News

Sidewalk Improvements Ongoing

Pedestrian safety is important to you, and a priority for the Township.

As part of our projects in 2022, we are installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) along our sidewalks and crossings within subdivisions. The 2022 Budget has $395,000 dedicated to this accessibility improvement project, which includes $20,000 for a new sidewalk.

A TWSI looks like a flat metal plate with raised bumps. You can feel the bumps under your feet or with an assistive cane, alerting of possible hazards. These...

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Public Pool Opens Next Week

Our Public Pool officially opens Monday, June 27 for the summer season!

Public swim sessions will start on Tuesday, June 28. Reservations are not required but will guarantee your spot if we reach the maximum capacity of the pool.

Registration is still open for swimming lessons or our Barracudas Swim Team.

Visit our Public Pool and Swimming Lessons webpage for more details.

You will find the outdoor public pool at 288 Castor Street in Russell.

Did you know the future Recreation Complex should include...

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Beautification of Community Parklets

Just recently, the Township’s community parklets were beautified with local art.

As part of a community art project, artists, students, and community members came together to paint the parklets on June 11 and 12, 2022. The art, displaying themes of diversity and environment, was designed by our local youth. In addition, there is a treasure hunt of 10 objects hidden inside each design. A detailed poster will be installed on site in July. This community art project was developed in partnership with...

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Two New Historical Plaques in Embrun

Press Release

For immediate distribution

Embrun, Ontario – On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Township of Russell unveiled two new plaques in Embrun as part of the Historical Plaque Program.

The two new plaques commemorate the St-Jacques Church and the New York Central Railroad. Speakers included Mayor Pierre Leroux, Father Michel, Priest of the St-Jacques Church, and Laurier Lemieux, President of the St-Jacques Parish.

The St-Jacques Church is recognized for the role the Catholic Church played in...

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Mayor's Statement on Villa Fleur Ange

Office of the Mayor
June 16, 2022

Dear Residents, 

I was as surprised as many of you to hear of the unfortunate situation at the Villa Fleur Ange in Embrun this past week.  When Township received a complaint from the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA), municipal staff conducted an immediate investigation, practically and professionally. Once the building and fire departments deemed the situation an "immediate threat to life”, they immediately coordinated with local stakeholders...

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Closure of Villa Fleur Ange

The Township of Russell is aware of the closure of Villa Fleur Ange on St-Jacques Road, Embrun.

We understand the closure of the residential care facility is sudden and disruptive to residents living in the facility. Unfortunately, the closure is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. There are urgent concerns relating to the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code.

The United Counties of Prescott Russell (UCPR) Social Services and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) are coordinating...

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New Bike Rentals Program

You can now rent bicycles at the Sports Dome!

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or wishing to explore parts of the Township of Russell with friends and family, the bike rental program is a fun, flexible, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to navigate through town.

Cyclists wishing to make a rental can choose from a fleet of 8 bicycles of different sizes for adults and kids. The brand-new bikes have seats that can be adjusted for height and can be rented on an hourly basis for $10 and include...

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Parklets Are Back – Upgrades Coming Soon!

In 2021, we added community parklets along our main streets. After spending a morning or afternoon exploring or shopping locally, these are the perfect places to sit back and relax.

This summer, the parklets will look better than ever! On June 11 and June 12, 2022, the parklets will be painted by community members, like you. All materials will be provided. Come paint with us!

• Register to paint at the Embrun Community Parklet (905 Notre Dame Street) 
• Register to paint at the Russell Community...

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Recreational Trail Reopened June 1, 2022

The recreational trail is now reopened from concession street to Valoris Street. Please note that if barricades/barriers are present at main entrances this means workers are present and you should not use that section of the trail.

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National AccessAbility Week

National AccessAbility Week is May 29 to June 4, 2022!

This is an opportunity to celebrate:

• the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities; and
• the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Learn more about National AccessAbility Week on the Government of Canada website.

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Jewish Heritage Month

May is National Jewish Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture in Canada.

We encourage you to learn more about the courage and resilience of the Jewish community throughout history. Ask our Township Library staff for some reading suggestions!

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Water Disruption Resolved at Corvinelli Crescent

May 18, 2022 — Water service has been turned back on at Corvinelli Crescent. It was previously shut off due to a water valve break earlier today.

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Parks and Playgrounds Now Open

Enjoy the summer weather at one of our local parks! All 23 parks and play structures in the Township of Russell have been inspected and are ready for you to enjoy. Not sure what parks might be nearby? Check out the Park Maps on our Maps webpage!

If you prefer being out on the water, the boat launch is now also open. Please avoid the grassed picnic area at the boat launch– maintenance work is ongoing.

The splash pad at Yahoo Park is now open every day from 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. at Yahoo Park...

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Mayor's Statement on the Russell Namesake Rededication

Office of the Mayor

May 3, 2022

Russell Namesake Rededication

Dear Residents:

Two years ago, the Township of Russell came face to face with an unexpected reality, and Council decided to keep our name “Russell” but change who our namesake honours. After receiving a letter from the Russell Namesake Rededication Committee last night, Council made good on that promise.

We have officially removed Peter Russell as the honour of our namesake. Council chose that moving forward, rather than honouring one...

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Want to run in the municipal election? Nominations Open May 2!

Starting May 2, 2022, residents may register as candidates for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, School Board Trustee, or Police Village of Russell Trustee in the upcoming Municipal Election 2022. Candidates have until August 19, 2022 by 2:00p.m. to file or withdraw their nomination.

To submit your name as a candidate you must file the following with the Municipal Clerk:

• a completed Nomination Form (Form 1) and the nomination fee
• a completed Endorsement of Nomination Form (Form 2)

Visit our 

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Township Appoints Temporary Full-Time Fire Chief

Embrun, Ontario, April 19, 2022 — The Township of Russell has appointed Bruce Armstrong, Fire Chief for the Russell station, as a temporary Full-Time Fire Chief.

Council approved the appointment at its meeting on Monday April 19, 2022. The temporary appointment will begin May 1, 2022, for a period of one year.

Chief Armstrong has been with the Township Fire Department for over 30 years, when he joined as a volunteer firefighter in 1992. He has held the role of Fire Chief for the Russell Station...

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Township of Russell Hires New Chief Administrative Officer

Embrun, Ontario, April 19, 2022 — The Township of Russell has named a new Chief Administrative Officer.

Council appointed Dan Faughnan as the Township’s new Chief Administrative Officer at the regular meeting of April 19, 2022, following a long recruitment process that began in December 2021.

A resident of Russell since 2001, Mr. Faughnan’s background includes many years in the national security space as a Senior Executive Manager with Public Safety Canada. Prior to that, he worked over 15 years...

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Recreation Complex Now in Design Phase

The Township of Russell’s Recreation Complex project is moving into the design phase.

At the council meeting of Monday, April 4, 2022, Council reviewed and approved the Recreation Complex layout plan, financial plan, and gave approval to move forward with a detailed design. The design will include detailed drawings for the structure, façade, landscaping, lighting, heating, cooling, and other engineering elements.

“After many public consultations and discussions at the Council table, we now have a...

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Apply to the Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2022 Municipal Elections

Municipalities located within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell are recruiting experienced professionals for appointment to their 2022 Municipal Elections Joint Compliance Audit Committee.

The Committee is independent of the municipalities and is required by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 to consider applications requesting audits of candidates' campaign finances. Committees may be required to appoint auditors and determine if legal proceedings are required as a result...

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Register for Summer Programs

Make the most out of this summer in the Township of Russell!

Online registration for our summer programs is now open. We are offering gymnastics, science fun, Minecraft lab, and more. Visit our Program and Registration webpage to browse the full Summer Program Guide, and to find registration dates for Summer Camps, Swimming Lessons, and our Baraccuda Swim Team.

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