News and Public Notices

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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Parks and Playgrounds Now Open

Enjoy the summer weather at one of our local parks! All 25 parks and play structures in the Township of Russell have been inspected and are ready for you to enjoy.

This excludes the baseball diamonds, the splash pad and the boat launch, which are expected to open soon. An official notice will be published on our website and social media.

Not sure what parks might be nearby? Check out the Park Maps on our Maps webpage!

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Notice of Study Commencement

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
Consolidated Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant

Public Notice – April 16, 2026

The Corporation of the Township of Russell (Township), in coordination with The Nation Municipality (The Nation), is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for a new Consolidated Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to service the communities of Embrun, Russell, and Limoges. This Class EA study will expand on the Master Plan recently...

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Zoning By-law Notice

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Russell will hold an open house and statutory public meeting to consider a new Zoning By-law for the Township of Russell, pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990.

No key map is attached as the Zoning By-law applies to all lands within the entire geographic area of the Township of Russell, United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

• Date: Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
• Location: Gaston Patenaude Hall, 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun,...

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Business Networking Event in Embrun

The Township of Russell, in collaboration with the Prescott-Russell Development Corporation (PRDC) and the Prescott-Russell Chamber of Commerce, invites the business community to take part in a business networking event on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will take place at the Township of Russell, located at 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun (Gaston Patenaude Hall).

This event aims to bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, partners and economic partners from across the...

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Emergency Preparedness Week 2026

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place from May 3 to 9, 2026. This year’s theme is Prepared Together. The theme reminds us that we are safer when neighbours, community groups, municipalities and organizations work together to prepare for emergencies.

While we cannot prevent all emergencies, we can take steps to reduce risks and lessen their impact. Being prepared helps protect you, your family and our community.

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national campaign led by Public Safety Canada and...

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Half-Load Restrictions Lifted as of May 4, 2026

Half-load restrictions will be lifted as Monday, May 4, 2026.

Half-load restrictions are put into effect for the spring thawing season. This affects load vehicles that are heavier than 5,000 kilograms or five tonnes per axle.

Signs are installed on all municipal roads where these weight restrictions apply. Road and weather conditions are routinely reviewed to determine the end date of weight restrictions.

Emergency vehicles are exempt.

Temporary restrictions on heavy weight vehicles help avoid...

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Street Sweeping Begins May 4, 2026

Township street sweeping will start Monday, May 4, 2026. Please avoid parking on the street to help us complete the work. If you have a basketball net on the street, we ask that it be moved to your driveway to allow trucks to pass.

Thank you! Questions? Contact the Infrastructure Department at infrastructure@russell.ca or at 613-443-1747.

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48-Hour Building Permits

Fast-Track Your Small Residential Projects!

From May 4 to September 2, 2026, apply for a 48-hour building permit for small residential projects like decks, sheds, or minor residential renovations.

Submit your application before noon on Monday. Permits will be issued by Wednesday morning, as long all information is provided, and the proposal complies with the Ontario Building Code and municipal zoning bylaws. Find more information below on various projects to ensure you submit all necessary...

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Nomination Period Now Open for the 2026 Municipal Election

Thinking about serving your community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Municipal Election in the Township of Russell.

Starting today, eligible residents may file a nomination to run for:

• Mayor
• Councillor
• School Board Trustee
• Police Village of Russell Trustee

Running for municipal office is a meaningful way to help shape local decisions, represent residents, and contribute to the future of our community.

• Nominations open: May 1, 2026
• Nomination deadline: August 21, 2026, at...

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Important Update on Embrun Water Restrictions

The Township of Russell has had water restrictions in place in Embrun since October due to water tower repairs. These restrictions will remain in effect until the water tower is back in service, which is currently expected by mid-June.

Residents are asked to use water only when absolutely necessary. The Township is sharing an update to the terms of outdoor water use during this period.

Under the restriction, outdoor water use is limited as follows:

• Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water...

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Council Meeting Highlights – April 27, 2026

Here are some highlights from the April 27, 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.

Several interesting statistics were presented to Council regarding the results of the committees and their achievements in 2025. Following this presentation, members of Council will hold a strategic discussion at the...

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Flags at Half Mast - April 28

Pursuant to Section h (i) Special Days under Mandatory Half-Masting of the Half-Masting and Raising of Flags Policy (2021-046), flags will be half-masted on all municipal buildings and locations in the Township of Russell from sunrise to sunset on April 28, National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.

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Want to Run in the Municipal Election 2026? Nominations Open May 1!

Starting May 1, 2026, residents may register as candidates for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, School Board Trustee, or Police Village of Russell Trustee in the upcoming Municipal Election 2026. Candidates have until August 21, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. to file or withdraw their nomination.

To file your nomination, you must make an appointment with the Clerk’s office at elections@russell.ca to file the following in person with the Municipal Clerk:

• A completed Nomination Form (Form 1).
• The nomination fee....

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Recreation Complex Construction – April 2026 Update

Construction at the Recreation Complex continues to make steady progress, both inside and outside the building.

On the exterior, crews are installing large glass panels on the ground floor and moving ahead with the framing for the lobby skylight. This work will allow the glass installation to move forward soon. Siding work is also ongoing around the building, with insulation and framing being installed in preparation for the final metal panels. You can now see these panels starting to take shape...

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Municipal Elections on October 26: Guide for Potential Candidates

Becoming an Elected Official/Member of Council is a great way to serve your community, but it requires a lot of time and effort. We have prepared an information guide that gives you some information on what may be expected and required as you decide on whether to run for the upcoming municipal election.

View the guide on our Candidate Information webpage.

Remember, to submit your name as a candidate, you must file the following with the Municipal Clerk:

• a completed Nomination Form (Form 1) and the...

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Earth Day 2026

This year’s Earth Day theme, Conscious Consumption, encourages individuals and communities to reflect on how everyday choices impact the environment. By being more mindful of what we buy, use, and discard, we can reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support a healthier ecosystem.

Simple actions—like reducing consumption, reusing and repairing items, recycling properly, and choosing environmentally responsible products—can make a meaningful difference. This Earth Day, take a moment to...

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National Volunteer Week 2026: Igniting Community Engagement

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the individuals whose time, skills and commitment help our communities thrive.

From April 19 to 25, 2026, communities across Canada will mark National Volunteer Week under the theme Ignite Volunteerism. This year’s theme highlights the power of volunteer action to spark connection, purpose and momentum — strengthening communities today and for the future.

Across Russell Township, volunteers play a vital role in supporting local...

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Two New Four-Way Stop Signs Now in Effect

The Township has installed new stop signs at two intersections to improve traffic control and safety.

Four-way stops have been installed at the following locations:

• St Pierre Street and Route 200
• Hamilton Road and Route 100

This means that vehicles in all directions must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Township Council approved the installation of four- way stops at these intersections following a review of traffic conditions. The goal is to improve...

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