News

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,...

Road Closure — St Andre Road from Séguin St to Route 400

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 7:00a.m. to Monday, October 16, 2023
• Where: St André Road between Séguin St and Route 400
• Why: Bridge Rehabilitation

Detour Information: Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information, if any apply

[[content.include( {'previewUrl':'/en/shared-content/municipal-511-road-closure-map.aspx','tokenName':'TKInteriorMainContent','showWarning':'auto','wrapperTag':'div'} )]]

Winter Parking Ban in effect

An on-street parking ban will be in effect tonight until Sunday morning, from 1:00a.m. to 7:00a.m..

During this period, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain on a street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions.

During a winter parking ban, please park in your driveway or use one of our designated overnight parking areas. Learn more on our Parking webpage.

Register for our parking ban notices. You will receive an email notice before...

Budget Adoption

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

March 16th, 2023

RE:                       Budget adoption

Dear Residents,

On Monday, Council approved the 2023 budget with a 4% tax increase, representing an extra $84 for the average household this year. This taxation increase generates approximately $637,000 for the Township of Russell. Of the 4% tax increase, 1% is dedicated to our future Recreational Complex, and another 2.5% is dedicated to increasing investments in our roads system and infrastructure.

Improving roads has...

Sale of a Township building

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

March 14th, 2023

RE:         Update on the sale of the Township building currently leased to Brasserie Étienne Brûlée

Dear Residents,

After a year on the market, the Township building at 893 Notre Dame St. has sold. At its Regular Council meeting on Monday, March 13th, Council passed a by-law authorizing the sale to 10928801 Canada Inc. in the amount of 750,000$

The current tenant's lease ended in December 2020, and the Township tried numerous times to find mutually agreeable...

Has Your Address Changed?

Have you:

• moved;
• purchased a property; or
• has the post office added a P.O. box to your mailing address?

The Township needs to be kept updated of your mailing address (including your P.O. box number) to deliver tax bills, utility bills, and other important notices. Please contact our Finance Department!

Half-Load Restrictions in effect as of March 3, 2023

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 damage to Township roads during the spring season. In early...

Positions Available on Council Advisory Committee

The Township of Russell is seeking to fill positions on the following committee:

1. Attainable and Affordable Housing Ad-Hoc Committee (5 Positions)

Requirements:1. Must be 18 years of age or over;2. Must be a Canadian Citizen;3. Must be a resident of the Township of Russell;4. Bilingualism is an asset (English/French);

Term:Until February 28, 2024 and may be extended upon approval by Council.

Remuneration:Not applicable.

Other Information:For further details regarding the specific mandates and...

Flag Raised for Scout-Guide of Canada Week 2023

The Council of the Corporation of the Township of Russell have proclaimed February 19-25, 2023 as Scout-Guide of Canada Week in the Township of Russell. The Scout-Guide of Canada flag will be raised from February 19-25, 2023, in honour of this special week.

Scouting and Guiding in the Township of Russell is a vital program serving youth of all ages, and provides opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, adventure, discipline, friendship and fun!

Pink Shirt Day

The Township of Russell is committed to a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society, and live with respect, dignity, and freedom from discrimination.

February 22, 2023 is Pink Shirt Day. We encourage you to wear a pink shirt a symbol of solidarity against bullying and to communicate to others that they are not alone. Participating is as simple and easy as wearing pink in your hair, as a...

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity to honour the history and achievements of Black Canadians and their communities. As we celebrate the diversity and inclusion of the Township of Russell and of Canada, we encourage you to learn more about Black Canadian history on the Government of Canada website.

You can also ask our Township Library staff for some reading suggestions.

Nominate Someone for a Citizen Award

Did you know we have a Citizen Recognition Program?

As part of the program, we have:

• Certificates from the Mayor for Special Anniversaries/Events
• Community Awards for Dedicated Citizens
• Key to the Township Awards for National/Global Ambassadors

If you know a dedicated community member, or someone celebrating a milestone anniversary, submit a nomination! Requests and nominations are accepted throughout the year.

Learn more about our Awards and Recognition.

Danger of Snow Forts and Snow Banks

Playing in the snow is fun, but kids should never build snow forts or tunnels near a roadway or at the end of a driveway. This is extremely dangerous. When snow equipment pushes or clears the snowbanks to make the roadway safer, snow forts can collapse and trap, or, seriously injure a child.

Help your kids choose play areas away from roads and driveways. Let’s keep winter a fun and safe season for everyone!

Things to Do in the Township This Winter

Are you looking for things to do this winter? Explore our community!

1. Travel along our beautiful Recreational Trail.
2. Enjoy free public skating, shinny hockey, and stick/puck sessions at our arenas.
3. Rent snowshoes from our Sports Dome.
4. Reserve the public turf or tennis/pickleball court at our Sports Dome. 
5. Visit our historical plaques for some local history.
6. Reserve a lane at the Bowling Hall.
7. If you have dogs, bring them to our off-leash Dog Park.
8. Visit an unfamiliar park or conservation area. Check out our park...

125th Anniversary for Police Village of Russell

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Police Village of Russell, incorporated by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell in 1898. The Township of Russell would like to recognize this significant milestone in our community’s history.

Many community groups are in the process of planning events for this historic year. The Township, the Police Village of Russell Trustees, and events organizers encourage all residents to volunteer or participate! Subscribe to our events calendar to stay...

Enbridge Gas Training Grant

Embrun, ON (February 2, 2023) – Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) is helping the Township of Russell Fire and Rescue Services purchase firefighting training materials, through Safe Community Project Assist–a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.

“At Enbridge Gas, safety is our priority. We’re proud to support Ontario firefighters who...

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.

If you see someone 16 years or younger who is spreading positivity, let us know. Contact our Public Safety and Enforcement Department.

Special thanks to our community groups and local business owners who are...

Township of Russell Hires New Fire Chief

(Embrun, Ontario, January 31, 2023) - The Township of Russell has appointed Brian McBain as the new permanent full-time Fire and Rescue Services Chief.

Council approved the appointment at the regular meeting on Monday, January 30, 2023. Brian McBain, appointed as Acting Part-Time Fire Chief earlier this year, begins his full-time permanent position on April 1, 2023.

Chief McBain has been a volunteer with Embrun Station since 2019. He has a lengthy and varied career as a volunteer firefighter across...

Mayor Statement on Daycare Challenges

Office of the Mayor
January 31, 2023

RE: Daycare Challenges

Dear Residents,

At last night's meeting, Council approved an approximate salary increase of 20% for our Graduate and Non-Graduate Educators. While the Township of Russell has no obligation to provide such services, Council feels the support of our residents in this area is an invaluable necessity for the continued growth of our community. This step is part of the Township of Russell's plan to attract and maintain personnel in a field of work...

Township of Russell Welcomes Scottish Curling Teamsp of Russell Welcomes Scottish Curling Teams

Office of the Mayor

Subject: Township of Russell Welcomes Scottish Curling Teams

 

Dear Residents:

Next week, five teams from Scotland will visit the Township of Russell community to compete in the Strathcona Cup.

The Strathcona Cup is the world’s oldest international men’s curling bonspiel, which only takes place once every five years. This year, the month-long curling bonspiel brings 60 curlers from Scotland to play against Canadians in curling centres across Canada.

Our very own Russell Curling...