News and Public Notices

New Pumper/Rescue Truck for Station 12

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate distribution

January 8, 2026 – Russell Township Fire Services Station 12 is proud to introduce its new Pumper/Rescue fire apparatus. Purchased at a cost of $808,796, this modern apparatus will enhance emergency response capabilities and support the continued safety of both residents and firefighters. The new unit replaces two aging apparatuses that have reached the end of their service life, helping to maintain a reliable and efficient fleet.

On January 6, 2026,...

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Community Update: Changes to Waste Collection

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Dear Residents,

As we begin the New Year, I want to wish you and your families a healthy, safe, and happy year ahead.

Over the past year, Council approved important changes to our waste collection system, including the introduction of the black bin system and the continuation of green bin composting. At the same time, as of January 1, recycling across Ontario is now managed under a new provincial framework and is no longer the responsibility of the...

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Automated Waste Collection Starts Next Week

A reminder that starting January 5, 2026, waste collection in Russell Township will be fully automated. Residents are reminded to use their black bin only – loose garbage bags will no longer be collected. Collection will remain weekly on your regularly scheduled day.

How to use your bin:

• Place the bin with wheels away from the road.
• Keep it clear of other bins or obstacles to ensure pickup.
• You can put multiple bags inside the bin as long as they fit.

In November, every household received a new...

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Garbage Bag Tags

A reminder that garbage tags will no longer be used as of January 5, 2026, when waste collection becomes fully automated with the black bin.

If you have unused silver holographic garbage tags, you can bring them to Town Hall at 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you purchased your tags from another location, please note that only Town Hall will provide refunds.

We will refund unused tags until March 31, 2026. Please note that this applies only to...

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Curious About Pickleball?

Join us for an informative session and get a chance to try it for yourself! We will have balls on hand, but you are required to bring your own paddles. Come by on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Dome (150 Sportsplex Street, Embrun).

The cost is $10 per player and registration is required. Registration will open online on January 1, 2026, at https://app.univerusrec.com/munrussellpub/.

The Winter and Spring Program and Activity Guide...

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Holiday Recreation Hours

Looking for something local to do this holiday season? Our hours are now available for the bowling hall, public turf at the dome, and the arenas.

Please view the full schedule for December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

We will be back to regular hours as of January 5, 2026.

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2026 New Resident Guide

Are you a new resident of Russell Township? Explore our comprehensive new resident guide to learn about all the services we offer.

Even if you've lived here for a while, take a look! You might discover something new about your Township.

From Council and committees to ways you can get involved and stay informed, the guide has it all. Learn more about our services, finances, payment options, key by-laws, recreational activities, and more!

The guide also includes the 2026 Collection Calendar, which...

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Winter/Spring Program and Activity Guide 2026

Our Winter/Spring Program and Activity Guide is now available. We are offering a variety of activities in Russell and Embrun! View the full guide at www.russell.ca/programs and look for a paper copy coming to your mailbox in the coming week!

• Adult Programs:
  • Residents – Starting January 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting January 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Children and Youth Programs:
  • Residents – Starting January 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Non-Residents – Starting January 19, 2026,...

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Changes to Recycling as of January

Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will transition to an enhanced recycling system. This means that the Township of Russell will no longer manage any recycling. Ontarians will be able to recycle the same materials at the curb no matter where they are across the province and be able to recycle more materials than ever before! This new system follows Ontario’s two-and-a-half-year transition to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for blue box materials.

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Council Meeting Highlights – December 8, 2025

Here are some highlights from the December 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.

The next Council meeting will be Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

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Recreation Complex Project Update - December

Construction moved forward in many areas throughout November.

The CIMCO refrigeration plant, natural gas generator, and several pieces of roof-top equipment were installed. Masonry crews finished the exterior brick work and continued building interior block walls in Rinks 2 and 3, as well as in back-of-house areas.

Siding crews continued working around the outside of the building, completing infrastructure work. The exterior steel framing and boarding around the Community Centre is now mostly...

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Update on the Development Charges Background Study and By-law

The Township of Russell would like to update residents about the Development Charges (DC) Background Study and the related by-law.

Recent changes to provincial laws (Bill 60, approved on November 27) affect how municipalities prepare these documents. Because of these changes, the Township and its consultant need to revise the draft DC Background Study and proposed by-law to make sure they follow the updated legislation.

What this means:

• There will be no DC items at the December 8, 2025, Council...

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2025 Winter Newsletter

Our winter edition of the Township newsletter is here! Published four times a year, it shares the latest news, important updates, and handy reminders for all residents.

Printed copies are being delivered this week through the Embrun and Russell Post offices—keep an eye on your mailbox!

Read an electronic version of the Winter Newsletter

Printed copies are also available at the following locations for those outside that distribution area:

• Town Hall – 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun
• Embrun Library – 1215...

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Final Delivery of Black Bins for Waste Collection

The Township of Russell is finalizing the delivery of black bins for waste collection. These bins are essential for ensuring proper sorting and collection of your household waste.

If you do not receive your black bin by December 1, 2025, please contact us at infrastructure@russell.ca or call 613-443-1747.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more: www.russell.ca/waste.

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Local Flavours Rendez-Vous Returns in 2026

We are happy to announce the return of this popular event! The 5th edition of Local Flavours Rendez-Vous will take place on Saturday, February 21st, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Embrun Community Centre (8 Blais Street, Embrun).

Come celebrate the best food and drinks our community has to offer. Meet local and regional vendors, taste delicious creations, and enjoy an evening full of flavours, fun, and community spirit.

This annual event brings together residents for a tasting experience featuring...

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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6

Each year on December 6, Canadians observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day honours the memory of all those who have been affected by gender-based violence, including those who tragically lost their lives.

From November 25 to December 10, Russell Township is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This international initiative calls on communities to help end violence against women and girls. The 16-day...

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Council Meeting Highlights – November 24, 2025

Here are some highlights from the November 24, 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 Regular Council Meeting - 2025-11-24.

Proclamation and Flag Raising Ceremony Request – Terry Fox Week 2026 (item 10a)

Russell Township proclaims the week of September 14 to September 18, 2026, as Terry Fox Week and that a...

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Exceptional Reversal of Late Fees – Water and Sewer Bills

Due to service interruptions at Canada Post, many residents did not receive their municipal service bill on time. Although the Township applies penalties as outlined in its by-law for any payment made after the due date, we are authorizing an exceptional reversal of late notice fees for this billing period. If you have already paid these penalties, a credit will be applied to your next bill.

In the coming weeks, we will submit an official procedure to Council to address this type of situation...

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Council Meeting Highlights – November 10, 2025

Here are some highlights from the November 10, 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.

Jack McLaren was recognized with a Community Award for his outstanding contributions to Russell Township. We invite you to read the full story on our website.

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Jack McLaren Received a Community Award

On Monday night’s Council meeting, Jack McLaren was recognized with a Community Award for his outstanding contributions to Russell Township.

A longtime and much-valued community volunteer, Jack has dedicated decades of service to the village of Russell, primarily through his work with the Russell Lions Club. Since joining the Club in 1964, Jack has embraced the Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” and has been a driving force behind countless community initiatives.

Jack’s contributions are wide-ranging and...

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