News and Public Notices

World Mental Health Day 2024

October 10, 2024, is World Mental Health Day. This is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”. This theme underscores the vital connection between mental health and work.

Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks,...

Read more

Firefighters Honoured for Exemplary Service

Russell Township is proud to announce the recognition of five distinguished members of the Russell Township Fire Services, who were celebrated on Saturday, October 5, 2024, during an evening gala in Vankleek Hill. This evening was dedicated to honouring firefighters from across Prescott-Russell for their exceptional service and dedication to keeping our communities safe.

The prestigious Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, awarded by the Governor General of Canada, was presented to several...

Read more

Caribbean Heritage Month 2024

October is a special month in Canada as we come together to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month. This vibrant and diverse community has made significant contributions to our nation's cultural tapestry, and this month is a time to honor and embrace their rich heritage.

Canada's Caribbean community encompasses people from various islands, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Haiti, and many more. Their influence can be seen and felt in our music, cuisine, art, and way of life.
During...

Read more

We Want Your Input on Recreation Programs

As we prepare our upcoming Winter/Spring Recreation Guide, we would love to hear from residents! Your feedback is essential in shaping the programs we offer to best meet the needs and interests of our community.

Do you have a suggestion for a new course or activity that you'd like to see added? Let us know which programs you'd be excited to join in the winter and spring seasons!

We are also inviting new instructors to come forward. If you have a special skill, talent, or passion you'd like to...

Read more

Latin American Heritage Month 2024

October marks the celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, a month designated by the Parliament of Canada in 2018. It is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions that members of the Latin American community have made to the fabric of Canada.

Whether you have Latin American heritage or not, Latin American Heritage Month is a chance for everyone to come together, learn, and appreciate the diversity that enriches our world. Ask our Township Library staff for...

Read more

Women’s History Month 2024

October is Women's History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

This year’s theme, Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future, highlights the significant contributions women have made to the workforce throughout history, and the critical role they continue to play in driving economic innovation and progress that has benefited Canada as a whole.

Let’s continue to honour women...

Read more

Unofficial By-Election Results

The unofficial results of the Russell Township municipal by-election have been announced, with Charles Armstrong declared the winner. Armstrong will assume office on October 15, 2024, for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, ending on November 14, 2026.

Voter turnout was recorded at 22.8%, with 3,746 of the 16,407 eligible voters participating. While voter participation was lower than expected, the election remains a significant component of democratic engagement within the community.

For further...

Read more

Voting Day! 2024 Municipal By-Election

Remember to vote today! As of this morning, 16.2% of registered voters have cast their vote.

You have until 8:00 p.m. to vote. There are two ways to vote:

• Internet (Watch a video to Learn about Voting Online)
• Telephone
• Internet or telephone at the Voter Centre, 717 Notre-Dame Street, in Embrun. You must bring your Voter Information Letter and Identification.

If your voter information is up to date, you will have received your “Voter Information Letter” by mail. It will have your voter PIN number and...

Read more

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we encourage you to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital...

Read more

National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day 2024

Township of Russell flags will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on September 29, 2024, for National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day. We recognize the hard work, dedication and sacrifices made by Canadian police and peace officers.

For more information on National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day, please consult this webpage: https://www.thememorial.ca/index.php

Read more

Vote from September 26 to 30

Voting is now open until September 30th at 8:00 p.m.

Refer to your Voter Information Letter for how to vote by internet or telephone or visit the Voter Help Centre at City Hall. More information on the By-Election page.

Read more

Council Meeting Highlights – September 23, 2024

Here are some highlights from the Council meeting on September 23, 2024. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, please consult the meeting schedule, agendas and minutes on our website.

The video recording of the full meeting can be viewed here.

The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Read more

Get Ready for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up on September 30th. Commemorating this day to honour Survivors of residential schools and increase understanding of the history and legacy of residential schools is one step in a long journey towards truth-telling and meaningful reconciliation.

Residential schools were created to separate Indigenous children from their families and communities, and to systematically strip away their traditions, cultural practices and languages. Survivors...

Read more

Greener Township with More Trees

Russell Township staff have been working diligently to enhance our parks and green spaces through a significant tree planting project. As part of this initiative, trees were planted, and others were carefully relocated to preserve and expand the Township’s greenery.

With the construction of the Recreation Complex underway, seven trees were successfully relocated to Richelieu Park, and three more were moved to the nearby Jonathan Pitre Park. In addition to these relocations, new trees were...

Read more

Franco-Ontarian Day 2024

September 25th is Franco-Ontarian Day! Reading this message in English? We invite you to view it in French. This day is a time to celebrate the francophone community in Ontario! We encourage residents to proudly wear green and white, the colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag, to promote the French language in our municipality.

We invite residents to attend a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day.

• Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Place: Monument de la...

Read more

New Pedestrian Barrier Installation on South Russell Road

The Township of Russell has just completed the installation of a barrier on the east side of South Russell Road from Cumming Street to the Russell Fire Station. This barrier will promote pedestrian safety for students walking and biking to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School and all active transportation users by creating a separation between the driving lane and the paved shoulder.

This pilot project was approved as a sidewalk alternative at the regular Council meeting on May 27, 2024. The...

Read more

Voter Information Letters Have Been Mailed Out

The Voter Information Letters for the Municipal By-Election have been sent out by mail this week. Please note that there is a misprint. We ask that you please disregard the warning message asking you to contact us to update your date of birth. Rest assured that this information is indeed on file, and you will be able to vote with your date of birth and the unique PIN on your notice. There is no need to contact us. We apologize for any confusion this misprint error may have caused.

Read more

Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Recreation Complex

Embrun, Ontario – The Township of Russell marked a significant milestone in its history with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Russell Township Recreation Complex. The event took place on September 17, 2024, with members of Parliament, key stakeholders, Township staff, and residents in attendance to witness the beginning of this transformative $100 million project.

Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Member of Provincial Parliament Stéphane Sarrazin, and Chief Administrative Officer Richard Godin...

Read more

2024 Photo Expo Winners Announced

The 2024 Photo Expo took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Featuring over 100 of the 215 submitted photos, this event showcased the talent of 65 local photographers. Under the theme “Best Kept Secret,” participants captured unique and special places within Russell Township.

The jury for this year’s competition included Myriam Cobb, Curator for Global Affairs Canada Visual Art Collection; John Healey, Artist and Instructor at the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO); and Lynda...

Read more

Public Skating Returns September 21

The much-anticipated return of free Public Skating and Stick & Puck sessions is here! Starting September 21, 2024, 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. To ensure...

Read more