News

Update on Notre-Dame Sewer Project

Construction continues on the Notre-Dame Street Rehabilitation Project at the intersection of Notre-Dame Street, Ste-Marie Road and St-Pierre Street. Crews are progressing with the sewer work and are on to the next phase of the project.

• Ste-Marie and St-Pierre Roads: Paving is scheduled for the week of June 15. These sections remain closed during this time.
• Notre-Dame Lane Usage: Alternating lanes are now in place on Notre-Dame Street to keep the sewer replacement work moving forward.

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Important Update on Embrun Water Restrictions - June 11

The Township of Russell advises residents that water restrictions in Embrun will remain in effect until the end of August as the repairs required are more extensive than expected.

Without the water tower, the system is operating on just the reservoir. It is important that everyone does their part to reduce water use to ensure there is enough supply for all residents and for any emergencies, including fires. Residents are asked to use water only when absolutely necessary.

Outdoor water use remains...

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Flags at Half-Mast - June 10, 2026

The flags at all municipal buildings in the Township of Russell have been lowered to half-mast in accordance with the Half-Masting and Raising of Flags Policy, in honour of Constable Tarun Bali of the Ontario Provincial Police, who lost his life in the line of duty on June 9, 2026.

Flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral or the memorial service (date to be determined).

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Council Meeting Highlights – June 8, 2026

Here are some highlights from the June 8, 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 presented a Citizen Recognition Award to Embrun residents Josée Martel and Kim Vincent, founders of Ability Hive, for their leadership in advancing accessibility and inclusion. Since launching in 2023, Ability Hive has...

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Council Recognizes Ability Hive Founders with Citizen Recognition Award

At last night’s Council meeting, Council presented a Citizen Recognition Award to Josée Martel and Kim Vincent, residents of Embrun and founders of Ability Hive. The nomination was endorsed by the Township’s Accessibility Advisory Committee in recognition of their leadership and contributions to accessibility and inclusion in the community.

Launched in 2023, Ability Hive is a local company dedicated to offering sensory and therapeutic tools for autistic individuals, people with special needs,...

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Rentals for Third Ice Pad

We are now accepting requests to rent ice time for the third ice pad at the new Recreation Complex.

To request ice time, please email recreation.loisirs@russell.ca and include the following information:

• Name of contract holder
• Organization name
• Residential address
• Type of activity (e.g., hockey, figure skating, recreational use)
• Requested start and end dates
• Preferred days and times
• Estimated number of participants
• Frequency of booking
• Special requirements (full ice, half ice, equipment, etc.)
• Email address...

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Positive Ticket for Youth - May 2026

We’re celebrating youth who stand out and make a positive difference in our community! Our Public Safety and Enforcement Officers issue Positive Tickets to local youth who demonstrate kindness, helpful behaviour, or take part in good deeds. Each ticket includes a gift card to a local business to recognize and reward these outstanding role models.

Last May, we presented a Positive Ticket to a local youth for her thoughtful contributions to the community.

• Harper, age 4, cares deeply about the...

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Road Closure – Wade Road June 8

Please note the following road closure for culvert replacement:

• When: From Monday, June 8, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. to Wednesday June 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Wade Road from Castor Street to 599 m north of McLaren Lane, AND from Route 400 to 1547 Wade Road.
• Detour – No Emergency Access: Route 400, to Wade Road, to South Russell Road, to Concession Street, to Castor Street.

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

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2026 Summer Newsletter

Sunshine, longer days, and lots happening across the community. The Summer edition of the Township newsletter has arrived! Pick up a copy and catch up on what’s happening in the Township of Russell this season.

Published four times a year, the newsletter shares Township news, seasonal reminders, and helpful updates for residents.

Printed copies will be delivered this week through the Embrun and Russell post offices, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

Read the electronic version of the Summer...

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Updated Official Plan

Have you ever wondered how decisions are made about new homes, businesses or parks in our community? The Township of Russell’s Official Plan helps guide those decisions. The finalized plan is now available online for residents to explore.

The Official Plan is the Municipality’s main planning document. It guides how our community will grow and how land can be used up to the year 2046. It helps make sure development happens in a way that supports a strong, healthy, and well-planned community.

The...

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Positive Tickets for Youth - April 2026

We’re celebrating youth who stand out and make a positive difference in our community! Our Public Safety and Enforcement Officers issue Positive Tickets to local youth who demonstrate kindness, helpful behaviour, or take part in good deeds. Each ticket includes a gift card to a local business to recognize and reward these outstanding role models.

Last April, we presented Positive Tickets to three local youth for their thoughtful contributions to the community.

• Raphael was recognized for stepping...

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Bowling Hall Summer Closure Notice

The Bowling Hall will close for the summer season beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

All reservations that have already been booked will be honoured during this period. Our online booking form will return at the end of the summer, in time for fall reservations.

We encourage you to enjoy the final weekend of public bowling before the closure at 8 Blais Street in Embrun. The last public bowling hours will be:

• Friday May 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Council Meeting Highlights – May 25, 2026

From community projects to future planning, this Council meeting covered a wide range of topics that matter to you. Take a moment to see what’s happening in your community with these highlights from the May 25, 2026, meeting. For more details on these and other items, visit our website for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

The next Council meeting will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

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Paving Season is Underway

Preparation work started this week and paving will continue over the next two weeks on the following road segments:

• Centenaire Street
• Bols Street
• Drentrex Road
• Cloutier Drive
• Angèle Street
• Cécile Street

Residents may notice increased construction activity in these areas. Thank you for your patience while we complete this work.

Want to know what streets are getting paved next? Visit: www.russell.ca/paving

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National Public Works Week 2026

From May 17 to 23, 2026, the Township of Russell invites residents to learn more about the essential services provided by our Infrastructure Department team.

Public works are part of everyday life, but they often go unnoticed. This week, follow the Township on Facebook and Instagram to see photos of our crews at work. It is a great opportunity to learn what they do and to recognize their important role in keeping our community running.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,”...

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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 four...

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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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