Council Meeting Highlights – June 23, 2025

Council received the Recommendations and Considerations Report from Redbrick Communications. They were hired as consultants to conduct an audit of our current practices, including surveying residents, committees, and staff, to provide feedback and recommendations on how the Township can improve and remove engagement barriers, with the possibility of drafting a Public Engagement Policy that meets the need and diversity of our growing Township.

The administration will prepare an action plan on the recommendations and start work on the Public Engagement Policy and Toolkit.

Council approved the renewal of the Township of Russell’s partnership with Global Public Affairs (GPA), a leading government relations firm. This 6-month extension will allow the Township to continue its strategic advocacy efforts with both federal and provincial governments, particularly for funding the Recreation Complex and other major infrastructure projects.

Since the beginning of the partnership, GPA has supported the Township in identifying grant opportunities and coordinating high-level meetings with government officials. These efforts directly contributed to the $6.3 million grant awarded through the Housing Enabling Core Services Fund—the largest grant the Township has received in over 15 years.

This continued collaboration aims to position the Township for future funding success while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers. The contract will be funded through the Growth Reserve for 2025 and included in the proposed 2026 operating budget.

• Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 11 p.m. to midnight for the Truck Pull;
• Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for outdoor musical entertainment;
• August 16 from 11 p.m. to midnight for the Demo Derby.

Residents will have the option to upgrade their 120L green bin to either a 240L or 360L bin. This option will also be available for the black garbage bin later this fall. The default bin size will remain 120L. Property owners will be responsible for paying the cost difference between the default 120L bin and the larger size selected.

The cost for the 240L and 360L bins will be based on the Township’s purchase price at the time of order (“at cost”), as prices may vary with each bulk order. More information on pricing and delivery timelines will be provided once orders are confirmed with suppliers.

At this week’s Council meeting, members held a strategic discussion on the long-term future of several of our legacy recreation facilities, including the Russell and Embrun arenas, the Camille Piché Community Hall, and the Russell Centennial Pool. With the new Recreation Complex set to open in fall 2026, Council is beginning to explore how these well-used but aging assets could continue to serve our community — whether through repurposing, partnerships, or redevelopment.

No decisions have been made at this time. This was an opportunity for Council to share ideas, reflect on community values, and help guide the planning work ahead. A key focus moving forward will be identifying any gaps in services or community needs that could be addressed through future use of these sites. Over the coming months, staff will develop a roadmap to support further analysis, public engagement, and future decision-making.