News

Half-Load Restrictions Lifted as of April 22, 2024

Half-load restrictions will be lifted as of Monday, April 22, 2024.

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...

Make a Difference this National Volunteer Week

During National Volunteer Week, April 14th to 20th, 2024, we recognize every volunteer and celebrate each contribution they’re making at a moment when we need their support more than ever.

Let's come together to make a positive impact! Whether it's supporting local charities, lending a hand at community events, or joining environmental initiatives, there's a cause waiting for you.

Discover Your Passion, Make a Difference!

Not sure where to start? Explore various volunteering opportunities in our...

Council Meeting Highlights – April 8, 2024

Here are some highlights from the April 8, 2024, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, meeting schedule, agenda and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Recreation Complex Update – Report PR-2024-03 (Item 11a) The update of the schematic concept for the Class A for the recreation complex was presented to Council. Following this meeting, these are the proposed next steps:

• April 15th,...

Notice of Meeting: Official Plan Review

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL
Township of Russell
Official Plan Review

TAKE NOTICE that the Corporation of the Township of Russell invites all interested persons to attend a Special Meeting of Council for the purpose of discussing the revisions of the Official Plan pursuant to the requirements of Section 26(3) of the Planning Act, RSO 1990, as amended.

Monday, May 27, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.
Gaston Patenaude Hall
717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun

An Official Plan (OP) provides direction for the growth and...

Next Steps Following the Mayor's Resignation

We wish to inform you of the next steps following the resignation of our Mayor. As a community, it is essential to ensure continuity in governance and effective leadership during this transition period.

Declaration of Vacancy

The official declaration of the Mayor's position as vacant as of April 19th, 2024, will occur at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, April 15th, at 4:00 p.m. This declaration is a necessary procedural step in initiating the process of filling the vacant position.

Council’s...

Free Access to the Sports Dome Walking/Running Track

Embrun, April 9, 2024 – The Township of Russell and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) are pleased to introduce the first approved initiative through the new Regional Community Investment Fund. This innovative initiative grants visitors free access to the Walking/Running Track portion of the Township of Russell Sports Dome, as of April 9, 2024.

Partnership for Health and Accessibility

Through the Regional Community Investment Fund, the Township of Russell and the UCPR demonstrate...

Flags at Half Mast - April 9, 2024

Pursuant to Section 3. g Half-masting initiated by the Government of Canada of the Half-Masting and Raising of Flags Policy (By-law 2021-046), the flags will be Half-masted on all municipal buildings and properties in the Township of Russell from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, to mark the national day of remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Invitation – Announcement at the Sports Dome

The Township of Russell, in collaboration with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), invite you to attend the announcement of a partnership between the Township of Russell and the UCPR.

• When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Sports Dome, 150 Sportsplex Street, Embrun, Ontario
• Note: In order to keep the dome clean, please note that outdoor shoes are not permitted inside. Bring a pair of indoor running shoes to enjoy the track with us after the announcement!

The purpose of this...

Fire Ban Lifted - April 4, 2024

Update: The Fire Ban has been lifted as of 8:30a.m. April 4, 2024.

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

Apply for a Fire Permit

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 Safety & Enforcement Department at 613-443-3066 or by email at bylaws...

Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) region will be in the path of a solar eclipse. The City of Cornwall, Akwesasne and parts of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry will be in the path of totality and will be able to see the moon completely cover the sun. The rest of the EOHU area, including Russell Township will experience a partial eclipse.

Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious eye damage, such as...

Pierre Leroux Resigns as Russell Township Mayor

Embrun, Ontario, April 2, 2024 — Mayor Pierre Leroux has officially submitted his resignation from his position at Russell Township, effective April 19, 2024. He will be stepping down to undertake the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) with The Nation Municipality.

Leroux served as a dedicated member of the Russell Township Council since December 2010 where he served as Councillor for 4 years, followed by over 9 years as Mayor. His dedication and commitment to the betterment of Russell...

Summer Program and Activity Guide

Our Summer Program and Activity Guide is now available. We are offering summer camps in Russell and Embrun as well as aquatic programs! View the full guide at www.russell.ca/programs and look for a paper copy coming to your mailbox in the coming week!

Registration dates:

Summer Camps

• Residents – Starting April 10, 2024, at 9:00a.m.
• Non-Residents – Starting April 15, 2024, at 9:00a.m.

Aquatic Programs

• Residents – Starting May 1, 2024, at 9:00a.m.
• Non-Residents – Starting May 6, 2024, at 9:00a.m.
• In-person...

Fire Ban In Effect - April 1, 2024

Due to the dry weather conditions and no significant amount of precipitation in the immediate future, the Russell Township Fire Services has implemented a total fire ban in the Township of Russell as of TODAY, Monday April 1, 2024 at 6:00am.

All open-air fires are prohibited until further notice. This includes backyard campfires and even those property owners who have a valid fire permits. Only certified barbecues, natural gas and propane outdoor fireplaces with a gas shut off are allowed.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Today we recognize and celebrate our friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours for the unique diversity they bring to our community. It is also a day to recognize the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of the Trans communities worldwide.

With the help of our Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Township of Russell continues to foster a healthy and safe community where all feel welcome, comfortable, valued,...

March Positive Tickets for Youth

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 month of March, we have rewarded two youth with Positive Tickets for their initiatives within their community.

• Jacob, 11-year-old, never misses an opportunity to help people. Whether it be...

Council Meeting Highlights – March 25, 2024

Here are some highlights from the February 25, 2024, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, meeting schedule, agenda and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Paving Contract – Report IS-PW-2024-04 (item 11 c) Council awarded the contract to Blair Asphalt for the approved roads (list of approved paving). Due to good prices 1.5 km of paving has been added to the list to maximize the...

Purple Day for Epilepsy

Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. Last year, people in more than 85 countries on all continents participated in Purple Day! Canada is the only country in the world who officially recognizes March 26th as Purple Day through the Purple Day Act implemented on June 28, 2012.

Show your...

School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 2024

We are celebrating School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Please join us in thanking Carolyn, Ruth, Valerie, Karen, Jean and Maryke, for the work they do – rain or shine – to keep our children safe on their way to and from school every day.

Crossing guards play an important role in keeping our communities safe, but the work they do is equally as rewarding to them. Get to know some of our crossing guards and say hi next time you see them!

As a driver, you can help keep...

Calling all photographers

We are looking for scenic photos of our area to replace the panels at the end of the bowling lanes. This will give our bowling alley a much-needed facelift while focusing on the beauty of our region and the work of local photographers!

For more information or to submit photos, visit our website at www.russell.ca/PhotoBowling.

2024 Interim Tax Bill – Paperless Notification Issue – Gmail accounts

We encountered an issue with the delivery of the 2024 interim tax bills via email. Unfortunately, our emails were blocked by the Google platform, resulting in most residents with Gmail accounts not receiving them.

Consequently, we will need to resubmit these invoices. If you have already received your interim invoice, please disregard this second submission. However, for those affected by this issue, rest assured that each account will be individually reviewed to ensure that all citizens have...