Champlain Mayor Normand Riopel returns to the warden’s seat, acting as warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell following the resignation of Russell Mayor Pierre Leroux.

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) council voted to give Riopel, who served as warden from 2023, was given the acting role during the Thursday, April 25, council meeting.

“I’m happy to see that the mayors were satisfied with the work I did last year and trust that I can continue where M. Leroux left off,” said Riopel. “It’s an honour for me to take on this position.”

This decision comes in the wake of Leroux’s resignation as Mayor of Russell and warden of the UCPR officially announced on April 2, and came into force April 19. An acting warden was named until the appointment of a new Warden for the year 2024. The election process for a new warden can only be held once a new mayor for Russell is elected or appointed.

“It’s an unusual situation and we don’t have a written procedure for such circumstances” said UCPR chief administrative officer Stéphane Parisien. “It’s practical for us, removes all ambiguity and allows us to be transparent if we recommend for last year’s warden to sit as acting warden for this reunion.”