News and Public Notices

Dr. Steve Mihok Receives Community Builder Award

On September 11th 2023, Council had the pleasure of presenting a Community Builder Award to Dr. Steve Mihok for his active participation in the local music scene and for his environmental engagement within our community.

Notably, we would like to highlight his selfless efforts to rid vulnerable populations of the scourge of biting insects, not only in his local community, but in a number of disadvantaged communities in Africa and elsewhere.

As part of the Citizen Recognition Program, we have:

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Contest: Test Your Smoke Alarm

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, is Ontario's first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day!
All Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning, which could save you and your loved ones. Most importantly, we want you to test your smoke alarms!

Having working smoke alarms won't just save your life – it's the law.

Every home in Ontario is required by law to have working smoke alarms on every story and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working...

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Invitation to Symposium

*Please note that this Symposium is offered in French only.
The Council of the Township of Russell is proud to sponsor seven participants for this event. If you are a resident of the municipality and are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to info@russell.ca with the following information:

• Full Name
• E-mail address
• Phone number
• Organization name (if applicable)
• Job title (if applicable)
• Food allergies (if applicable)
• Regular or vegetarian lunch box?

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Road Closure - North Russell - September 12-15

Please take note of the following road closure.

• When: September 12th at 10a.m. to September 15th 2023 at 6p.m.
• Where: North Russell Road, from Burton Road to Route 100 
• Why: preparation for road paving
• Emergency access allowed, open to local traffic.

Detour Information: Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information, if any apply.

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Township of Russell Appoints New Chief Administrative Officer

Embrun, Ontario, September 11, 2023 —The Township of Russell is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Administrative Officer, effective immediately.

Council appointed Richard Godin as the Township’s new Chief Administrative Officer at the regular meeting of September 11, 2023. The appointment follows an extensive search process that garnered over 30 applications. The search for his replacement as Director of Corporate Services will also begin shortly.

Richard Godin has been a...

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World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is an opportunity to focus on reducing stigma about mental health and raising awareness on how suicide can be prevented. Even small actions can make a huge difference.
‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a...

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Bowling Hall – Re-Opening

We are pleased to announce that after a brief summer hiatus, the bowling alley is reopening on Friday, September 8th, 2023, to provide a fun and local bowling experience. Lace up your bowling shoes, gather your friends and family, and head down to the lanes for a striking good time. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual bowler, the alleys are open and ready to welcome you back with a renewed energy. So, grab a bowling ball, aim for that perfect score, and let the good times roll!

Hours of...

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Road Closure - North Russell - September 6

Please take note of the following road closure.

• When: September 6th at 7a.m. to September 7th 2023 at 8p.m.
• Where: North Russell Road, from Route 100 to 1211m South of Route 100
• Why: road rehabilitation
• Detour in place: Route 100 to Hamilton Road to Route 200

Detour Information: Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information, if any apply.

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You Are Invited: Unveiling of Winning Photographs for the 2023 Photo Expo

From June 16 to August 21, hobbyist, amateur, and professional photographers were invited to submit their images for the Township of Russell Photo Exhibition with the theme “Stillness.” This year was a huge success, receiving over 100 submissions from our community and beyond!

You are invited to join us for the unveiling of the winning photographs from this year’s Township of Russell Photo Contest and Expo!

• Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
• Time: 11:45 a.m.
• Location: Autumn in the Country Arts...

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2024 Budget: Public Consultation

Think about the Township of Russell in 2024 and beyond. What should guide the direction of our community?

Take our short survey by September 30th, 2023.

• Share your feedback at our public consultation September 11th, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• Send your suggestions by email to the Clerk’s department by September 30th, 2023.

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2023 Fall Program and Activity Guide

Our Fall Program and Activity Guide is now available. We are offering yoga, pickleball, dance classes, workshops, and more! View the full guide at www.russell.ca/programs and look for a paper copy coming to your mailbox in the coming week!

Registration dates:

• Adult programs: Residents – Starting August 28, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
• Adult programs: Non-Residents – Starting September 1, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
• Children & youth programs: Residents – Starting August 30, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
• Children & youth programs:...

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Township of Russell Appoints Interim CAO

Richard Godin has been appointed as the interim Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Russell effective August 19th, 2023.

Township of Russell Council appointed the interim CAO at the special council meeting of August 17th, 2023 following the imminent departure of current CAO, Dan Faughnan.

Richard Godin has been with the Township of Russell as the Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer for over nine years.
“Council is confident that Richard Godin and our Department Heads will...

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2023 Paving Projects Underway

We want to inform you that our dedicated crew has started paving projects within our Township. Your safety is our top priority, so we kindly ask for your cooperation during this time.

Please drive carefully and follow these precautions:

• Reduce your speed when approaching construction areas.
• Maintain a safe distance from construction equipment and workers.
• Obey all posted signs and signals.
• Expect temporary changes in traffic patterns.

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Landscaping Now Completed at Snow Disposal Facility

The Township of Russell’s snow disposal facility now includes 400 newly planted trees! This landscaping completes the final stage of our snow disposal facility.

Earlier this spring, the Infrastructure Department also built bird habitats to help protect the barn swallow species and compensate for the removal of some of their previous habitats. The habitats are equipped with nesting cups and protect the birds from weather and predators.

This site, located just past our dog park, includes a snow pad...

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Grand Opening of Yahoo Park Splash Pad Addition

On Saturday July 22, 2023 the official inauguration of the Yahoo Park Splash Pad addition was held at 2, Marcel Street in Embrun. Organized by the Embrun Optimist Club, this event brought the community together for a morning filled with laughter, refreshments, and, of course, splashing in the water!

With a total expense of $66,645.27, this project was funded through community effort. The mayor’s contribution from his “selfie with the mayor campaign” brought in $17,727.00, while the Optimist Club...

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Notice of Study Commencement

Public Notice - July 19, 2023

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study Master Plan Update for Russell Township Water and Wastewater Systems

The Corporation of the Township of Russell (Township) is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA)
study to update its 2016 Water and Wastewater Master Plan.

The 2016 Master Plan outlined a 20-year strategy for water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades based on growth forecasted at the time. Since the completion of the 2016 Master Plan, the...

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National Drowning Prevention Week 2023

The Lifesaving Society’s National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) takes place July 16 to 22, 2023. During this week, we wish to focus community attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.

• With over 450 Canadians drowning in preventable water-related incidents annually, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60+ years of age. Even one drowning is one too many.
• The age groups with the highest risk of...

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Meet Me on Main Street - Inside Russell Arena

A reminder that Meet Me on Main Street takes place tomorrow, Thursday July 13th, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Because of the expected rain, the event will now take place inside the Russell Arena at 1084 Concession Street to stay dry.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Police Village of Russell, and with the assistance of the 125th Steering Committee as well as other community groups, the Township of Russell is organizing this event where the community will gather and support local...

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Protecting a Turtle Nest During Construction

In the midst of the ongoing Craig Street Storm Drain construction, a surprising discovery was made by the Township staff—a turtle nest. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding these delicate creatures and their future generations, our staff took swift action following instructions received from the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) to ensure the safety of the turtle nest during the nesting season.

Turtle nests are extremely vulnerable to natural predators, and each year, countless nests are...

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Craig Street Storm Sewer Replacement - Phase 3

Work continues on the storm sewer replacement on Craig Street in Russell as we move on to Phase 3. Starting today, Friday July 7th, 2023 the intersection of Craig Street and Mill Street is re-opened and the road closure will now be on Craig Street between Mill Street and MacDougall Street with the detour in place on Mills Street. For more information on this project see article on phase 1.

This multi phase project has been planned to avoid road closures as much as possible. Detour information is...

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