News

Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system

Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system, promote growth, and enable housing

Embrun — The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million in water infrastructure in Embrun, enabling growth and new housing opportunities that will help meet provincial and federal housing targets, while supporting Russell Township’s commitment to sustainable, well-managed development. The funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water...

Read more

2025 Photo Expo Winners Announced

Russell, Ontario – The 2025 Photo Expo took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Featuring over 120 of the 220 submitted photos, this event showcased the talent of 75 local photographers. Under the theme “Up Close and Personal,” participants captured unique and special moments within Russell Township.

The jury for this year’s competition included Lexine Ménard-Mallity, from Lexine Photographie; Christine Fitzgerald, a photo-based artist; and Rita Godlevskis, Editor of PhotoEd Managazine.

The...

Read more

Positive Tickets for Youth this Summer

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.

During the summer, we have awarded Positive Tickets to 4 youth for their initiatives within their community.

• Saphyrëlle and Kaëlly: These two girls have spent time cleaning up Yahoo Park and with their...

Read more

St-Pierre Road Reopened

As of this morning, Friday, September 12, 2025, St-Pierre Road is now open to traffic.

The culvert replacement project between Route 200 and Route 300 has been completed, and the detour is no longer in effect.

Thank you to all residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation during the closure.

Read more

Council Meeting Highlights – September 8, 2025

Here are some highlights from the September 8, 2025, 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 Report PIC-2025-15A introducing a new by-law and policies for an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). An AMPS is a...

Read more

Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan

Have your say in shaping the future of our community!

The Township of Russell is excited to announce the launch of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan revision. This revised and updated plan will guide future decisions about parks, recreation, and cultural facilities and programs in our community.

As our community grows and changes, so do our needs. The Master Plan will help us:

• Identify current and future community needs.
• Improve quality of life and well-being for...

Read more

Fire Ban Lifted – September 8, 2025

Update: The Fire Ban has been lifted as of September 8, 2025. We will now allow new permits to be issues and are lifting the hold on existing permits.

Please remember to follow regulations as set out in our Fires and Open-Air Burning Bylaw (102-2013). 

Fire permits are not required for recreational/cooking fires. Fire permits are required for all other Open-Air Fires, including Farm/Rural Open Air Fires.

At this time, you may apply for a fire permit by contacting our Public...

Read more

Development Charges Review – Updated Meeting Dates

The Township of Russell is currently reviewing its Development Charges (DC) through a comprehensive background study.

Development Charges are fees collected from developers to help pay for the new infrastructure and municipal services required to support growth — such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities. This ensures that the cost of growth is fairly shared and does not fall entirely on existing taxpayers.

This study will help the Township plan...

Read more

Flags at Half Mast – September 7, 2025

The Township of Russell flags will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on September 7, 2025, for Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. We recognize the ultimate sacrifice of firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, and commemorate their courage, their selflessness, and their unwavering commitment to serving our communities.

Read more

Road Closure Notre-Dame Street - September 6

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: From September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. to September 7, 2025, at 11 a.m.
• Where: Notre-Dame Street (from St-Jacques Road to Lapointe Boulevard)
• Why: Local community event (Embrun RibFest). Road will be completely blocked from passing through.

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

Read more

Join Us for the Township of Russell Photo Expo!

You’re invited to the unveiling of the winning photographs from the 2025 Township of Russell Photo Expo! This exciting reveal will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. You will find the Expo in the big barn behind the Russell Arena at 1076 Concession Street in Russell.

This year’s theme, “Up Close and Personal,” along with our continued support from the Ontario Arts Council, inspired a record number of entries. With 220 submissions, the jury faced the challenge of selecting...

Read more

Roundabout - Notre-Dame at Limoges/St-Albert

As the construction of a new roundabout continues at the intersection of County Road 5 (Limoges/St-Albert) and County Road 3 (Notre-Dame/Route 500W), new traffic control measures will be implemented starting today, September 2, 2025, as part of Phase 2 of the project.

• The east, south, and west legs of the roundabout are now open to traffic; and
• Access to and from Limoges (north leg) will be temporarily rerouted via Rolland Road to allow for the completion of the final segment of...

Read more

2025 Fall Newsletter

The Township publishes a printed newsletter four times a year to share exciting news, key updates, and important reminders to reach all residents—not just those who follow us online. Check your mailbox this week!

Read the Fall Newsletter

Printed copies are available at the following locations:

• Town Hall – 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun
• Embrun Library – 1215 St-Augustin Road, Embrun (inside École La Croisée)
• Russell Library – 1053 Concession Street, Russell
• Euphie d’ici Café & Smoothie Bar – 901...

Read more

18th Women’s March in Embrun

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Embrun (Ontario), August 29th, 2025 – Centre Novas – CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell is proud to invite the public to the 18th Women’s March – “Take Back the Night”, taking place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Embrun.

This annual event, part of an international movement, seeks to raise awareness about violence against women, particularly sexual assault. The march is a powerful moment of solidarity, mobilization, and advocacy for the right of women...

Read more

Fire Ban Reduced to Partial Fire Ban – August 29, 2025

Update: The Fire Ban has been reduced to a partial Fire Ban as of 8:30 a.m. August 29, 2025.

All burn permits are still on hold during this partial ban and no new burn permits will be issued.

With this partial Fire Ban, residents are permitted to light and maintain a campfire and use solid fuel burning appliances. Campfires are permitted and can be used for keeping warm, cooking food and for recreational enjoyment. As always, approved propane and natural gas BBQs and appliances with a shut-off...

Read more

Two Residents Receive Community Awards

At last night’s Council meeting, two exceptional individuals were recognized with Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to Russell Township.

Robert Potvin received the Community Award for Valor in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during a dangerous incident on May 8 in the St-Moritz area. When a resident was attacked and others were threatened by an individual armed with a knife, Mr. Potvin, a resident of the area, stepped in before law enforcement could...

Read more

Intersection Improvement on Castor Street

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell, in collaboration with the Township of Russell, will be leading a project to install new traffic lights, turning lanes, pedestrian crossings, and guardrail for added safety at the intersection of Castor Street, Eadie Road, and Wade Road.

Work is scheduled to begin August 27, 2025, with completion expected during the fall 2025. Construction will generally take place during regular working hours, and every effort will be made to minimize disruption to...

Read more

August 2025 Recreation Complex Update

Over the past few weeks, great progress has been made on the new recreation complex:

• Pool area: The walls of the new leisure pool have been poured, and crews are working on the pool’s piping systems.
• Arena building exterior: Masonry crews have finished the east and west facades of the rinks, as well as the north wall of the resurfacer area. Siding crews are now working behind the completed masonry.
• Structure: Structural steel has been installed in the pool change area. Roofing is nearly complete...

Read more

Dry Weather Alert, Help Conserve Water

With the recent low water levels in the South Nation River Watershed, we encourage all residents to voluntarily reduce their water use by 20% to help ensure there is enough supply for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, hygiene, sanitation, livestock care, food crops, and firefighting.

Whether you rely on a private well or are connected to the Township of Russell water system, you can help conserve water. Here’s how:

• Limit non-essential water use whenever possible.
• Use water outdoors only...

Read more

Fall Program and Activity Guide 2025

Our Fall Program and Activity Guide is now available. We are offering a variety of activities in Russell and Embrun! View the full guide at www.russell.ca/programs and look for a paper copy coming to your mailbox in the coming week!

• Adult Programs:
  • Residents – Starting August 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting September 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
• Children and Youth Programs:
  • Residents – Starting August 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting September 5, 2025, at 9:00...

Read more