News

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...

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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...

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Curious About Pickleball?

Join us for an informative session and get a chance to try it for yourself! We will have balls on hand, but you are required to bring your own paddles. Come by on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Dome (150 Sportsplex Street, Embrun).

The cost is $10 per player and payable the day of at the reception of the Sports Dome. Maximum 16 participants per group.

Questions? Please contact recreation.loisirs@russell.ca.

Fall Recreation Guide...

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Cooling Centres Now Open

*Now extended until Wednesday

With the high temperatures of the next few days, the Township of Russell will have daytime cooling centers to provide relief from the heat to residents in need from Friday August 8 until Wednesday August 13, 2025.

Sports Dome

• Located at 150 Sportsplex Street in Embrun.
• Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Township of Russell Library - Russell Branch

• Located at 1053 Concession Street in Russell.
• Friday, Saturday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m....

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Supply of an Internet and Telephone Voting System for the 2026 Municipal Elections

The Township of Russell is actively seeking/requesting proposals from qualified proponents to provide Internet and Telephone Voting System Services for the 2026 Municipal Elections in partnership with 6 other municipalities in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

• Request for Proposals: July 30, 2025
• Last Day for questions: August 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
• Answers to questions and/or addenda to be issued: August 21, 2025
• Proposal Closing Date: September 8, 2025, at 3:00...

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Fire Ban in Effect - August 1st, 2025 (Banner)

Due to the dry weather conditions and no significant amount of precipitation in the immediate future, the Russell Township Fire Services has implemented a total fire ban in the Township of Russell as of TODAY, Friday August 1, 2025, at 6:00am.

 All open-air fires are prohibited until further notice. This includes backyard campfires and even those property owners who have a valid fire permit. Only certified barbecues, natural gas and propane outdoor fireplaces with a gas shut off are allowed.

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Fire Ban in Effect

Due to the dry weather conditions and no significant amount of precipitation in the immediate future, the Russell Township Fire Services has implemented a total fire ban in the Township of Russell as of TODAY, Friday August 1, 2025, at 6:00 a.m.

 All open-air fires are prohibited until further notice. This includes backyard campfires and even those property owners who have a valid fire permit. Only certified barbecues, natural gas and propane outdoor fireplaces with a gas shut off are allowed.

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Road Closure St-Pierre Road - August 4

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: Monday, August 4, 2025, until September 2025
• Where: St-Pierre Road, between Route 200 and Route 300
• Why: Culvert replacement

Detour Information: St-Pierre Road, to Route 200, to St-Guillaume Road, to Route 300, to St-Pierre Road. Local traffic will be permitted up to the construction zone from either side, but there is no access across the work area. Emergency services and all other traffic will be required to follow the detour route.

Please see the...

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Cooling Centres Open Monday and Tuesday

With the high temperatures of the next few days, the Township of Russell will have daytime cooling centers to provide relief from the heat to residents in need on Monday July 28 and Tuesday July 29, 2025.

Sports Dome

• Located at 150 Sportsplex Street in Embrun.
• Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Township of Russell Library - Russell Branch

• Located at 1053 Concession Street in Russell.
• Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Our cooling centers will have air conditioning, tables,...

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New York Central Recreational Trail Safety Reminders

Some safety reminders while using the New York Central Recreational Trail this summer, and all year round!

Safety regulations

1. Stop at all crossings until it is safe to cross. And activate pedestrian crossing signal if available.
2. Keep right and pass on the left when the path is clear.
3. Use a horn, bell or voice when signaling to pass others.
4. Stand to the side of the trail if you stop.

Regulations for the respect of the trail and users

1. Keep the trail clean: use the garbage cans for your waste.
2. Keep the...

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Notice of Completion - 417 Industrial Park

Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

Road Network Expansion, 417 Industrial Park, Township of Russell

Date: July 25, 2025

The Township of Russell has completed a Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for the expansion of the internal road network within the 417 Industrial Park, located north of Robot Street and west of Emard Street in Russell Township, Ontario.

This study was conducted in accordance with the approved planning process for Schedule ‘B’ projects...

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Quick Survey on Meet Me on Main Street Event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Meet Me on Main Street, this pastTuesday July 15, 2025, in Russell. Whether you came out to enjoy the live music, explore local vendors, support community groups, or simply enjoy a fun evening with neighbours — we’re so glad you were there.

We’re already looking ahead to next year, and your feedback can help make the event even better!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Meet Me on Main Street Survey. It’s quick and easy, and your input will...

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Notice of Culvert Replacement Construction on St-Pierre Road

Notice

The Township of Russell’s Council has approved a contract with A.L. Blair Construction to proceed with the replacement of the existing culvert on St-Pierre Road. This work is necessary to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve drainage.

• Start: Week of August 4th, 2025
• Estimated Completion: September 2025

We encourage you to visit www.municipal511.ca for updates regarding construction, road closures, and detour information. This service provides a...

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$5,000 Grant from Ontario Arts Council for 2025 Photo Expo

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate distribution

July 21, 2025 – The Township of Russell is proud to announce that, for the second consecutive year, it has received a $5,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects. This generous funding will support the 2025 Photo Expo, fostering greater community participation and showcasing local talent. 

The 2025 Photo Expo invites photographers to submit their best work for a chance to be selected by an independent jury. Four...

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National Drowning Prevention Week 2025

Whether you’re heading to the pool, the cottage, or just enjoying water play in your own backyard, safety should always come first. National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), which takes place July 20 to 26, 2025, is a reminder for all of us to take simple but important steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones around water.

This year’s theme, Safer Together, reminds us that water safety is a shared responsibility. We are sharing tips and stats on how to stay safe – like always swimming with a...

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Road Closure Castor Street – July 21

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: Monday, July 21, 2025, to Friday, August 15, 2025

• Where: Castor Street (between Eadie Road and Eldon Street)

• Why: Culvert replacement

For more information on this project, please contact the United Counties of Prescott and Russell at TravauxPublics@prescott-russell.on.ca.

Detour Information: 

• Castor Street, to Eadie Road, to Route 200, to North Russell Road, to Castor Street.

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

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Meet Me on Main Street is Tomorrow

We invite you to participate in the Meet Me on Main Street event Tuesday July 15, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s event will take place on Concession Street in Russell, between the Maple Street and York Crossing. The Township of Russell is organizing this event where the community will gather in the street and support local businesses and organizations.

Admission to this community gathering is free. Food & beverage kiosks, local music, craft breweries, face painting, fire safety drill,...

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Cooling Centres Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

With the high temperatures of the next few days, the Township of Russell will have daytime cooling centers to provide relief from the heat to residents in need from Tuesday July 15 to Thursday July 17, 2025.

Sports Dome

• Located at 150 Sportsplex Street in Embrun.
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Township of Russell Library - Russell Branch

• Located at 1053 Concession Street in Russell.
• Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Help Shape the 2026 Budget

The Township of Russell is beginning the 2026 Budget planning process — and we want to hear from you!

We invite all residents to share their feedback to help guide the Township’s financial priorities for 2026 and beyond. Your input will be presented to Council as part of the discussions on the 2026 Draft Budget.

There are three ways to participate:

1. Attend Our Public Consultation
   Join us on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall to share your feedback directly with...
   

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Road Closure Concession Street – July 15

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Where: Concession Street, from Maple Street to York Crossing

• Why: Meet Me on Main Street Community Event (www.russell.ca/MeetMe)

Detour Information: 

• Concession Street to Castor Street, to Eadie Road, to Route 200, to North Russell Road.

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

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