News

Council Meeting Highlights – November 10, 2025

Here are some highlights from the November 10, 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.

Jack McLaren was recognized with a Community Award for his outstanding contributions to Russell Township. We invite you to read the full story on our website.

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Jack McLaren Received a Community Award

On Monday night’s Council meeting, Jack McLaren was recognized with a Community Award for his outstanding contributions to Russell Township.

A longtime and much-valued community volunteer, Jack has dedicated decades of service to the village of Russell, primarily through his work with the Russell Lions Club. Since joining the Club in 1964, Jack has embraced the Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” and has been a driving force behind countless community initiatives.

Jack’s contributions are wide-ranging and...

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Township of Russell Adopts 2026 Budget

The Township of Russell Council approved the 2026 Budget at the November 10 Regular Council Meeting, after months of planning and collaborative work between Council, residents, and staff.

The final budget includes a 3.94% tax increase, down from the first draft, which was 8.4%. This change shows Council’s work to manage costs while meeting community needs.

A major part of the increase comes from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) contract costs, which add about $267,807, or 1.3% of the total...

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Winter Parking Ban in Effect – Nov 9

An on-street parking ban is in effect tonight, until 7:00 a.m. Monday November 10, 2025.

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 

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Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8

On November 8, we honour Indigenous Veterans Day—a time to recognize the strength, service, and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans who defended Canada in times of war and peace.

Thousands of Indigenous men and women proudly served in uniform, while communities across the country supported the war efforts from home—raising funds, knitting clothing, and producing supplies. Yet, despite their dedication, many Indigenous Veterans faced inequity and exclusion when they returned...

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Closure of Parks for the Winter

This week, the recreation team began preparing and closing our municipal parks for the winter season.

This preventive measure helps reduce risks related to ice and snow accumulation, as well as freezing under play equipment that can lessen shock absorption. During this period, no maintenance or repairs will be performed. Use at your own risk.

The tennis courts are also closed for the season.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We hope you enjoyed our parks this year!

For any questions...

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Remembrance Day Ceremonies 2025

The following are the 2025 Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place in the Township of Russell:

Russell: 
November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Russell Legion, 24 Legion Lane, Russell
Hosted by the Russell Legion. The ceremony will be held in both official languages, and residents are invited to gather in the Legion upper hall after the ceremony.

Limoges:
November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Cenotaph, 137 Mabel Road, Limoges
Organized by the Limoges Recreation Committee. The ceremony will be held in both...

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Support for Well Owners

Our region has recently been experiencing low well water levels, caused by a combination of limited rainfall and high temperatures. We know this has been especially difficult for some residents who rely on private wells and may be struggling to maintain a steady water supply.

The Township has two options available for residents, farmers and business owners whose wells are not providing enough water and wish to obtain water from the Township.

There are two options available for bulk...

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Renovations Begin at the Embrun Station

November 3, 2025 – The Township of Russell and the Board of Directors of the “Société historique d’Embrun”, better known as the Embrun Station Committee, are pleased to announce that following a competitive bidding process, the Township has awarded the construction contract for the exterior renovation and structural reinforcement of the Embrun Station to Bricon Company.

Work has now begun and is expected to be completed by March 2026. After that, the project will focus on the creation of the...

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New Administrative Monetary Penalty System Now in Effect

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) started on October 31, 2025. This is a new way to pay and challenge tickets for parking and other by-law violations. Instead of going through provincial courts, the Township of Russell will handle disputes.

Before AMPS, disputing a ticket could take up to a year in court. With AMPS, disputes are handled by the Township through a Screening Review and a Hearing. This means court time can be used for more serious cases.

A Screening...

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Winter Parking by Alert Starts Nov 1

This winter, The Township of Russell's parking regulations return to an alert-based system for the entire season, aiming to provide residents with greater flexibility while ensuring safe and accessible streets during snow events.

From November 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, there will be no nightly on-street parking ban. Instead, street parking restrictions are alert-based throughout the winter. This means that residents can park on the street overnight unless a Winter...

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Changes Coming to Garbage Collection

Between November 10 to November 28, 2025, every household will receive a new 120-litre black bin delivered to their residence. These bins will automate the garbage collection, in the same manner as the green bin do. The administration is looking into a 240-litre black bin option for those who would like to upgrade, and more information will be shared when available. Multi-unit residences that currently use bag tags will receive direct information on how the new system will apply to them.

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Council Meeting Highlights – October 27, 2025

Here are some highlights from the October 27, 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 received and adopted the Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan prepared by McSweeney & Associates. The plan provides a five-year roadmap to...

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Water Ban Notice - Embrun

October 29, 2025

In order to do an inspection of the Embrun water tower, the Township of Russell has implemented water ban in Embrun until further notice. To ensure we keep enough water in the system for household and firefighting needs, residents are asked to limit water usage.

The restriction applies to residents of Embrun which are served by the Township of Russell's water distribution system.  

During this restriction, all outdoor use of water is suspended and prohibited, including the following...

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Notice of Public Meetings

Due to possible delivery delays with Canada Post, the following notices, which would normally have been mailed to residents near the affected properties, are instead being shared publicly.

Proposed Amendments to the Zoning By-law

• Peacock Drive in Russell within the Southwest Park Subdivision
• Blocks 90-91 in Subdivision SouthWest Park on PLAN 50M388, Russell
• Part of Lot 21, Concession 5, Vars

If you require support to review the content in this document, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator.

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Development Charges Draft By-law Now Available

The Development Charges (DC) draft By-law is now available for review on the Township’s website at www.russell.ca/DC.

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...

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Notice of Public Meeting – Building Permit Fee By-law

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Russell will hold a public meeting on November 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Gaston Patenaude Hall located at 717 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun in order to consider a proposed Building Permit Fee By-law under Section 7 of the Building Code Act.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT

The Township of Russell is proposing to adopt (amend) a Building Permit Fee By-law following a review of the building permit fees under Section 7 of the Building Code Act. The effect will be to increase the...

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New Service: Registration of Death and Burial Permit

The Clerk Department now offers the Registration of Death and Issuance of Burial Permits.
This new service assists families, informants, and funeral professionals in fulfilling the legal requirements that follow a death in Ontario.

The fee for a Registration of Death and Burial Permit is $35 for funeral homes within the Township of Russell and $40 for those located outside the Township.

Our team is committed to providing clear guidance and respectful assistance during this difficult time.

For more...

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Paving Begins on Notre-Dame Street

Paving will begin tomorrow on Notre-Dame Street in Embrun, between Jeanne d’Arc Street and Lapalme Street, and will continue over the next week until completed. This work is one of the final steps for this section of the road — Phase 1 of this multi-year storm sewers replacement project. We appreciate your patience as paving takes place.

Alternating lanes will remain in effect. Please expect delays and plan an alternate route if possible. All businesses in the area remain open and ready to serve...

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Local Government Week

October 19 to 25, 2025, is Local Government Week in Ontario. This week happens every year in October to help people, especially youth, learn about the important role local governments play. The goal is to encourage civic participation and show the services, opportunities, and careers available in local government.

Municipalities are the level of government closest to residents. They provide many of the everyday services we use, like roads, water, and waste collection...

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