Council Meeting Highlights – January 26, 2026

Council received a report outlining how the Township will manage property tax and utility billing in the event of a Canada Post labour disruption. The goal is to ensure residents can continue to receive and pay their bills on time. The Township will activate an immediate communication plan, including website notices, social media updates, facility signage, and email notifications through the « News and Public Notices” subscription.

Two service scenarios are planned. If Canada Post offices remain open, bills will continue to be printed and delivered to Canada Post, even if mail delivery is suspended. Residents will be informed of potential delays and offered alternative access options such as email, in person pickup at Town Hall, or the online portal. Reprint fees will apply to paper copies requested. There is no charge to register for automated services to receive your electronic bill. If Canada Post offices are closed, bills will be printed but securely held in house, with electronic and in person access available until postal operations resume.

In all cases, due dates remain unchanged, and penalties apply for late payments. The Township offers several automated services to ensure residents can receive and pay their bills without interruption during a postal disruption.

Council received and approved an updated Development Charges (DC) Background Study and DC By-law. The updated study reflects required legislative changes following Bill 60 receiving Royal Assent, ensuring full compliance with the Development Charges Act, 1997.

The updated Background Study and By-law maintain the principle that growth pays for growth, ensuring that growth related capital costs continue to be funded by new development rather than property taxation.

This newly approved Study and By-law replace the existing by-law set to expire in 2026. This ensures legislative compliance, long term financial sustainability, and transparent cost recovery as the Township continues to plan for future growth.

Council received an information report outlining the Naming Rights and Sponsorship Strategy for the new Township of Russell Recreation Complex. The strategy aims to identify strong, community minded partners through a transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process that will launch this spring.

Based on current market analysis, the naming rights for the complex are estimated between $500,000 and $750,000 over a 10-year term, or $50,000 to $75,000 annually. When combined with secondary sponsorship opportunities—such as rink boards, spaces inside the complex, and other promotional assets—total sponsorship revenue could reach $200,000 to $300,000 per year.

Next steps include finalizing the EOI materials, launching the public call for submissions in March, evaluating proposals in May, and presenting recommendations to Council in June.

Council awarded the contract for Phase 2 of the project to Coalwater Excavation. Construction is expected to begin in the spring. More details about the timeline and road closures will be shared as they become available. The Township will host information sessions about the project before the start of the construction with the community and affected residents and businesses.

Stay up to date on this project by subscribing to messages at www.russell.ca/subscribe and visiting www.russell.ca/NotreDameSt.

The contract for Phase 2 of the Russell Station Trail / Eadie Park project has been awarded to Bircon Canada Limited. This phase includes the paving of the parking lot and the construction of pathways linking the park to its various amenities.

Completion of the tennis and pickleball courts, as well as the splash pad and play structure components, is anticipated by fall 2026.