News

Update on Notre-Dame Road Work

The work on the Notre-Dame Street Rehabilitation Project at the intersection of Notre‑Dame Street and Ste‑Marie Road and St‑Pierre Street continues and we will be moving to the next step in the project.

The full intersection closure, which began on April 15, has now ended as of May 15, 2026.

Starting May 15:

• Notre‑Dame Street will reopen
• Ste‑Marie Road and St‑Pierre Street will remain closed
• Detours will be updated accordingly
• The estimated duration of this phase of the project is approximately three...

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Council Meeting Highlights – May 11, 2026

Here are some highlights from the May 11, 2026, Council meeting. For more information on these and other topics discussed at meetings, see our website for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Mayor Tarnowski recognized and presented certificates to local teens (Erika Pearson, Tristan Kemp, Emma Desnoyers, and Anabelle Bouchard) in recognition of their participation in the “Mayor for a Day” initiative, developed by the Teen...

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Zoning By-law Review

The Township of Russell is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Zoning By-law; the Zoning By-law regulates how land can be used and developed, including permitted uses, building heights, building setbacks, parking, and more.

The 2018 Zoning By-law is being updated to align with the Township’s recently adopted Official Plan, reflect current regional and provincial policies, and respond to community growth. If approved, the proposed Zoning By-law will replace the current Zoning By-law and...

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New Way to Ask Questions at Council Meetings

Residents now have a new, simple way to take part in Council meetings. You can submit your questions in advance on an item listed on an upcoming meeting agenda, and they will be read and answered during the meeting.

This option makes it easier to participate if you cannot attend in person or prefer to plan your question ahead of time.

Residents, property owners, business owners in the Township of Russell, or their official representative, can submit a question about an...

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Road Closure Monday, May 11 – West of Route 100

Please note the following road closure for culvert replacement:

• When: Monday, May 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Route 100 from 459 m northeast of Boundary Road to 407 m northeast of Boundary Road
• Detour – No Emergency Access: Boundary Road at Route 100, to Route 200, to Hamilton Road, to Route 100.

Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for more information.

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Parks and Playgrounds Now Open

Enjoy the summer weather at one of our local parks! All 25 parks and play structures in the Township of Russell have been inspected and are ready for you to enjoy.

This excludes the baseball diamonds, the splash pad and the boat launch, which are expected to open soon. An official notice will be published on our website and social media.

Not sure what parks might be nearby? Check out the Park Maps on our Maps webpage!

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Project Update – Extension of Notre-Dame Street Intersection Closure

The work on the Notre-Dame Street Rehabilitation Project at the intersection of Notre-Dame Street and Ste-Marie Road and St-Pierre Street is progressing well. However, due to site conditions encountered, adjustments to the project timeline are required as we move into the next phase.

The full intersection closure, which began on April 15, will be extended by approximately one additional week. We will provide further updates as they become available.

• The full intersection closure...

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Notice of Study Commencement

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
Consolidated Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant

Public Notice – April 16, 2026

The Corporation of the Township of Russell (Township), in coordination with The Nation Municipality (The Nation), is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for a new Consolidated Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to service the communities of Embrun, Russell, and Limoges. This Class EA study will expand on the Master Plan recently...

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Zoning By-law Notice

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Russell will hold an open house and statutory public meeting to consider a new Zoning By-law for the Township of Russell, pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990.

No key map is attached as the Zoning By-law applies to all lands within the entire geographic area of the Township of Russell, United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

• Date: Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
• Location: Gaston Patenaude Hall, 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun,...

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Business Networking Event in Embrun

The Township of Russell, in collaboration with the Prescott-Russell Development Corporation (PRDC) and the Prescott-Russell Chamber of Commerce, invites the business community to take part in a business networking event on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will take place at the Township of Russell, located at 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun (Gaston Patenaude Hall).

This event aims to bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, partners and economic partners from across the...

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Emergency Preparedness Week 2026

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place from May 3 to 9, 2026. This year’s theme is Prepared Together. The theme reminds us that we are safer when neighbours, community groups, municipalities and organizations work together to prepare for emergencies.

While we cannot prevent all emergencies, we can take steps to reduce risks and lessen their impact. Being prepared helps protect you, your family and our community.

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national campaign led by Public Safety Canada and...

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Half-Load Restrictions Lifted as of May 4, 2026

Half-load restrictions will be lifted as Monday, May 4, 2026.

Half-load restrictions are put into effect for the spring thawing season. This affects load vehicles that are heavier than 5,000 kilograms or five tonnes per axle.

Signs are installed on all municipal roads where these weight restrictions apply. Road and weather conditions are routinely reviewed to determine the end date of weight restrictions.

Emergency vehicles are exempt.

Temporary restrictions on heavy weight vehicles help avoid...

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Street Sweeping Begins May 4, 2026

Township street sweeping will start Monday, May 4, 2026. Please avoid parking on the street to help us complete the work. If you have a basketball net on the street, we ask that it be moved to your driveway to allow trucks to pass.

Thank you! Questions? Contact the Infrastructure Department at infrastructure@russell.ca or at 613-443-1747.

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48-Hour Building Permits

Fast-Track Your Small Residential Projects!

From May 4 to September 2, 2026, apply for a 48-hour building permit for small residential projects like decks, sheds, or minor residential renovations.

Submit your application before noon on Monday. Permits will be issued by Wednesday morning, as long all information is provided, and the proposal complies with the Ontario Building Code and municipal zoning bylaws. Find more information below on various projects to ensure you submit all necessary...

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Nomination Period Now Open for the 2026 Municipal Election

Thinking about serving your community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Municipal Election in the Township of Russell.

Starting today, eligible residents may file a nomination to run for:

• Mayor
• Councillor
• School Board Trustee
• Police Village of Russell Trustee

Running for municipal office is a meaningful way to help shape local decisions, represent residents, and contribute to the future of our community.

• Nominations open: May 1, 2026
• Nomination deadline: August 21, 2026, at...

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Important Update on Embrun Water Restrictions

The Township of Russell has had water restrictions in place in Embrun since October due to water tower repairs. These restrictions will remain in effect until the water tower is back in service, which is currently expected by mid-June.

Residents are asked to use water only when absolutely necessary. The Township is sharing an update to the terms of outdoor water use during this period.

Under the restriction, outdoor water use is limited as follows:

• Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water...

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Council Meeting Highlights – April 27, 2026

Here are some highlights from the April 27, 2026, Council meeting. For more information on these and other topics discussed at meetings, see our website for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Several interesting statistics were presented to Council regarding the results of the committees and their achievements in 2025. Following this presentation, members of Council will hold a strategic discussion at the...

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Road Closures – Route 200 and Eadie Road

Please that note that we are replacing 3 separate culverts on Route 200 and Eadie Road in Russell. Each taking one day. Please take note of the following road closure details:

• Time: from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Route 200 from Eadie Road to 34 m southwest of Eadie Road
• Detour: Eadie Road at Route 200, to Burton Road, to North Russell Road, to Route 200, to 53 m southwest of Eadie Road

• Time: from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Route 200 from Eadie Road to 27 m...

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Flags at Half Mast - April 28

Pursuant to Section h (i) Special Days under Mandatory Half-Masting of the Half-Masting and Raising of Flags Policy (2021-046), flags will be half-masted on all municipal buildings and locations in the Township of Russell from sunrise to sunset on April 28, National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.

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Want to Run in the Municipal Election 2026? Nominations Open May 1!

Starting May 1, 2026, residents may register as candidates for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, School Board Trustee, or Police Village of Russell Trustee in the upcoming Municipal Election 2026. Candidates have until August 21, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. to file or withdraw their nomination.

To file your nomination, you must make an appointment with the Clerk’s office at elections@russell.ca to file the following in person with the Municipal Clerk:

• A completed Nomination Form (Form 1).
• The nomination fee....

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