News

Latin American Heritage Month - October 2025

Celebrating Latin American Heritage Month: The Ramirez Lalonde Family

October marks Latin American Heritage Month in Canada — a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, culture, and traditions of Latin American Canadians. For the Ramirez Lalonde family of Russell, this month holds a very special meaning.

“Our little mixed family merges Mexican and Canadian cultures,” shares the family. “We are very proud of the rich and vibrant culture that Mexico brings to our family.”

Paco Ramirez,...

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Development Charges Background Study

The Development Charges (DC) Background Study is now available for review on the Township’s website at www.russell.ca/DC.

The Township of Russell is currently reviewing its Development Charges (DC) through a comprehensive background study. Development Charges are fees collected from developers to help pay for the new infrastructure and municipal services required to support growth — such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities. This ensures that the...

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Important Notice on Water and Sewer Bills

Please note that a billing error occurred on the January to March 2025 water and sewer bills. The correct consumption rate is $3.41 instead of $3.16. An adjustment will appear on your July to September 2025 bill.

If you normally receive your bill by mail, your envelope is now ready for pickup at Town Hall (717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun). Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Monday October 13, 2025).

It is the responsibility of...

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Recreation Complex Project Update

Construction of the recreation complex is moving along well. The month of September brought significant progress, with major milestones reached both inside and outside the facility.

• The aquatics hall and community hall structures are now finished.
• Masonry crews wrapped up the north side of the resurfacer area and began work on the pool area’s south and west walls. They are also building interior block walls for service rooms at the back of the building.
• Siding crews continue moving around the...

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Notice of Public Meetings

Due to the Canada Post strike, the following notices, which would normally have been mailed to residents near the affected properties, are instead being shared publicly.

Proposed Amendments to the Zoning By-law

• 4513 Grégoire Road, Russell
• Part of Lots 22 & 23, Concession 4, Parts 1–9, Vars

Application for a Minor Variance

• Concession 7, Part Lot 7 (1600 St-Jacques Road), Embrun

If you require support to review the content in this document, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator.

Public meetings...

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Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, Canadians come together to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, while reflecting on the lasting impacts of these institutions. Listening, learning, and taking action remain essential steps toward reconciliation.

This year, for the first time, the Township will raise the Survivor’s Flag on September 24, 2025, until October 1, 2025. The flag is a powerful symbol of remembrance and commitment to reconciliation. Learn more here: The Survivors’...

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Council Meeting Highlights – September 22, 2025

Here are some highlights from the September 22, 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.

Citizen Recognition Awards were awarded to Shauna Wanamaker and a group of 8 volunteers for Russell Trivia (Larissa de Quimper, Stephanie Knight, Donna Lafrance, Melanie Burns, Billy...

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Eight Residents Receive Community Awards

At last night’s Council meeting, eight exceptional individuals were recognized with Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to Russell Township.

Shauna Wanamaker received the Community Award for Environment. Inspired by the decline of pollinator populations, particularly the monarch butterfly, Shauna transformed her yard into a pollinator haven after completing the David Suzuki ButterflyWay training program in 2021. She went on...

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Ontario Investing More Than $12 Million to Build and Upgrade Community Centres in Eastern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

September 22, 2025
Premier's Office
Sports

View the full Press Conference Video

RUSSELL — The Ontario government is investing $12.2 million to protect jobs and build community infrastructure in eastern Ontario. This investment will support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex and the revitalization of three other community centres in the region. The projects are part of...

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A Successful Women’s March: Solidarity and Mobilization at the Heart of Embrun

The Women’s March, organized by Centre Novas – CALACS Francophone de Prescott-Russell in partnership with the Township of Russell, brought together over 150 participants last night in a spirit of solidarity, respect, and mobilization.

The event began with official speeches, followed by a symbolic march through the streets of Embrun. Together, participants affirmed their commitment to ending violence against women and promoting equality.

In response to the announcement that the Ministry of Women...

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Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25

*To read this article in French, click here.   

*Please note: because of the rain, this event will take place on September 26th*

This year is particularly special: we are marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, first raised in 1975 at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Today, this flag is a powerful symbol of the Franco-Ontarian history, pride and future.

In Embrun, the Francophonie Monument Committee and more than 1,000 students from the three French-language schools in Embrun will...

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Public Skating Returns September 20

The much-anticipated return of free Public Skating and Stick & Puck sessions is here! Starting September 20, 2025, the Embrun and Russell arenas will be hosting these popular activities once again. It's the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and hockey enthusiasts of all ages to get back on the ice or enjoy it for their very first skate!

Please note the schedules below for both arenas and refer to the website www.russell.ca/arenas for any updates, cancellations, or changes, such as...

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Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system

Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system, promote growth, and enable housing

Embrun — The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million in water infrastructure in Embrun, enabling growth and new housing opportunities that will help meet provincial and federal housing targets, while supporting Russell Township’s commitment to sustainable, well-managed development. The funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water...

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2025 Photo Expo Winners Announced

Russell, Ontario – The 2025 Photo Expo took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Featuring over 120 of the 220 submitted photos, this event showcased the talent of 75 local photographers. Under the theme “Up Close and Personal,” participants captured unique and special moments within Russell Township.

The jury for this year’s competition included Lexine Ménard-Mallity, from Lexine Photographie; Christine Fitzgerald, a photo-based artist; and Rita Godlevskis, Editor of PhotoEd Managazine.

The...

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Positive Tickets for Youth this Summer

We are rewarding youth for good deeds in our community!

Our Public Safety and Enforcement officers are issuing "Positive Tickets" to local youth for helpful actions, behaviour, and acts of kindness. Each “ticket” includes a gift card to a local business as a reward for being a great role model.

During the summer, we have awarded Positive Tickets to 4 youth for their initiatives within their community.

• Saphyrëlle and Kaëlly: These two girls have spent time cleaning up Yahoo Park and with their...

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St-Pierre Road Reopened

As of this morning, Friday, September 12, 2025, St-Pierre Road is now open to traffic.

The culvert replacement project between Route 200 and Route 300 has been completed, and the detour is no longer in effect.

Thank you to all residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation during the closure.

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Council Meeting Highlights – September 8, 2025

Here are some highlights from the September 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.

Council approved Report PIC-2025-15A introducing a new by-law and policies for an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). An AMPS is a...

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Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan

Have your say in shaping the future of our community!

The Township of Russell is excited to announce the launch of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan revision. This revised and updated plan will guide future decisions about parks, recreation, and cultural facilities and programs in our community.

As our community grows and changes, so do our needs. The Master Plan will help us:

• Identify current and future community needs.
• Improve quality of life and well-being for...

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Fire Ban Lifted – September 8, 2025

Update: The Fire Ban has been lifted as of September 8, 2025. We will now allow new permits to be issues and are lifting the hold on existing permits.

Please remember to follow regulations as set out in our Fires and Open-Air Burning Bylaw (102-2013). 

Fire permits are not required for recreational/cooking fires. Fire permits are required for all other Open-Air Fires, including Farm/Rural Open Air Fires.

At this time, you may apply for a fire permit by contacting our Public...

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Development Charges Review – Updated Meeting Dates

The Township of Russell is currently reviewing its Development Charges (DC) through a comprehensive background study.

Development Charges are fees collected from developers to help pay for the new infrastructure and municipal services required to support growth — such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities. This ensures that the cost of growth is fairly shared and does not fall entirely on existing taxpayers.

This study will help the Township plan...

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