Champlain Township will have a new mayor following Monday’s municipal election, with Corina Parisien defeating two-term incumbent Normand Riopel in a three-way race.
According to unofficial results released Monday evening, October 26, Parisien received 1,776 votes, approximately 39.4 per cent of the vote. Riopel finished second with 1,474 votes, followed by Serge Ravary with 1,253.
The results were announced by Returning Officer Allison Collard during a public gathering at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre, where candidates and residents came together to hear the election results.
An emotional Parisien thanked residents for putting their trust in her for the next four years.
Parisien, who previously represented Prescott and Russell on the Upper Canada District School Board, says her first priority will be bringing newly elected and returning councillors together to develop a plan for the township.
“We’re one team, we all have to work together,” she said.
Among the projects requiring immediate attention are the upcoming reconstruction of Main Street in Vankleek Hill and plans for a new community hall at L’Orignal Park.
As mayor, Parisien will also represent Champlain Township at the United Counties of Prescott and Russell Council.
Riopel Reflects on 35 Years in Politics
Outgoing Mayor Normand Riopel, who has led Champlain Township since 2018, acknowledged the disappointment of losing his bid for a third term but expressed pride in his years of public service.
“That’s politics. You win some and you lose some,” Riopel said following the results.
After 35 years in municipal politics, Riopel said he has no regrets about his time serving the community.
Champlain Township Council Election Results
Monday’s election also brought several changes to township council, with close races in some wards and incumbents returning in others.
Ward 1 – Vankleek Hill
Incumbent Peter Barton was re-elected with 662 votes and will be joined by Martin Kaufman, who narrowly secured the second council seat with 536 votes. Bruce Golden finished just one vote behind Kaufman with 535 votes.
Ward 2 – L’Orignal
Incumbent Michel Lalonde will return to council after receiving 608 votes. Newcomer Benoit Tessier claimed the second seat with 597 votes, finishing ahead of Ophélie Gainville, who received 572 votes.
Ward 3 – Longueuil
Both incumbent Paul Burroughs and Claude Laflamme were elected by acclamation, meaning neither faced an opponent.
Ward 4 – West Hawkesbury
Eric Larocque led the four-candidate race with 970 votes, followed by incumbent Gérard “Gerry” Miner with 878 votes. Greg Ross received 546 votes, while Philippe Timbers finished with 482.
A New Chapter for Champlain Township
With a combination of experienced councillors and newcomers taking their seats, Parisien says she is looking forward to building a united council focused on the township’s future.
The new council will face several important decisions over the next four years, including infrastructure improvements, community facilities and priorities across Champlain’s four wards.
All election results remain unofficial until formally certified by the township.