News

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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Recreation Complex Construction – April 2026 Update

Construction at the Recreation Complex continues to make steady progress, both inside and outside the building.

On the exterior, crews are installing large glass panels on the ground floor and moving ahead with the framing for the lobby skylight. This work will allow the glass installation to move forward soon. Siding work is also ongoing around the building, with insulation and framing being installed in preparation for the final metal panels. You can now see these panels starting to take shape...

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Municipal Elections on October 26: Guide for Potential Candidates

Becoming an Elected Official/Member of Council is a great way to serve your community, but it requires a lot of time and effort. We have prepared an information guide that gives you some information on what may be expected and required as you decide on whether to run for the upcoming municipal election.

View the guide on our Candidate Information webpage.

Remember, to submit your name as a candidate, you must file the following with the Municipal Clerk:

• a completed Nomination Form (Form 1) and the...

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Earth Day 2026

This year’s Earth Day theme, Conscious Consumption, encourages individuals and communities to reflect on how everyday choices impact the environment. By being more mindful of what we buy, use, and discard, we can reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support a healthier ecosystem.

Simple actions—like reducing consumption, reusing and repairing items, recycling properly, and choosing environmentally responsible products—can make a meaningful difference. This Earth Day, take a moment to...

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National Volunteer Week 2026: Igniting Community Engagement

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the individuals whose time, skills and commitment help our communities thrive.

From April 19 to 25, 2026, communities across Canada will mark National Volunteer Week under the theme Ignite Volunteerism. This year’s theme highlights the power of volunteer action to spark connection, purpose and momentum — strengthening communities today and for the future.

Across Russell Township, volunteers play a vital role in supporting local...

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Two New Four-Way Stop Signs Now in Effect

The Township has installed new stop signs at two intersections to improve traffic control and safety.

Four-way stops have been installed at the following locations:

• St Pierre Street and Route 200
• Hamilton Road and Route 100

This means that vehicles in all directions must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Township Council approved the installation of four- way stops at these intersections following a review of traffic conditions. The goal is to improve...

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Local Athlete Named to Team Canada

A Russell Township resident is set to represent Canada on the world stage. Zachary Jeggo has been named to Team Canada for the World Athletics Relays, taking place May 2-3, 2026, in Gaborone, Botswana. He is the youngest member selected to the national team.

This marks the first time Jeggo has been named to a Canadian national team. His selection comes during an exceptional first year at Simon Fraser University, where he competes in track and field.

“It was a big surprise,” Jeggo shared following...

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Water Ban Still in Effect in Embrun - Update

The Township of Russell is reminding residents that a water ban remains in effect for Embrun.

• What: All outdoor water use is prohibited, including lawn watering, car washing, and filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, or garden ponds.
• Who: All Embrun residents connected to the municipal water system.
• Why: The Township is currently rehabilitating the Embrun Water Tower. During this work, the tower must remain empty. To ensure there is enough water available for fire protection and essential household...

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Message From the Mayor – April 16, 2026

Dear Residents,

As spring arrives, road and infrastructure work is ramping up across our municipality.

I know construction season can be frustrating. Detours, delays, and temporary disruptions affect daily routines, access to local businesses, and the schedules families rely on. Those challenges are real, and I ask for your patience as this important work moves forward.

I want residents to be assured that this work is necessary. These projects are not being undertaken casually or without careful...

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Council Meeting Highlights – April 13, 2026

Here are some highlights from the April 13, 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.

Council approved the expansion of the existing pylon sign at the entrance of the 417 Industrial Park.

This project responds to strong demand from industrial park businesses for additional...

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Intersection Now Closed in Embrun

The Township of Russell is providing more information about the road closure at the intersection of Notre-Dame Street and Ste-Marie/St-Pierre Roads related to ongoing construction.

The included map shows the full intersection closure, that began April 15 and is expected to last until approximately May 8, 2026. This timeline may change if unforeseen construction issues or previously unknown underground infrastructure are discovered.

A full intersection closure is required to complete most, if not...

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