News

Officers on Bike Patrol

The Township’s Public Safety and Enforcement Officers patrol the community nearly everyday. Over 20 years ago, to better serve the community, the Township of Russell started a bicycle patrol initiative.

Thanks to bike patrol:

• we reduce our gas emissions and impact on the environment;
• we set a positive example for helmet use and bike safety;
• we can better connect with the community; and,
• we patrol trails, parks, special events, and other areas we cannot easily access by vehicle.

If you see one of our...

Road Closure — Hamilton Road, from Route 200 to Craig Street

Please take note of the following road closure.

When: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 7:00a.m. to Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 4:00p.m.
Where: Hamilton Road from Route 200 to Craig Street
Why: Culvert Replacement
Detour Information: Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information, if any apply. [[content.include( {'previewUrl':'/en/shared-content/municipal-511-road-closure-map.aspx','tokenName':'TKInteriorMainContent','wrapperTag':'div','wrapperClass':'','showWarning':'auto','selectedPage':{'template':'Interior...

Sidewalk Improvements Ongoing

Pedestrian safety is important to you, and a priority for the Township.

As part of our projects in 2022, we are installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) along our sidewalks and crossings within subdivisions. The 2022 Budget has $395,000 dedicated to this accessibility improvement project, which includes $20,000 for a new sidewalk.

A TWSI looks like a flat metal plate with raised bumps. You can feel the bumps under your feet or with an assistive cane, alerting of possible hazards. These...

Fireworks in the Township of Russell

As the holidays approach, you might be planning some fireworks.

Only "consumer fireworks" are now allowed during specific days and times of the year in the new Fireworks By-law. 

The category of “consumer fireworks” means your fireworks are low hazard and only reach a maximum height of three (3) meters from the ground when they are set off or explode. If you want firework explosions taller than three meters high, you are required to contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department....

Public Pool Opens Next Week

Our Public Pool officially opens Monday, June 27 for the summer season!

Public swim sessions will start on Tuesday, June 28. Reservations are not required but will guarantee your spot if we reach the maximum capacity of the pool.

Registration is still open for swimming lessons or our Barracudas Swim Team.

Visit our Public Pool and Swimming Lessons webpage for more details.

You will find the outdoor public pool at 288 Castor Street in Russell.

Did you know the future Recreation Complex should include...

2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Happy 2SLGTBQIA+ pride month! Beginning in June until September, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies will come together in many cities throughout the summer to highlight the resilience, talent, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. With the help of our Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Township of Russell continues to promote and foster a community where all residents and visitors feel welcome, comfortable, valued, and respected.

The acronym stands for two-spirit,...

Flags at Half Mast — National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

On June 23, flag are half-masted on all municipal buildings and locations in the Township of Russell from sunrise to sunset to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month is during the month of June! The Community, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee encourage you to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Ask our Township Library staff for some reading suggestions, or visit the Government of Canada website.

Beautification of Community Parklets

Just recently, the Township’s community parklets were beautified with local art.

As part of a community art project, artists, students, and community members came together to paint the parklets on June 11 and 12, 2022. The art, displaying themes of diversity and environment, was designed by our local youth. In addition, there is a treasure hunt of 10 objects hidden inside each design. A detailed poster will be installed on site in July. This community art project was developed in partnership with...

Two New Historical Plaques in Embrun

Press Release

For immediate distribution

Embrun, Ontario – On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Township of Russell unveiled two new plaques in Embrun as part of the Historical Plaque Program.

The two new plaques commemorate the St-Jacques Church and the New York Central Railroad. Speakers included Mayor Pierre Leroux, Father Michel, Priest of the St-Jacques Church, and Laurier Lemieux, President of the St-Jacques Parish.

The St-Jacques Church is recognized for the role the Catholic Church played in...

Mayor's Statement on Villa Fleur Ange

 

Office of the Mayor
June 16, 2022

Dear Residents, 

I was as surprised as many of you to hear of the unfortunate situation at the Villa Fleur Ange in Embrun this past week.  When Township received a complaint from the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA), municipal staff conducted an immediate investigation, practically and professionally. Once the building and fire departments deemed the situation an "immediate threat to life”, they immediately coordinated with local stakeholders...

Closure of Villa Fleur Ange

The Township of Russell is aware of the closure of Villa Fleur Ange on St-Jacques Road, Embrun.

We understand the closure of the residential care facility is sudden and disruptive to residents living in the facility. Unfortunately, the closure is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. There are urgent concerns relating to the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code.

The United Counties of Prescott Russell (UCPR) Social Services and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) are coordinating...

Bridge on St-Joseph Road Replaced

The bridge replacement project on St-Joseph Road is now complete. This major project has been in design since 2020, and construction budgeted at $955,000 ongoing since February of this year.

All bridges in the Township are inspected once every two years by an engineer, following guidelines in the Ontario Structure Inspection Manual. The engineer’s report identifies the condition of municipal bridges, which allows the Township to financially plan and prepare for future repairs or replacements.

The...

New Bike Rentals Program

You can now rent bicycles at the Sports Dome!

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or wishing to explore parts of the Township of Russell with friends and family, the bike rental program is a fun, flexible, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to navigate through town.

Cyclists wishing to make a rental can choose from a fleet of 8 bicycles of different sizes for adults and kids. The brand-new bikes have seats that can be adjusted for height and can be rented on an hourly basis for $10 and include...

Parklets Are Back – Upgrades Coming Soon!

In 2021, we added community parklets along our main streets. After spending a morning or afternoon exploring or shopping locally, these are the perfect places to sit back and relax.

This summer, the parklets will look better than ever! On June 11 and June 12, 2022, the parklets will be painted by community members, like you. All materials will be provided. Come paint with us!

• Register to paint at the Embrun Community Parklet (905 Notre Dame Street) 
• Register to paint at the Russell Community...

Recreational Trail Reopened June 1, 2022

The recreational trail is now reopened from concession street to Valoris Street. Please note that if barricades/barriers are present at main entrances this means workers are present and you should not use that section of the trail.

National AccessAbility Week

National AccessAbility Week is May 29 to June 4, 2022!

This is an opportunity to celebrate:

• the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities; and
• the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Learn more about National AccessAbility Week on the Government of Canada website.

Jewish Heritage Month

May is National Jewish Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture in Canada.

We encourage you to learn more about the courage and resilience of the Jewish community throughout history. Ask our Township Library staff for some reading suggestions!

Road Closure — St Andre Road, from Route 500 to Marionville Road

Please take note of the following road closure.

• When: Monday, May 30, 2022 at 7:00a.m. to Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 4:00p.m.
• Where: St Andre Road from Route 500 to Marionville Road
• Why: Culvert Replacement

Detour Information: Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information, if any apply.

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Long Weekend Storm Outages

Township staff were out today to check on residents and municipal infrastructure. Most of our community has power restored, but there are still a few areas without power.

Utility companies have their crews working hard to resolve the issue - please follow your hydro service provider for updates. If you have an emergency during this time, please call 911.

If you need to contact the Township during the long weekend, we have an after-hours number at 613-443-3066 extension 8.

Take care and stay safe.