News

New Administrative Monetary Penalty System Now in Effect

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) started on October 31, 2025. This is a new way to pay and challenge tickets for parking and other by-law violations. Instead of going through provincial courts, the Township of Russell will handle disputes.

Before AMPS, disputing a ticket could take up to a year in court. With AMPS, disputes are handled by the Township through a Screening Review and a Hearing. This means court time can be used for more serious cases.

A Screening...

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Winter Parking by Alert Starts Nov 1

This winter, The Township of Russell's parking regulations return to an alert-based system for the entire season, aiming to provide residents with greater flexibility while ensuring safe and accessible streets during snow events.

From November 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, there will be no nightly on-street parking ban. Instead, street parking restrictions are alert-based throughout the winter. This means that residents can park on the street overnight unless a Winter...

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Changes Coming to Garbage Collection

Between November 10 to November 28, 2025, every household will receive a new 120-litre black bin delivered to their residence. These bins will automate the garbage collection, in the same manner as the green bin do. The administration is looking into a 240-litre black bin option for those who would like to upgrade, and more information will be shared when available. Multi-unit residences that currently use bag tags will receive direct information on how the new system will apply to them.

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Council Meeting Highlights – October 27, 2025

Here are some highlights from the October 27, 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.

Council received and adopted the Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan prepared by McSweeney & Associates. The plan provides a five-year roadmap to...

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Water Ban Embrun - Oct 29

❗ ⚠️ PUBLIC NOTICE: A water ban is in effect in Embrun due to a water tower inspection. Residents are asked to limit water consumption until further notice. DETAILS HERE. 

💧  For updates on this water ban, register for our email notices at Russell.ca/Subscribe. 

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Water Ban Notice - Embrun

October 29, 2025

In order to do an inspection of the Embrun water tower, the Township of Russell has implemented water ban in Embrun until further notice. To ensure we keep enough water in the system for household and firefighting needs, residents are asked to limit water usage.

The restriction applies to residents of Embrun which are served by the Township of Russell's water distribution system.  

During this restriction, all outdoor use of water is suspended and prohibited, including the following...

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Notice of Public Meetings

Due to possible delivery delays with Canada Post, the following notices, which would normally have been mailed to residents near the affected properties, are instead being shared publicly.

Proposed Amendments to the Zoning By-law

• Peacock Drive in Russell within the Southwest Park Subdivision
• Blocks 90-91 in Subdivision SouthWest Park on PLAN 50M388, Russell
• Part of Lot 21, Concession 5, Vars

If you require support to review the content in this document, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator.

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Development Charges Draft By-law Now Available

The Development Charges (DC) draft By-law is now available for review on the Township’s website at www.russell.ca/DC.

The Township of Russell is currently reviewing its Development Charges (DC) through a comprehensive background study. Development Charges are fees collected from developers to help pay for the new infrastructure and municipal services required to support growth—such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities. This ensures that the cost...

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Notice of Public Meeting – Building Permit Fee By-law

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Russell will hold a public meeting on November 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Gaston Patenaude Hall located at 717 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun in order to consider a proposed Building Permit Fee By-law under Section 7 of the Building Code Act.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT

The Township of Russell is proposing to adopt (amend) a Building Permit Fee By-law following a review of the building permit fees under Section 7 of the Building Code Act. The effect will be to increase the...

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New Service: Registration of Death and Burial Permit

The Clerk Department now offers the Registration of Death and Issuance of Burial Permits.
This new service assists families, informants, and funeral professionals in fulfilling the legal requirements that follow a death in Ontario.

The fee for a Registration of Death and Burial Permit is $35 for funeral homes within the Township of Russell and $40 for those located outside the Township.

Our team is committed to providing clear guidance and respectful assistance during this difficult time.

For more...

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Paving Begins on Notre-Dame Street

Paving will begin tomorrow on Notre-Dame Street in Embrun, between Jeanne d’Arc Street and Lapalme Street, and will continue over the next week until completed. This work is one of the final steps for this section of the road — Phase 1 of this multi-year storm sewers replacement project. We appreciate your patience as paving takes place.

Alternating lanes will remain in effect. Please expect delays and plan an alternate route if possible. All businesses in the area remain open and ready to serve...

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Local Government Week

October 19 to 25, 2025, is Local Government Week in Ontario. This week happens every year in October to help people, especially youth, learn about the important role local governments play. The goal is to encourage civic participation and show the services, opportunities, and careers available in local government.

Municipalities are the level of government closest to residents. They provide many of the everyday services we use, like roads, water, and waste collection...

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Waste Reduction Week

Waste Reduction Week takes place October 20-26, 2025. It is part of Circular Economy Month — “A Stronger Community for All”

What is Circular Economy Month?

Every October, Canada hosts Circular Economy Month, a national awareness campaign by the Circular Innovation Council. It aims to educate and empower people, organizations, and governments to shift from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model toward a more sustainable, circular approach.

Waste Reduction Week is a key part of that campaign —...

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Update on Water and Sewer Bills

While Canada Post has resumed services during their rotating strike, they cannot guarantee the delivery in time for this round of bills.

If you normally receive your bill by mail, your bill for July-September 2025 (payment due by October 27, 2025) is now ready for pickup at Town Hall (717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun). Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT: We will be keeping the paper bills at Townhall until October 31, 2025. Uncollected bills will be mailed out on...

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Council Meeting Highlights – October 14, 2025

Here are some highlights from the October 14, 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. 

Council has received the first draft of the 2026 budget, which reflects an initial projected tax increase of 8.40%. For the average household, this would represent approximately...

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Dress Purple Day - October 16, 2025

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, we join Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario for Dress Purple Day — a day to recognize the many ways our community supports children, youth, and families.

Every child has the right to safety and well-being. This work can’t be done by one organization alone — it takes neighbours, families, schools, service providers, and community partners standing together.

Why It Matters

Dress Purple Day:

• Reminds children and youth of their right to be safe at home, school, online...

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Notice: Public Meeting on Development Charges

NOTICE OF STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING

REGARDING DEVELOPMENT CHARGES

Take notice that Russell Township Council is holding a public meeting on November 10th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.to discuss proposed Development Charge (DC) rates as well as the policies that will be applied throughout the Township. Council will be considering the approval of updated development charges by-laws on a date following this public meeting.

Development charges are fees on new developments that fund growth-related costs to a...

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Road Closure - Notre-Dame at Limoges/St-Albert

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7 a.m. to Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.
• Where: Intersection of County Road 3 (Notre-Dame and Route 500W) and County Road 5 (Limoges and St-Albert)
• Why: Final asphalt paving work for the new roundabout

During this work, access to the intersection will be completely closed to traffic.

Detours will be in place to direct road users to their destinations.

• Travelling southbound along County Road 5 (Limoges Road):
• To...

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Register for the Christmas Parades

In just a month, Santa Claus is coming to the Township of Russell! Our Fire Services are excited to host the annual Christmas parades.

Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

The parade will take place on Notre-Dame Street, from the Townhall to the Community Centre at 8, Blais St.

A collect of food or monetary donations will be made along the way in support of the Community Food Bank.

Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

The parade will take place on Concession St...

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Latin American Heritage Month - October 2025

Celebrating Latin American Heritage Month: The Ramirez Lalonde Family

October marks Latin American Heritage Month in Canada — a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, culture, and traditions of Latin American Canadians. For the Ramirez Lalonde family of Russell, this month holds a very special meaning.

“Our little mixed family merges Mexican and Canadian cultures,” shares the family. “We are very proud of the rich and vibrant culture that Mexico brings to our family.”

Paco Ramirez,...

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