News

Register your float in the 2023 Santa Parades

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

• The Embrun parade is Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 6:30p.m.
• The Russell parade is Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 1:00p.m.

Find these events in our Events Calendar for more information. Details on parade routes, road closures, food bank donations, and more will be soon confirmed and posted in the calendar.
Register a float:

• To register in the Embrun parade, contact

Canada Community-Building Fund Helps Pave Two Roads

This year, Russell Township received $714,002 from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) which was used to pave two sections of roads, Loucks Drive (in its entirety), and Route 400, from South Russell Road to Wade Street. This work was completed in early October 2023 and ensures roads are maintained to the same level of service as it was before.

Formerly called the federal Gas Tax Fund, it was renamed in 2021 to the Canada Community-Building Fund CCBF to better reflect the Fund’s purpose to...

Small Business Week 2023

Small Business Week, from October 15th to 21st, 2023, is a time to celebrate the heart and soul of our local economy and to understand the importance of supporting our small businesses.

During this week, we shine a spotlight on the resilience, innovation, and hard work of our small business owners in Russell Township. Join us in recognizing their contributions and show your support by shopping local, dining at neighborhood restaurants, and engaging with the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that...

Waste Reduction Week 2023

This year, Waste Reduction Week is October 16 to 22. The Township’s Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Committee would like to share come tips and key facts to help you reduce waste in the community.

Textiles / Clothing

Canadians on average purchase 70 new articles of clothing a year. It takes 2,600 litres of water to make one just one new t-shirt.

• Tip: Before getting rid of an item of clothing, try repairing, repurposing, or wearing it just a few more times. These small efforts help reduce...

Catch the Ace is Back

With resounding success and many happy local winners, the Kin Club of Russell announced the return of a 6th edition of Catch the Ace Lottery to continue raising money for local charities.

In the last installment, this progressive weekly lottery raised over 2 million dollars for local charities. This year’s charities are:

• Breast Cancer Action (Ottawa)
• Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
• The Good Neighbour’s Food Bank (Russell Township)
• Kin Club of Russell’s Storage Centre for Local Service Clubs and...

Local Government Week 2023

Every year, Ontario celebrates Local Government Week during the third week of October to increase public and youth awareness of the important role local governments play in our communities. This year, Local Government Week is October 15 to 21.

Local Government Week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the vital services and the responsibility that rests with local governments. You can use this week to learn about the many ways to get involved with your local government, including attending town...

Invitation to Community Open House on Physician Shortages

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

October 13, 2023

Dear Russell Township Residents,

We are reaching out to invite you to an important Community Open House hosted by Dr. Danielle Debanné and myself, Mayor Pierre Leroux. This event is scheduled for Monday, October 30th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall in Embrun. The focus of this gathering is to initiate a community-led effort to address the significant physician shortages in our region.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, October 30th, 2023

• Time: 6:00 p.m. to...

World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day, October 10th 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from...

2024 Budget Update

NOTICE is hereby given of the revised schedule for the 2024 Budget proceedings.

• November 14th 2023: Draft presented to Council (during regular council meeting).
• November 23 and 24, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.: 2024 Budget Working Sessions.
• December 11th 2023 : Council reviews and adopts the 2024 Budget (during regular council meeting).

Caribbean Heritage Month 2023

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...

Latin American Heritage Month 2023

In October, we recognize Latin American Heritage Month. Hailing from all 20 Latin American countries, Canadians of Latin American origin make up a large and growing community in Canada. They enrich our national fabric with their diverse and vibrant cultures, cuisine, music, dance and more. Also, members of the Latin American community play an important role in Canada’s growth and prosperity, thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether you have Latin American heritage or not, Latin American...

Positive Ticket Awarded to Isabelle

We are rewarding youth for good deeds in our community!

We're thrilled to recognize Isabelle’s outstanding contribution at the Terry Fox Run on September 17, 2023. Isabelle went above and beyond by selflessly assisting her grandparents, in providing much-needed hydration to the dedicated runners and participants. Her kindness and dedication truly exemplify the spirit of community support. Congratulations, Isabelle, on receiving a well-deserved positive ticket and gift card for your exceptional...

Three New Historical Plaques Unveiled

Russell Township, October 2, 2023 - Russell Township is proud to announce the addition of three new historical plaques to its growing collection, marking significant milestones in our region's rich history. These additions bring the total number of historical plaques across the Township to an impressive sixteen, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to delve into the captivating history that shaped our community. The Three New Additions:

• The Saint-Jacques Bridge, an iconic landmark, has...

Russell Township Joins the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate distribution

October 2, 2023 – Mayor Pierre Leroux is thrilled to announce that the Township of Russell has officially joined the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. This milestone is a testament to the Township's ongoing efforts to combat racism and all forms of discrimination, in line with the Coalition's 10 Common Commitments.

The Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities,...

Women’s History Month 2023

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, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds. It focuses on the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by Indigenous women; women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities; and newcomer,...

New Outdoor Photo Exhibit

Following our second annual Photo Expo contest, Russell Township and the Russell Agriculture Society are delighted to announce the installation of a new outdoor photo exhibit. You can discover the winning photos from both this year and last year's Photo Expo contest at the beginning of the recreational trail, located at 901 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun. This exhibition is a permanent fixture that will continually expand in the years ahead. We invite you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking...

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day 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 component of the reconciliation process.

This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led...

Voluntary Positions Available on Council Advisory Committees

The Township of Russell is seeking to fill positions on the following committees:

1. Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (1 position)

2. Attainable and Affordable Housing Committee (1 position)

Requirement:

• Must be 18 years of age or over;
• Must be a Canadian Citizen;
• Must be a resident of the Township of Russell;
• Bilingualism is an asset (English/French).

3. Teens Advisory Committee (3 positions – At-large teen representatives)

• Teens who apply must meet the following criteria:
  • Must be Russell...

2024 Budget Survey

Only a few more days to complete our public survey! Think about the Township of Russell in 2024 and beyond. What should guide the direction of our community?

Please take our short public survey by September 30, 2023. Your feedback can help Council prioritize when discussing the 2024 Draft Budget.

Survey link

Franco-Ontarian Day

In 2010, the Ontario government declared that September 25 would be known as Franco-Ontarian Day. This day is a time to celebrate the francophone community in Ontario in heritage, language, and culture!
We invite residents to proudly wear green and white to show their colors and continue to promote the French language in our municipality.

Celebration at the Monument de la francophonie in Embrun

The committee for the Monument de la francophonie in Embrun invites you to the monument Monday September...