Russell Twp. council has agreed to purchase a residential property on the edge of Russell Village, putting an end to a controversy which raged here for months and which finally landed in Ontario Superior Court. Based on an independent appraisal, Sharron and Robert Campbell will be paid fair market value for the home they've occupied for 17 years on a large lot located directly adjacent to a new firehall site.

A previous estimate conducted for the owners came in at more than $300,000.

Construction of the $1-million firehall was put on hold after the Campbells objected to its location on the grounds it would cause severe stress for their handicapped 18-year-old daughter Sheena who is prone to seizures triggered by sudden, harsh noises. Unable to speak, Sheena requires 24-hour attention.

While she's relieved the issue has been resolved, Sharron Campbell said it's unfortunate nine months had to go by before the settlement came full circle to what she had originally proposed.

BAD FEELINGS

"I told council back then the firehall had to go or we had to go," Campbell said, adding it will take her family -- which includes two other children -- some time to pull their lives back together again.

Under terms of the agreement, the Campbells have been given until Aug. 31 to relocate. Firehall construction will begin Sept. 1 -- or sooner, depending on when the family moves. The Campbells will also receive $30,000 to settle their claim for damages and costs, to be paid out before March 17.

The settlement was reached following a three-hour mediation session at which the municipality was represented by new councillors Lorraine Dicaire and Ken Hill, both of whom were elected last November. Opposed to buying the Campbell property when he was a councillor, current Mayor Mike McHugh stayed out of negotiations.

Describing the settlement as a "win-win" for both parties, interim fire chief Bruce Armstrong expressed satisfaction his department now has a construction date for the hall which will replace an antiquated, overcrowded station on Concession St.