Council Meeting Highlights – September 22, 2025

Here are some highlights from the September 22, 2025, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, the meeting schedule, agendas and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Citizen Recognition Awards (Items 8ab)

Citizen Recognition Awards were awarded to Shauna Wanamaker and a group of 8 volunteers for Russell Trivia (Larissa de Quimper, Stephanie Knight, Donna Lafrance, Melanie Burns, Billy Cashman, Paul Deveau and Travis Laramee) for their contributions to our community. For full details, see full article.

Development Charges Study – Draft Capital Program and Next Steps (Item 11a)

Council received the draft capital program forming the basis of the Township’s Development Charges (DC) Study and directed Hemson Consulting Ltd. to prepare the DC Background Study and draft by-law. This work will ensure that growth-related infrastructure costs—such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities—are fairly shared between developers and taxpayers. A virtual developer consultation will be held on October 17, followed by a statutory public meeting on November 10, before Council adoption in December. The updated DC by-law will set new rates for development beginning in 2026. For more info: www.russell.ca/DC.

Asset Management Plan (AMP) (Item 11b)

Council received the draft 2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP), prepared in compliance with provincial requirements. This plan provides an updated picture of the Township’s infrastructure, including roads, buildings, parks, water and wastewater systems, and recreation facilities. It includes new condition assessments, replacement values, and long-term strategies to guide decision-making. The AMP identifies an annual funding gap of approximately $6 million between what is currently invested and what is required to maintain services sustainably. Staff will refine financial strategies and present 10-year funding options during the 2026 budget process to ensure reliable services and responsible long-term planning for residents.

Grant Applications Report – 2025 (Q1-Q2) (Item 11f)

The timing of this report is significant, as earlier today the Township of Russell was awarded a $10 million grant for the Recreation Complex. In addition, last week we learned that, in partnership with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, we secured a $9.6 million grant for the rehabilitation of Notre-Dame Street. Over the past 12 months, the Township has applied for 16 grants. Six applications remain pending, while of the 10 completed, seven have been successful. These results are extremely encouraging and represent a major achievement, providing critical support for infrastructure and recreation projects that benefit our entire community.

Sponsorship Advertising Fees and Incentive Program (Item 11g)

Council approved updates to the Township’s user fee schedule to introduce new sponsorship opportunities in municipal arenas. Businesses can now advertise on arena boards for $1,200 per year or display their logo on a municipal Zamboni for up to $4,000 annually. A new discount policy will also apply: 5% off additional spaces when sponsorships exceed $2,500, and 10% off when exceeding $5,000. This program, developed in partnership with KB Media, is expected to generate new non-tax revenue while strengthening partnerships with local businesses. All advertising costs will be covered by sponsors, with no new municipal expenses anticipated.

Noise Bylaw exemption requests (Items 11hi)

Noise exemptions were approved for events from the Russell Agricultural Society taking place in the Big Barn at 1084 Concession Street in Russell for the following dates:

• Festival of Small Halls Ontario – From 11:00 p.m. Friday October 3, 2025, until 12:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4^th, 2025, to host a community concert.
• 3^rd Annual Barn Dance – From 11:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, until 1:00 a.m. Sunday, October 19^th, 2025, to accommodate live music.

Announcements

• On the morning of Thursday, September 25, 2025, expect noise and increased pedestrian activity as many students and community members celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag on Franco-Ontarian Day. Participants from three Embrun schools will walk from l’école secondaire d’Embrun to the Monument de la francophonie. We invite the community to wear green that day!
• On Tuesday September 30, 2025, we celebrate National Truth and Reconciliation and encourage the community to wear orange to mark this day. The Survivor’s Flag will be raised at City Hall from September 24 to October 1, 2025, to honour the survivors of residential school, their families, and communities.

The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:00p.m.