Our History
The United
Counties of Prescott and Russell is the soul of eight municipalities,
each one with unique characteristics. Serving East Hawkesbury,
Hawkesbury, Champlain, Alfred and Plantagenet, The Nation, Casselman,
Russell, and Clarence-Rockland, the United Counties of Prescott and
Russell act as an upper-tier municipal government entity with the
responsibility of supporting regional interests and providing residents
with an unparalleled quality of life.
Named in honour of Governor Robert Prescott and all the Russell families in the Counties who have had a positive impact on our community, the Corporation of the United Counties of Prescott and
Russell was founded in 1850. This historic event also marked the arrival
of French settlers in the region. Their presence has since continued to
grow, to such a point that French-speaking residents today represent
two-thirds of the 95,639 residents.
Located between the City of Ottawa to the west and the Quebec border to
the east, the Prescott and Russell region covers a territory of 2,004 square kilometers. To the south, the region is bordered by the United
Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and to the north, by the
historic Ottawa River.
A welcoming region, Prescott and Russell brims with cultural and natural
attractions. Its touristic attractions, numerous festivals, impressive
art scene, and breathtaking scenery capture the interest of numerous
visitors.
Each of the eight municipalities features its own personality. Some are
predominantly urban and are focused on business, industry, and services,
while on the other hand, agriculture is omnipresent in the more rural
municipalities. Whether seeking new business opportunities, an ideal
region to raise a family, or a peaceful retreat in the countryside,
Prescott and Russell is a community that caters to one's needs.
Our Vision
Prescott and Russell will continue to be a community united by its traditions and cultures, working towards the prosperity of all its citizens.
Motto of the United Counties
"Sic Dat Diligentia Terra" meaning "He who works hard, reaps a good harvest."
This motto demonstrates a characteristic of the local economy which has always been important in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, being agriculture. Although this sector is no longer the largest employer, it remains nevertheless the cornerstone of the local economy.
In 1991, the value of agricultural production in Prescott and Russell was $142 million, of which 61.6 percent came from farms located in Prescott County, the east sector of the United Counties. Although all agricultural sectors are represented in the local farming economy, it should be noted that dairy farms represent 49.8 per cent of Prescott and Russell's agriculture. Beef producers represent 20 per cent of the sector.