News and Public Notices

Council Meeting Highlights – January 26, 2026

Here are some highlights from the January 26, 2026, 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, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Read more

Help Shape the New Township of Russell Website

The Township of Russell is planning a redesign of its website, and we want to hear from you!

Our goal is to create a website that is easier to use, easier to navigate, and better meets the needs of our residents. Whether you visit the site to find information, access services, or stay up to date on Township news, your feedback is essential.

We are inviting residents to complete a short 10-question survey that asks about:

• How you currently use the Township website
• Which information is most important...

Read more

Recreation Complex Construction – January 2026 Update

Construction at the Recreation Complex continues to make steady progress.

On the outside of the building, work is underway to close in the structure. Crews are installing exterior walls, insulation, and metal siding. Large glass sections are also starting to arrive on site and will be installed soon.

Inside the building, walls are being framed throughout the arenas and pool areas. Masonry work is ongoing in areas such as change rooms and pool equipment spaces.

The main lobby and community areas...

Read more

Collaborating on a Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

January 23, 2026 – Members from Russell Township and The Nation Municipality were in Toronto this week to attend the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, Ontario’s annual gathering of rural municipal leaders. During the conference, representatives from both municipalities participated in three delegation meetings with provincial ministries to advance a joint proposal for a new regional wastewater treatment plant that would service both communities.

Municipal...

Read more

Invitation: International Women’s+ Day 2026

The Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CDEIAC) invites the community to join them on March 8, 2026, for a women’s reflection workshop, networking and partnership circle. The event will take place at the Russell arena and features keynote speaker Dr. Bushra Khan.

Registration is required for this event, but attendance is free! Reserve a spot now.

This is 3.5-hour event celebrating women’s leadership and empowerment in our community as we celebrate International Women’s...

Read more

Save the Date for Meet Me on Main Street

We are excited to announce the 4th edition of Meet Me on Main Street! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year’s event will take place at the Yahoo Park at 8, Blais Street in Embrun. This is a free event to attend, no registration required!

This year’s community gathering will feature food and beverage kiosks, local nonprofit organizations, live music, face painting, youth activities, fire safety demonstrations, and lots of outdoor fun — it’s sure to be a...

Read more

Get your Tickets for Local Flavours Rendez-Vous

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th edition of the Local Flavours Rendez-Vous that will take place on Saturday, February 21st, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Camille Piché 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.

Advance tickets are $20 each or $25 at the door. Tickets are limited, so...

Read more

New Pumper/Rescue Truck for Station 12

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate distribution

January 8, 2026 – Russell Township Fire Services Station 12 is proud to introduce its new Pumper/Rescue fire apparatus. Purchased at a cost of $808,796, this modern apparatus will enhance emergency response capabilities and support the continued safety of both residents and firefighters. The new unit replaces two aging apparatuses that have reached the end of their service life, helping to maintain a reliable and efficient fleet.

On January 6, 2026,...

Read more

Community Update: Changes to Waste Collection

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Dear Residents,

As we begin the New Year, I want to wish you and your families a healthy, safe, and happy year ahead.

Over the past year, Council approved important changes to our waste collection system, including the introduction of the black bin system and the continuation of green bin composting. At the same time, as of January 1, recycling across Ontario is now managed under a new provincial framework and is no longer the responsibility of the...

Read more

Automated Waste Collection Starts Next Week

A reminder that starting January 5, 2026, waste collection in Russell Township will be fully automated. Residents are reminded to use their black bin only – loose garbage bags will no longer be collected. Collection will remain weekly on your regularly scheduled day.

How to use your bin:

• Place the bin with wheels away from the road.
• Keep it clear of other bins or obstacles to ensure pickup.
• You can put multiple bags inside the bin as long as they fit.

In November, every household received a new...

Read more

Garbage Bag Tags

A reminder that garbage tags will no longer be used as of January 5, 2026, when waste collection becomes fully automated with the black bin.

If you have unused silver holographic garbage tags, you can bring them to Town Hall at 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you purchased your tags from another location, please note that only Town Hall will provide refunds.

We will refund unused tags until March 31, 2026. Please note that this applies only to...

Read more

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 Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Dome (150 Sportsplex Street, Embrun).

The cost is $10 per player and registration is required. Registration will open online on January 1, 2026, at https://app.univerusrec.com/munrussellpub/.

The Winter and Spring Program and Activity Guide...

Read more

Holiday Recreation Hours

Looking for something local to do this holiday season? Our hours are now available for the bowling hall, public turf at the dome, and the arenas.

Please view the full schedule for December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

We will be back to regular hours as of January 5, 2026.

Read more

2026 New Resident Guide

Are you a new resident of Russell Township? Explore our comprehensive new resident guide to learn about all the services we offer.

Even if you've lived here for a while, take a look! You might discover something new about your Township.

From Council and committees to ways you can get involved and stay informed, the guide has it all. Learn more about our services, finances, payment options, key by-laws, recreational activities, and more!

The guide also includes the 2026 Collection Calendar, which...

Read more

Winter/Spring Program and Activity Guide 2026

Our Winter/Spring 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 January 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting January 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Children and Youth Programs:
  • Residents – Starting January 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting January 19, 2026,...

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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...

Read more

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...

Read more

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...

Read more