Council Meeting Highlights – June 22, 2026

2B Developments Consultants & Associates Inc. presented the project framework for the Master Plan for Surplus Recreation Facilities. This project will review potential future uses for the Township’s recreation assets that may become surplus once the new Recreation Complex opens.

Public engagement will begin with a kiosk at the Meet Me event on July 9, in Embrun. This will be followed by interviews with Council and staff, advisory committee sessions, public open houses, an online survey, and outreach to facility user groups.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Township’s website and social media channels for updates.

Vital Services By-law (Item 11g)

Council received Report PIC-2026-10A for a second and third reading and approved the final version of the by-law. The proposed by-law will set requirements to ensure residential tenants have access to adequate essential services.

Storm Sewer Reconstruction on Notre-Dame Street (Phase 3) (Item 11j)

Council approved the proposed By-law to award a contract and to authorize the entry into an agreement with Cornwall Gravel Company for the storm sewer reconstruction phase 3 on Notre-Dame Street. While a portion of the construction (including the watermain installation) will be completed in 2026, the majority of the contract value will be carried forward for completion in 2027.

Phase 3 Highlights:

• Storm sewer replacement from St-Guillaume Road to the McDonald’s.
• Creation of a multi-use path on the south side on Notre-Dame Street.
• Replacement of the watermain to increase the capacity from the water reservoir.
• Improvement at Séguin Street intersection.

Several information sessions will be held in February and March to inform the public, directly affected residents and business owners. Information will be shared on www.russell.ca/NotreDameStreet. 

Phase 2 Eadie Park-Splash Pad and Play Structure (Item 11k)

Council awarded the contracts for the play structure and splash pad for Phase 2 of the Russell Station Trail/Eadie Park projects to Open Space Solutions.

Phase 2 also includes:

• Parking Lot Development: Paving of the parking lot, including all required signage and pavement markings.
• Connectivity from Phase 1: Construction of connecting pathways to link the park and its various amenities, providing access to recreational spaces such as the playground area and splash pad.
• Construction of the Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Building a dedicated tennis court, separated by chain-link fencing and equipped with lighting, as well as a separated four-court pickleball facility with permanent netting and lighting. These facilities will be accessible from the parking lot area.

Work will take place this summer with park play structure and splash pad opening planned for Fall 2026.

Municipal Childcare Services Update (Item 11l)

Council received an update on the evolution of childcare services in the Township of Russell over the past five years.

Some highlights from the report:

• Preschool programs are at full capacity across all four centres, primarily due to space limitations within existing school facilities.
• Before- and after-school programs have available space, but staffing shortages, particularly for part-time split-shift roles, continue to limit service expansion despite ongoing demand.
• The Township is exploring long-term solutions to address childcare needs, including the potential use of municipal facilities to expand or create new licensed spaces.
• A childcare services viability study will be undertaken to assess current and future demand, identify service gaps, and help identify opportunities to expand or integrate childcare services within municipal facilities.

New Website Update (Item 11o)

Council received a preview of the new municipal website launching in July. The updated site is designed to improve the user experience and strengthen communication between the Township and residents.

Key improvements include:

• Improved accessibility that meets current standards, making content easier to use for all residents.
• Mobile-friendly design for easy access on phones and tablets.
• Faster and enhanced search tools to help users quickly find information, forms, and services.
• Clear, plain language content to improve understanding.
• Centralized information to reduce duplication and ensure consistency across departments.
• Enhanced online services, reducing the need for in-person visits and phone calls.
• Improved alerts and updates to keep residents informed of important notices and service changes.

Stay tuned for more info on our website launch in the coming month.

Strategic Discussion – Transit Feasibility Study

The discussion on the transit feasibility study was differed to the next meeting while the Administration receives written responses by members of Council on their perspectives on the purpose of transit, the type of service that may be appropriate, and the level of support that could be considered. Public engagement with residents is planned over the coming months.