News

Getting the Arena Ice Ready

It takes a few weeks and a long checklist to get the arenas each winter season.

Did you know?

• The temperature outside must be below 25 degrees to make arena ice. 

• The slab base gets painted white.

• The rink gets flooded with treated hot water for a clearer and harder ice surface.

Here’s a video of a final step ⁠— painting the ice!

Open external page https://youtube.com/embed/owlKb_Hl1DM?wmode=transparent

We have free public skating and shinny hockey sessions every week. Find the weekly schedule on our Arenas and...

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New Tankers for Fire and Rescue Services

The Township of Russell’s Fire and Rescue Services has two new tanker trucks. 

The identical tankers will replace the Township’s former tanker trucks, which were 22 years-old and nearing the end of their life span.  

The purchase was part of the Capital Projects for 2021 and 2022. The two new tankers total $900,000. 

“While this is a large purchase, proper long term financial planning has allowed us the ability to maintain our high level of service, which in turn helps protect...

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Vote by Internet or Telephone

Only a couple of weeks to go until the 2022 Municipal Elections!

There are two ways to vote:

• Internet (Watch a video to Learn about Voting Online)
• Telephone

If your voter information is up to date, you will soon receive a “Voter Information Letter” by mail. It will have your voter PIN number and instructions on how to vote.

Voting begins on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022 (Voting Day).

Find the List of Candidates Registered in the...

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Guess the Vehicle Speeds

Have you ever felt that a vehicle driving by your house was going way too fast? Sometimes, vehicle speeds can be deceiving.

Try to guess the vehicle speeds in our speed perspective video!

Remember, if you do witness speeding or other traffic violations, report it to the Ontario Provincial Police’s non-emergency phone line at 1-888-310-1122...

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Election Signs Begin Saturday!

Starting Saturday, September 24, 2022, registered candidates and third parties in the 2022 Municipal Election can place election signs in the Township of Russell. This is 30 days before Voting Day and corresponds with Section 7 of the Sign By-law (Election Signs).

Election signs may also be placed on private property, with permission from the resident or business.

All election signs must follow Section 7 of the Sign By-law (Election Signs).

All election signs must be removed within ten...

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Virtual Russell – Your Accounts, Now Available Online

You can now see your property tax and/or utility account details online with Virtual Russell!

Register for Virtual Russell to:

• view property tax and/or utility accounts;
• view balance and payment history;
• sign up for eBilling;
• manage your contact information; and
• change your mailing address.

Payment options remain the same; online payments are not yet available through Virtual Russell.

To get register for an online account, you will need either:

• your 19-digit roll number and a name on the bill; or,
• your...

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Project Manager and Design Consultant Chosen for Recreation Complex Project

Council approved a project manager and design consultant for the Township of Russell’s Recreation Complex at the September 8, 2022, Special Council Meeting.

Turner & Townsend will lead as Project Manager and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects will lead as Design Consultants.

The report and discussion were held in closed session, as per the Municipal Act, 2001, section 239(2) (k). Council have authorized for a copy of the report to be included in the meeting minutes, which will be available...

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Register as a Third-Party Advertiser in the Municipal Election

Do you want to be a Third-Party Advertiser during the Municipal Elections? If you plan to purchase ads that support, promote or oppose a candidate in the municipal election, you are required to register as a Third-Party Advertiser with the Clerk.

Find the forms to register as a Third-Party Advertiser on our Third-Party Advertising webpage.

It is important to note that third party advertisers and candidates may not spend money on a campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising until the Clerk...

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Election Accessibility Policy Now Available

In preparation for the municipal election this fall, the Clerk’s Department has published the Municipal Election Accessibility Plan for the Township of Russell.

The Municipal Election Accessibility Plan 2022 is available:

• In-person at Town Hall (717 Notre Dame Street, Embrun); or
• On the Township’s Municipal Election Accessibility Plan webpage.

Alternative formats are available upon request.

The Municipal Election 2022 is October 24, 2022. Voting is by Internet and telephone. Voting begins on Wednesday...

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Municipal Elections on October 24: Guide for Potential Candidates

Tomorrow before 2:00p.m. is the deadline to register as a candidate!

Becoming an Elected Official/Member of Council is a great way to serve your community, but it requires a lot of time and effort. We have prepared an information guide that gives you some information on what may be expected and required as you decide on whether to run for the upcoming municipal election.

View the guide on our Candidate Information webpage.

Remember, to submit your name as a candidate, you must file the following...

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Door-To-Door Dog Tag Sales

Did you know all dogs must be registered and always wear their dog tag in the Township of Russell?

If you are a new dog owner, a new resident, or if you have a dog that has not been registered with the Township, it’s not too late! An officer from our Public Safety and Enforcement Department will be going door-to-door this summer with dog tags for sale. We can also answer questions about our Animal Care and Control By-law.

We know how easily dogs can wander due to fireworks, other animals, or their...

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Officers on Bike Patrol

The Township’s Public Safety and Enforcement Officers patrol the community nearly everyday. Over 20 years ago, to better serve the community, the Township of Russell started a bicycle patrol initiative.

Thanks to bike patrol:

• we reduce our gas emissions and impact on the environment;
• we set a positive example for helmet use and bike safety;
• we can better connect with the community; and,
• we patrol trails, parks, special events, and other areas we cannot easily access by vehicle.

If you see one of our...

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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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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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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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