News and Public Notices

Blais Street is Getting a New Look

Green areas have been painted on Blais Street in Embrun to identify areas that could be zones of conflict for recreational trail users and vehicles. This is a visual reminder for both parties to be alert when going through those shared areas. 

This is a safety measure approved at Council.

Council Meeting Highlights – May 27, 2024

Here are some highlights from the May 27, 2024, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, the meeting schedule, agendas and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Official Plan Review – Report PD-2024-22 (Special Council Meeting)

The Official Plan Review has officially started, the draft policy direction report is available for review on our website. All comments can be sent to

Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre Receive Community Award

At the Regular Council Meeting held on May 27th, 2024, Council, had the distinct privilege of recognizing Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre with Citizen Recognition Awards for their courage during the April 22, 2024, bus accident.

On that day, a school bus and a transport truck were involved in an accident that could have had far more serious consequences had it not been for the heroic intervention of our citizens, including Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre.

Both Lynne and Daniel exemplify the...

Mike Tarnowski Sworn in as Mayor

The Mayor’s Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance took place at last nights regular Council meeting. Mike Tarnowski is now Mayor of the Township of Russell for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term ending on November 14, 2026.

Mayor’s Acceptance Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed council members, dedicated staff, cherished residents of Russell Township, and my beloved family,

With profound honour and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as our newly sworn-in Mayor. I...

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection

Do you have sticks, branches, or other yard waste to get rid of? The Leaf and Yard Waste Collection is June 3 to 7!

Important Change:

This year collection is now done on your REGULAR pickup day (during the 3 waste collection weeks).

✔️ Yard waste must in paper bags or in reusable containers and placed by the curbside before 7:00a.m.
✔️ Bundle and tie branches.
✔️ Length of branches should not exceed 4 feet and 2 inches in diameter.
🚫 Plastic bags will not be collected.

For more information on this,

National AccessAbility Week

May 26th to June 1st, 2024 is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)! Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate (NAAW). Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, this week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces.

Participate in the #NAAWChallenge

Do you know a person with a...

April Positive Tickets for Youth

We are rewarding youth for good deeds in our community!

Our Public Safety and Enforcement officers are issuing "positive tickets" to local youth for helpful actions, behaviour, and acts of kindness. Each “ticket” includes a gift card to a local business as a reward for being a great role model.

We are proud to recognize Juliana and Danek, two 9-year-olds who demonstrated outstanding community spirit. On April 13th and 14th, they dedicated their time to cleaning up Forced Rd and Craig St, making a...

Have Your Say in the Future of Russell Township Fire Services!

The Township of Russell has teamed up with The Loomex Group to conduct an important organizational review and station assessment for Russell Township Fire Services. This assessment will help us develop strategies to ensure our fire department continues to meet the community's needs now and in the future.

We want to hear from you!

The Loomex Group has created a survey to gather your feedback on the emergency services you receive. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our fire services.

National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is May 19 to 25, 2024 and the Township of Russell is inviting residents to learn more about the essential services the Township’s infrastructure services provides. We often take the public works that surround us for granted, and this week we invite you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X as we share photos of our crew in action, to appreciate and thank them for the essential services they provide.

Did you know that National Public Works Week started in 1960? Every...

What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

Your toilet isn't a trash can! Remember, only human waste and toilet paper belong in there. Flushing the wrong items can lead to messy problems at home and at our wastewater treatment facility.

Never flush these items:

• Personal care wipes/baby wipes
• Diapers
• Cotton swabs
• Hair
• Dental floss
• Tampons
• Sanitary products
• Condoms
• Old medicines
• Food grease/fat

Why aren't 'flushables' allowed?

Even if they're labeled as 'flushable,' products like wipes and makeup remover cloths wreak havoc on our sewer system. They...

In-person Swimming Lesson Registration

Our in-person swimming lesson registration will be held on June 5th from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Town Hall. New this year, book an appointment to skip the line!

The following link for appointment will be active on May 22, 2024, at 9:00a.m.

Registration Link

Drop-ins will still be accepted. For any questions regarding swim lessons, contact recreation.loisirs@russell.ca.

Council Meeting Highlights – May 13, 2024

Here are some highlights from the May 13, 2024, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, meeting schedule, agenda and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Citizen Recognition – Leadership and Courage Award (Item 8a) A joint ceremony with CHEO was held to award Rory Renwick a Citizen’s Recognition award for her actions during the April 22, 2024, bus accident. For more information, read...

Rory Renwick Receives Community Award

At the Regular Council Meeting held on May 13th, 2024, Council, in collaboration with CHEO, had the distinct privilege of recognizing Rory Renwick with a Citizen Recognition Award for her remarkable leadership and courage during a recent incident.

Rory Renwick, a student aboard the bus involved in the unfortunate collision with a transport truck on April 22, 2024, demonstrated extraordinary courage by assisting the 11 other children onboard, ensuring their safe evacuation from the scene.

“Rory is...

Teen Advisory Committee Hosts Teen Forum

The inaugural Teen Forum, hosted by the Teen Advisory Committee, took place Friday, May 10, 2024, in Embrun, marking a significant milestone in fostering youth engagement within our community. With 70 enthusiastic participants from Russell High School and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, the event proved to be an inspiring platform for dialogue and collaboration. Before the summer, students from École secondaire catholique d’Embrun will have the opportunity to contribute their voices to...

Supporting Earth Day and Sustainability

As part of the Township Climate Action Plan, the Township of Russell and the Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Committee invited schools to develop ideas for activities in support of this year’s Earth Day.

We wish to thank and congratulate all students and schools who have helped make our community cleaner. Of interest, the Environmental Science class of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School executed a whole week of activities focused on Earth Day and sustainability. With this year's...

Positions Available on Council Advisory Committees and Board

The Township of Russell is seeking to fill positions on the following committees and local board:

1. Teens Advisory Committee (4 Positions)
2. Seniors Advisory Committee (1 position)
3. Line Fence Viewers (2 Positions)
4. Property Standards Committee (2 Positions)
5. Township of Russell Public Library Board (2 Positions)

Requirements:

1. Must be 18 years of age or over;
2. Must be a Canadian Citizen;
3. Must be a resident of the Township of Russell;
4. Bilingualism is an asset (English/French);
5. Is not employed by the Library Board...

Notice of Public Information Centre May 30

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
Road Network Expansion, 417 Industrial Park, Township of Russell

Public Information Centre Details:

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 30, 2024, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Location: Council Chambers, Township of Russell Office - 717 Notre-Dame St, Embrun, ON K0A 1W1

The Corporation of the Township of Russell (Township) has initiated a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to review and study the proposed expansion of the road network within the 417 Industrial...

What is StreetScan and What is it Doing?

To help improve the conditions of our streets we are partnering with StreetScan, a Montreal-based company. StreetScan has grown to service over 280 customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

StreetScan employs vehicle-mounted sensing technology to assess road conditions in normal traffic flow. The system utilizes its technology to determine the health of each street and to identify road defects including potholes, bumps, and cracking. This data will help the Township identify and prioritize where...

Managing Japanese Beetles

This information is provided by the Russell Township Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Committee to help you make informed decisions on the management of Japanese Beetles around your property in urban areas of the Township.

What is a Japanese beetle?

Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is an invasive plant pest that was first introduced to eastern North America from Japan in 1916. The adults are active flyers, but natural spread is slow and they are not able to travel long distances on...

Rescheduled Special Council Meeting

Notice: Please note that the Special Council Meeting originally planned for Monday, May 6 has been rescheduled.

• When: Monday, June 10, 2024, at 4:00p.m.
• Where: City Hall – 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, ON.
• Subject: Affordable Housing Workshop

The purpose of the meeting is to have a discussion with Council in preparation for the open house that will follow the following week, Tuesday June 18th, 2024, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. The June 18th open house will include a short presentation, followed by a...