News

Updated Official Plan

Have you ever wondered how decisions are made about new homes, businesses or parks in our community? The Township of Russell’s Official Plan helps guide those decisions. The finalized plan is now available online for residents to explore.

The Official Plan is the Municipality’s main planning document. It guides how our community will grow and how land can be used up to the year 2046. It helps make sure development happens in a way that supports a strong, healthy, and well-planned community.

The...

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Positive Tickets for Youth - April 2026

We’re celebrating youth who stand out and make a positive difference in our community! Our Public Safety and Enforcement Officers issue Positive Tickets to local youth who demonstrate kindness, helpful behaviour, or take part in good deeds. Each ticket includes a gift card to a local business to recognize and reward these outstanding role models.

Last April, we presented Positive Tickets to three local youth for their thoughtful contributions to the community.

• Raphael was recognized for stepping...

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Bowling Hall Summer Closure Notice

The Bowling Hall will close for the summer season beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

All reservations that have already been booked will be honoured during this period. Our online booking form will return at the end of the summer, in time for fall reservations.

We encourage you to enjoy the final weekend of public bowling before the closure at 8 Blais Street in Embrun. The last public bowling hours will be:

• Friday May 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Council Meeting Highlights – May 25, 2026

From community projects to future planning, this Council meeting covered a wide range of topics that matter to you. Take a moment to see what’s happening in your community with these highlights from the May 25, 2026, meeting. For more details on these and other items, visit our website for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

The next Council meeting will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

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Paving Season is Underway

Preparation work started this week and paving will continue over the next two weeks on the following road segments:

• Centenaire Street
• Bols Street
• Drentrex Road
• Cloutier Drive
• Angèle Street
• Cécile Street

Residents may notice increased construction activity in these areas. Thank you for your patience while we complete this work.

Want to know what streets are getting paved next? Visit: www.russell.ca/paving

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National Public Works Week 2026

From May 17 to 23, 2026, the Township of Russell invites residents to learn more about the essential services provided by our Infrastructure Department team.

Public works are part of everyday life, but they often go unnoticed. This week, follow the Township on Facebook and Instagram to see photos of our crews at work. It is a great opportunity to learn what they do and to recognize their important role in keeping our community running.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,”...

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Update on Notre-Dame Road Work

The work on the Notre-Dame Street Rehabilitation Project at the intersection of Notre‑Dame Street and Ste‑Marie Road and St‑Pierre Street continues and we will be moving to the next step in the project.

The full intersection closure, which began on April 15, has now ended as of May 15, 2026.

Starting May 15:

• Notre‑Dame Street will reopen
• Ste‑Marie Road and St‑Pierre Street will remain closed
• Detours will be updated accordingly
• The estimated duration of this phase of the project is approximately four...

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Council Meeting Highlights – May 11, 2026

Here are some highlights from the May 11, 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.

Mayor Tarnowski recognized and presented certificates to local teens (Erika Pearson, Tristan Kemp, Emma Desnoyers, and Anabelle Bouchard) in recognition of their participation in the “Mayor for a Day” initiative, developed by the Teen...

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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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Road Closure Monday, May 11 – West of Route 100

Please note the following road closure for culvert replacement:

• When: Monday, May 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Route 100 from 459 m northeast of Boundary Road to 407 m northeast of Boundary Road
• Detour – No Emergency Access: Boundary Road at Route 100, to Route 200, to Hamilton Road, to Route 100.

Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for more information.

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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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Project Update – Extension of Notre-Dame Street Intersection Closure

The work on the Notre-Dame Street Rehabilitation Project at the intersection of Notre-Dame Street and Ste-Marie Road and St-Pierre Street is progressing well. However, due to site conditions encountered, adjustments to the project timeline are required as we move into the next phase.

The full intersection closure, which began on April 15, will be extended by approximately one additional week. We will provide further updates as they become available.

• The full intersection closure...

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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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