News

Celebrating Culture and Entrepreneurship: Marché Afro-Rama

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight the stories of Black entrepreneurs who are shaping and strengthening our community. Please welcome Christine Kayenga and Charlotte Wesi, co-owners of Marché Afro-Rama (1025 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun), who bring with them rich cultural roots, strong family values, and a shared commitment to Embrun.

Christine Kayenga is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been living in Embrun for nearly five years. She is a proud...

Read more

Celebrate Family Day in the Township of Russell

Looking for ways to spend Family Day with your loved ones? The Township of Russell is offering a variety of activities for residents of all ages. From skating to sports and bowling, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Russell Arena

• Family Skate: 1:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. (Sponsored by Joey Abrams Real Estate)

Embrun Arena

• Family Day Public Skating: 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• Stick & Puck ages 4 to 8 years old: 3:45 p.m. to 4:35 p.m.

Outdoor Rinks

• Our 3 outdoor rinks are open in Embrun, Russell and...

Read more

Local Flavours Rendez-Vous Returns February 21

The Local Flavours Rendez-Vous is back in Embrun this year and you don’t want to miss it! This annual event brings together the community for a tasting experience featuring regional beer, wine, and food, attracting an average of 500 attendees each year. Beyond celebrating local flavours and businesses, the event also supports a community project. All proceeds will go towards installing an exterior signage that will allow local non-profits to advertise starting in 2027.

The event takes place...

Read more

Flags at Half-Mast - Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, BC

The flags at all municipal buildings in the Township of Russell have been lowered to half-mast in accordance with the Half-masting the National Flag of Canada (Sections 10 and 16), to mark the tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and community members affected by this tragic event.

Flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on February 17, 2026.

Read more

Council Meeting Highlights – February 9, 2026

Here are some highlights from the February 9, 2026, 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.

Council approved an amendment the traffic and parking bylaw to restrict the parking on the South side of St-Moritz Terrace in Embrun, Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 6...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – February 10

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more...

Read more

From Mali to Embrun - Traoré Family Profile

As part of Black History Month, the Township of Russell invites you to discover the journey of the Traoré family. By settling in our Township, Fatoumata, Abdul Karim, and their children not only found a stable and welcoming environment but also discovered a community that warmly embraced them.

Fatoumata and Abdul Karim are originally from Mali, in West Africa. They immigrated to Canada in December 2024 with their three children, Bakary (11), Araba (9), and Alhassan (6). Since their arrival in...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – February 6

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more about 

Read more

Council Meeting Highlights – January 26, 2026

Here are some highlights from the January 26, 2026, 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.

The next Council meeting will be Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Read more

Help Shape the New Township of Russell Website

The Township of Russell is planning a redesign of its website, and we want to hear from you!

Our goal is to create a website that is easier to use, easier to navigate, and better meets the needs of our residents. Whether you visit the site to find information, access services, or stay up to date on Township news, your feedback is essential.

We are inviting residents to complete a short 10-question survey that asks about:

• How you currently use the Township website
• Which information is most important...

Read more

Recreation Complex Construction – January 2026 Update

Construction at the Recreation Complex continues to make steady progress.

On the outside of the building, work is underway to close in the structure. Crews are installing exterior walls, insulation, and metal siding. Large glass sections are also starting to arrive on site and will be installed soon.

Inside the building, walls are being framed throughout the arenas and pool areas. Masonry work is ongoing in areas such as change rooms and pool equipment spaces.

The main lobby and community areas...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – January 25

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more about 

Read more

Collaborating on a Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

January 23, 2026 – Members from Russell Township and The Nation Municipality were in Toronto this week to attend the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, Ontario’s annual gathering of rural municipal leaders. During the conference, representatives from both municipalities participated in three delegation meetings with provincial ministries to advance a joint proposal for a new regional wastewater treatment plant that would service both communities.

Municipal...

Read more

Invitation: International Women’s+ Day 2026

The Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CDEIAC) invites the community to join them on March 8, 2026, for a women’s reflection workshop, networking and partnership circle. The event will take place at the Russell arena and features keynote speaker Dr. Bushra Khan.

Registration is required for this event, but attendance is free! Reserve a spot now.

This is 3.5-hour event celebrating women’s leadership and empowerment in our community as we celebrate International Women’s...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – January 15

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more about 

Read more

Save the Date for Meet Me on Main Street

We are excited to announce the 4th edition of Meet Me on Main Street! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year’s event will take place at the Yahoo Park at 8, Blais Street in Embrun. This is a free event to attend, no registration required!

This year’s community gathering will feature food and beverage kiosks, local nonprofit organizations, live music, face painting, youth activities, fire safety demonstrations, and lots of outdoor fun — it’s sure to be a...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – January 10

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more about 

Read more

Get your Tickets for Local Flavours Rendez-Vous

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th edition of the Local Flavours Rendez-Vous that will take place on Saturday, February 21st, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Camille Piché Community Centre (8 Blais Street, Embrun).

Come celebrate the best food and drinks our community has to offer. Meet local and regional vendors, taste delicious creations, and enjoy an evening full of flavours, fun, and community spirit.

Advance tickets are $20 each or $25 at the door. Tickets are limited, so...

Read more

New Pumper/Rescue Truck for Station 12

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate distribution

January 8, 2026 – Russell Township Fire Services Station 12 is proud to introduce its new Pumper/Rescue fire apparatus. Purchased at a cost of $808,796, this modern apparatus will enhance emergency response capabilities and support the continued safety of both residents and firefighters. The new unit replaces two aging apparatuses that have reached the end of their service life, helping to maintain a reliable and efficient fleet.

On January 6, 2026,...

Read more

Winter Parking Ban in Effect – January 6

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7th, 2026.

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions. Any person who does so is liable to a fine and/or will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more...

Read more