News and Public Notices

Next Steps for the Recreation Complex

Following last night’s Council meeting, the administration and Council members wish to thank residents who attended to show their support and to those involved in wanting the best possible recreation complex for our community. We listened to your concerns and were able to provide additional information to explain the reasons behind certain design decisions.

During the presentation, Township administration reassured residents that our architects have extensive experience, having developed over 90...

June is National Indigenous History Month

It is an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.

Local Group

The purpose of the Embrun Friendship Circle is to offer the Indigenous community as well as non-Indigenous allies of Embrun and surrounding areas the opportunity to...

2024 Russell Township Photography Expo

Open Call for Photographers

We invite hobby, amateur, and professional photographers to submit their images for the 2024 Township of Russell Photo Expo!

Every person who submits will have at least one of their artworks printed and exhibited during the Autumn in the Country Art Festival. Additionally, they will receive a gift certificate to The SPAO Centre to further their photographic passion. An independent jury will look at all the images submitted and select 4 winners that will be printed and...

Transportation Master Plan Update

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
Transportation Master Plan Update for Russell Township

Notice of Public Information Session

Public Notice - First Published on June 5, 2024

Public Information Centre Details:

• Date/Time: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Location: Council Chambers, Township of Russell Office - 717 Notre-Dame St, Embrun, ON K0A 1W1

The Township of Russell has initiated the update of the Transportation Master Plan. This will be an important document, guiding the...

Celebrating Pride Season

Beginning in June until September, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies will come together in many cities throughout the summer to highlight the resilience, talent, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with Pride Season. Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+...

Help Us Choose the Winning Photos

We need your help to choose new photos for the panels at the end of the lanes at our local bowling alley!

We received 60 photographs during the submission process, and the Township staff had a difficult time narrowing it down to the top 10. The decision was so difficult, that we decided to feature the top 12 photos. Now, it’s time for the public to vote. The four photos with the most votes will be printed and installed at the bowling alley this summer. This update will give our bowling alley a...

It’s Canadian Environment Week

From June 2 to June 8, 2024, join us to celebrate and safeguard our environment and take action to protect the places we love. Established in 1971, Canadian Environment Week celebrates Canada’s environmental accomplishments and encourages Canadians to contribute to conserving and protecting their environment.

What you can do

• Attend the next Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting and to get involved with this committee. See the community calendar for future meeting dates.
• Find...

Blais Street is Getting a New Look

Green areas have been painted on Blais Street in Embrun to identify areas that could be zones of conflict for recreational trail users and vehicles. This is a visual reminder for both parties to be alert when going through those shared areas. 

This is a safety measure approved at Council.

Council Meeting Highlights – May 27, 2024

Here are some highlights from the May 27, 2024, 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.

Official Plan Review – Report PD-2024-22 (Special Council Meeting)

The Official Plan Review has officially started, the draft policy direction report is available for review on our website. All comments can be sent to

Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre Receive Community Award

At the Regular Council Meeting held on May 27th, 2024, Council, had the distinct privilege of recognizing Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre with Citizen Recognition Awards for their courage during the April 22, 2024, bus accident.

On that day, a school bus and a transport truck were involved in an accident that could have had far more serious consequences had it not been for the heroic intervention of our citizens, including Lynne Perras and Daniel St Pierre.

Both Lynne and Daniel exemplify the...

Mike Tarnowski Sworn in as Mayor

The Mayor’s Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance took place at last nights regular Council meeting. Mike Tarnowski is now Mayor of the Township of Russell for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term ending on November 14, 2026.

Mayor’s Acceptance Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed council members, dedicated staff, cherished residents of Russell Township, and my beloved family,

With profound honour and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as our newly sworn-in Mayor. I...

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection

Do you have sticks, branches, or other yard waste to get rid of? The Leaf and Yard Waste Collection is June 3 to 7!

Important Change:

This year collection is now done on your REGULAR pickup day (during the 3 waste collection weeks).

✔️ Yard waste must in paper bags or in reusable containers and placed by the curbside before 7:00a.m.
✔️ Bundle and tie branches.
✔️ Length of branches should not exceed 4 feet and 2 inches in diameter.
🚫 Plastic bags will not be collected.

For more information on this,

National AccessAbility Week

May 26th to June 1st, 2024 is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)! Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate (NAAW). Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, this week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces.

Participate in the #NAAWChallenge

Do you know a person with a...

April Positive Tickets for Youth

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.

We are proud to recognize Juliana and Danek, two 9-year-olds who demonstrated outstanding community spirit. On April 13th and 14th, they dedicated their time to cleaning up Forced Rd and Craig St, making a...

Have Your Say in the Future of Russell Township Fire Services!

The Township of Russell has teamed up with The Loomex Group to conduct an important organizational review and station assessment for Russell Township Fire Services. This assessment will help us develop strategies to ensure our fire department continues to meet the community's needs now and in the future.

We want to hear from you!

The Loomex Group has created a survey to gather your feedback on the emergency services you receive. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our fire services.

National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is May 19 to 25, 2024 and the Township of Russell is inviting residents to learn more about the essential services the Township’s infrastructure services provides. We often take the public works that surround us for granted, and this week we invite you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X as we share photos of our crew in action, to appreciate and thank them for the essential services they provide.

Did you know that National Public Works Week started in 1960? Every...

What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

Your toilet isn't a trash can! Remember, only human waste and toilet paper belong in there. Flushing the wrong items can lead to messy problems at home and at our wastewater treatment facility.

Never flush these items:

• Personal care wipes/baby wipes
• Diapers
• Cotton swabs
• Hair
• Dental floss
• Tampons
• Sanitary products
• Condoms
• Old medicines
• Food grease/fat

Why aren't 'flushables' allowed?

Even if they're labeled as 'flushable,' products like wipes and makeup remover cloths wreak havoc on our sewer system. They...

In-person Swimming Lesson Registration

Our in-person swimming lesson registration will be held on June 5th from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Town Hall. New this year, book an appointment to skip the line!

The following link for appointment will be active on May 22, 2024, at 9:00a.m.

Registration Link

Drop-ins will still be accepted. For any questions regarding swim lessons, contact recreation.loisirs@russell.ca.

Council Meeting Highlights – May 13, 2024

Here are some highlights from the May 13, 2024, Council meeting. For more information on these and on the other topics discussed at this or other meetings, meeting schedule, agenda and minutes are available on our website.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed here.

Citizen Recognition – Leadership and Courage Award (Item 8a) A joint ceremony with CHEO was held to award Rory Renwick a Citizen’s Recognition award for her actions during the April 22, 2024, bus accident. For more information, read...

Rory Renwick Receives Community Award

At the Regular Council Meeting held on May 13th, 2024, Council, in collaboration with CHEO, had the distinct privilege of recognizing Rory Renwick with a Citizen Recognition Award for her remarkable leadership and courage during a recent incident.

Rory Renwick, a student aboard the bus involved in the unfortunate collision with a transport truck on April 22, 2024, demonstrated extraordinary courage by assisting the 11 other children onboard, ensuring their safe evacuation from the scene.

“Rory is...