News and Public Notices

Changes to Recycling as of January

Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will transition to an enhanced recycling system. This means that the Township of Russell will no longer manage any recycling. Ontarians will be able to recycle the same materials at the curb no matter where they are across the province and be able to recycle more materials than ever before! This new system follows Ontario’s two-and-a-half-year transition to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for blue box materials.

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Council Meeting Highlights – December 8, 2025

Here are some highlights from the December 8, 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.

The next Council meeting will be Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

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Recreation Complex Project Update - December

Construction moved forward in many areas throughout November.

The CIMCO refrigeration plant, natural gas generator, and several pieces of roof-top equipment were installed. Masonry crews finished the exterior brick work and continued building interior block walls in Rinks 2 and 3, as well as in back-of-house areas.

Siding crews continued working around the outside of the building, completing infrastructure work. The exterior steel framing and boarding around the Community Centre is now mostly...

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Update on the Development Charges Background Study and By-law

The Township of Russell would like to update residents about the Development Charges (DC) Background Study and the related by-law.

Recent changes to provincial laws (Bill 60, approved on November 27) affect how municipalities prepare these documents. Because of these changes, the Township and its consultant need to revise the draft DC Background Study and proposed by-law to make sure they follow the updated legislation.

What this means:

• There will be no DC items at the December 8, 2025, Council...

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2025 Winter Newsletter

Our winter edition of the Township newsletter is here! Published four times a year, it shares the latest news, important updates, and handy reminders for all residents.

Printed copies are being delivered this week through the Embrun and Russell Post offices—keep an eye on your mailbox!

Read an electronic version of the Winter Newsletter

Printed copies are also available at the following locations for those outside that distribution area:

• Town Hall – 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun
• Embrun Library – 1215...

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Final Delivery of Black Bins for Waste Collection

The Township of Russell is finalizing the delivery of black bins for waste collection. These bins are essential for ensuring proper sorting and collection of your household waste.

If you do not receive your black bin by December 1, 2025, please contact us at infrastructure@russell.ca or call 613-443-1747.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more: www.russell.ca/waste.

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Local Flavours Rendez-Vous Returns in 2026

We are happy to announce the return of this popular event! The 5th edition of Local Flavours Rendez-Vous will take place on Saturday, February 21st, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Embrun Community Centre (8 Blais Street, Embrun).

Come celebrate the best food and drinks our community has to offer. Meet local and regional vendors, taste delicious creations, and enjoy an evening full of flavours, fun, and community spirit.

This annual event brings together residents for a tasting experience featuring...

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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6

Each year on December 6, Canadians observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day honours the memory of all those who have been affected by gender-based violence, including those who tragically lost their lives.

From November 25 to December 10, Russell Township is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This international initiative calls on communities to help end violence against women and girls. The 16-day...

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Council Meeting Highlights – November 24, 2025

Here are some highlights from the November 24, 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 Regular Council Meeting - 2025-11-24.

Proclamation and Flag Raising Ceremony Request – Terry Fox Week 2026 (item 10a)

Russell Township proclaims the week of September 14 to September 18, 2026, as Terry Fox Week and that a...

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Exceptional Reversal of Late Fees – Water and Sewer Bills

Due to service interruptions at Canada Post, many residents did not receive their municipal service bill on time. Although the Township applies penalties as outlined in its by-law for any payment made after the due date, we are authorizing an exceptional reversal of late notice fees for this billing period. If you have already paid these penalties, a credit will be applied to your next bill.

In the coming weeks, we will submit an official procedure to Council to address this type of situation...

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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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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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