Council Meeting Highlights – August 26, 2024

For more details, view the full press release.

To enhance safety for students walking to school, new "No Stopping" zones have been established at school crossings. On North Russell Road, the restrictions are in effect at all times. On First Avenue and the New York Central Recreational Trail parking area in Russell, the restrictions are in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.  "No Stopping" means that vehicles are not permitted to stop, even to pickup or drop-off, within these zones.

Additionally, stopping within a school crossing is strictly prohibited, and no signage is required to enforce this rule. This measure aims to improve visibility for students, school crossing guards, and drivers in an area that has previously been the subject of numerous safety complaints and concerns.

On February 26, 2024, Council entrusted the administration with the crucial task of developing a public engagement policy. Since then, in-depth discussions with various stakeholders have enabled the administration to gain a better understanding of our community's needs and expectations. A strategy meeting with Council, held on April 8, also enriched this process by integrating Council’s visions and recommendations.

To ensure the active participation of residents, a survey will soon be launched to gather their opinions. In addition, a team of experts will be hired in the coming weeks to audit current municipal practices, identify obstacles to participation, improve municipal transparency and define measurable objectives. The goal is to create a public engagement policy that is both effective and inclusive, fully meeting the needs of our community.

Renaming of the Baseball Fields (Item 15a)

A motion was passed that the Russell baseball fields be renamed “Terrain Gordon Saunders Field” and “Terrain Don Graham Field” in honour of two members of the Lions Club of Russell who played a significant role in the creation and the subsequent maintenance of those fields, in partnership with the Russell Agricultural Society, up until the Township took over the management and maintenance of these fields through a service agreement with the Russell Agricultural Society. More information is to come on the renaming ceremony.