges related to future development of the municipality,’’ said Armstrong. ‘‘We will face these challenges together, through much consultation with the public.’’
Armstrong presented himself as a candidate focusing on transparency in procedures and updating the municipality’s infrastructure, looking at how to ensure community safety in regard to the heavy trucks travelling through Russell and Embrun. He voiced concern over the effectiveness of more punitive traffic control measures like speed cameras, stating that reduced speeding and increased safety is the goal, not generating revenue.
‘‘The Township is facing significant challenges related urban growth, including safe roads and managing our wastewater. I am looking forward to addressing these major concerns in the upcoming Official Plan review and the initiation of a wastewater treatment project,’’ said Armstrong.
The by-election was held due to the resignation of former Mayor Pierre Leroux after 14 years as serving Russell Township council, ten as mayor. Councillor Mike Tarnowski was nominated as Mayor following the resignation, leaving his councillor seat open for an election. Leroux currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of neighbouring municipality The Nation.
After the official results are announced, Armstrong will start his term on Tuesday, Oct. 15, until Nov. 14, 2026. His inaugural council meeting will be on Oct. 15.
