News

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 were awarded to Shauna Wanamaker and a group of 8 volunteers for Russell Trivia (Larissa de Quimper, Stephanie Knight, Donna Lafrance, Melanie Burns, Billy...

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Eight Residents Receive Community Awards

At last night’s Council meeting, eight exceptional individuals were recognized with Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to Russell Township.

Shauna Wanamaker received the Community Award for Environment. Inspired by the decline of pollinator populations, particularly the monarch butterfly, Shauna transformed her yard into a pollinator haven after completing the David Suzuki ButterflyWay training program in 2021. She went on...

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Ontario Investing More Than $12 Million to Build and Upgrade Community Centres in Eastern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

September 22, 2025
Premier's Office
Sports

View the full Press Conference Video

RUSSELL — The Ontario government is investing $12.2 million to protect jobs and build community infrastructure in eastern Ontario. This investment will support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex and the revitalization of three other community centres in the region. The projects are part of...

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A Successful Women’s March: Solidarity and Mobilization at the Heart of Embrun

The Women’s March, organized by Centre Novas – CALACS Francophone de Prescott-Russell in partnership with the Township of Russell, brought together over 150 participants last night in a spirit of solidarity, respect, and mobilization.

The event began with official speeches, followed by a symbolic march through the streets of Embrun. Together, participants affirmed their commitment to ending violence against women and promoting equality.

In response to the announcement that the Ministry of Women...

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Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25

*To read this article in French, click here.   

*Please note: because of the rain, this event will take place on September 26th*

This year is particularly special: we are marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, first raised in 1975 at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Today, this flag is a powerful symbol of the Franco-Ontarian history, pride and future.

In Embrun, the Francophonie Monument Committee and more than 1,000 students from the three French-language schools in Embrun will...

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Public Skating Returns September 20

The much-anticipated return of free Public Skating and Stick & Puck sessions is here! Starting September 20, 2025, the Embrun and Russell arenas will be hosting these popular activities once again. It's the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and hockey enthusiasts of all ages to get back on the ice or enjoy it for their very first skate!

Please note the schedules below for both arenas and refer to the website www.russell.ca/arenas for any updates, cancellations, or changes, such as...

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Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system

Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system, promote growth, and enable housing

Embrun — The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million in water infrastructure in Embrun, enabling growth and new housing opportunities that will help meet provincial and federal housing targets, while supporting Russell Township’s commitment to sustainable, well-managed development. The funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water...

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2025 Photo Expo Winners Announced

Russell, Ontario – The 2025 Photo Expo took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Featuring over 120 of the 220 submitted photos, this event showcased the talent of 75 local photographers. Under the theme “Up Close and Personal,” participants captured unique and special moments within Russell Township.

The jury for this year’s competition included Lexine Ménard-Mallity, from Lexine Photographie; Christine Fitzgerald, a photo-based artist; and Rita Godlevskis, Editor of PhotoEd Managazine.

The...

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Positive Tickets for Youth this Summer

We are rewarding youth for good deeds in our community!

Our Public Safety and Enforcement officers are issuing "Positive Tickets" to local youth for helpful actions, behaviour, and acts of kindness. Each “ticket” includes a gift card to a local business as a reward for being a great role model.

During the summer, we have awarded Positive Tickets to 4 youth for their initiatives within their community.

• Saphyrëlle and Kaëlly: These two girls have spent time cleaning up Yahoo Park and with their...

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St-Pierre Road Reopened

As of this morning, Friday, September 12, 2025, St-Pierre Road is now open to traffic.

The culvert replacement project between Route 200 and Route 300 has been completed, and the detour is no longer in effect.

Thank you to all residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation during the closure.

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Council Meeting Highlights – September 8, 2025

Here are some highlights from the September 8, 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 approved Report PIC-2025-15A introducing a new by-law and policies for an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). An AMPS is a...

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Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan

Have your say in shaping the future of our community!

The Township of Russell is excited to announce the launch of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan revision. This revised and updated plan will guide future decisions about parks, recreation, and cultural facilities and programs in our community.

As our community grows and changes, so do our needs. The Master Plan will help us:

• Identify current and future community needs.
• Improve quality of life and well-being for...

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Fire Ban Lifted – September 8, 2025

Update: The Fire Ban has been lifted as of September 8, 2025. We will now allow new permits to be issues and are lifting the hold on existing permits.

Please remember to follow regulations as set out in our Fires and Open-Air Burning Bylaw (102-2013). 

Fire permits are not required for recreational/cooking fires. Fire permits are required for all other Open-Air Fires, including Farm/Rural Open Air Fires.

At this time, you may apply for a fire permit by contacting our Public...

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Development Charges Review – Updated Meeting Dates

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 of growth is fairly shared and does not fall entirely on existing taxpayers.

This study will help the Township plan...

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Flags at Half Mast – September 7, 2025

The Township of Russell flags will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on September 7, 2025, for Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. We recognize the ultimate sacrifice of firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, and commemorate their courage, their selflessness, and their unwavering commitment to serving our communities.

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Road Closure Notre-Dame Street - September 6

Please take note of the following road closure:

• When: From September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. to September 7, 2025, at 11 a.m.
• Where: Notre-Dame Street (from St-Jacques Road to Lapointe Boulevard)
• Why: Local community event (Embrun RibFest). Road will be completely blocked from passing through.

Please see the map from www.Municipal511.ca for detour information.

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Join Us for the Township of Russell Photo Expo!

You’re invited to the unveiling of the winning photographs from the 2025 Township of Russell Photo Expo! This exciting reveal will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. You will find the Expo in the big barn behind the Russell Arena at 1076 Concession Street in Russell.

This year’s theme, “Up Close and Personal,” along with our continued support from the Ontario Arts Council, inspired a record number of entries. With 220 submissions, the jury faced the challenge of selecting...

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Roundabout - Notre-Dame at Limoges/St-Albert

As the construction of a new roundabout continues at the intersection of County Road 5 (Limoges/St-Albert) and County Road 3 (Notre-Dame/Route 500W), new traffic control measures will be implemented starting today, September 2, 2025, as part of Phase 2 of the project.

• The east, south, and west legs of the roundabout are now open to traffic; and
• Access to and from Limoges (north leg) will be temporarily rerouted via Rolland Road to allow for the completion of the final segment of...

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2025 Fall Newsletter

The Township publishes a printed newsletter four times a year to share exciting news, key updates, and important reminders to reach all residents—not just those who follow us online. Check your mailbox this week!

Read the Fall Newsletter

Printed copies are available at the following locations:

• Town Hall – 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun
• Embrun Library – 1215 St-Augustin Road, Embrun (inside École La Croisée)
• Russell Library – 1053 Concession Street, Russell
• Euphie d’ici Café & Smoothie Bar – 901...

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18th Women’s March in Embrun

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Embrun (Ontario), August 29th, 2025 – Centre Novas – CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell is proud to invite the public to the 18th Women’s March – “Take Back the Night”, taking place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Embrun.

This annual event, part of an international movement, seeks to raise awareness about violence against women, particularly sexual assault. The march is a powerful moment of solidarity, mobilization, and advocacy for the right of women...

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