Guide for Potential Candidates in Municipal Elections

In this guide:

• Introduction
• Municipal and School Board Elections
• Role of a Municipal Elected Official
• Time Commitment
• Understanding the Corporation of the Township of Russell

Introduction

Becoming an Elected Official/Member of Council is a great way to serve your community, but it requires a lot of time and effort. This information guide gives you some information on what may be expected and required as you decide on whether to run for the upcoming municipal election.

This guide is meant to give you some quick and basic information about the roles, commitments, and expectations about being a Member of Council. It is not a substitute for the actual by-laws, policies, plans, or other relevant documents. It is recommended that candidates consult relevant statutes, regulations, and by-laws, or obtain legal advice for clarification.

Municipal and School Board Elections

The Township of Russell Council consists of a mayor and four councillors. The Township holds a municipal election every 4 years, or as required, as set out in the Municipal Elections Act to fill the following positions:

• Office of the Mayor (1 position)
• Office of Councillor (4 positions)
• Police Village of Russell Trustees (3 positions)
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (1 position)
• Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (1 position)
• Upper Canada District School Board (1 position)
• Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (1 position)

Members of Council in the Township of Russell are elected by general vote (“at-large”). This means there are no wards within the Township; all elected officials represent the entire community instead of specific geographic areas within the community.

For specific information on the roles, boundaries, and requirements pertaining to the offices of School Trustees, interested candidates should contact the relevant School Board.

If you have any questions about the election process, please contact: the Clerk’s Elections Office.

Municipal Election

On July 22, 2024, Council adopted By-law 2024-062 authorizing the use of Internet and telephone as alternative voting method during the 2024 municipal by-election. These are the same alternative voting methods that Council has adopted since the 2014 Elections.

Upon filing your nomination paper with the Clerk, you will be provided with a Candidate’s package, which will include information such as your preliminary calculation of maximum campaign expenses, voting election policies and procedures, different forms such as the Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report that you need to file, and other pertinent information.

Information pertaining to election signs can be found in the consolidated Sign-By-law 2016-052 (s. 7.1.1).

To help you understand the election process and what you need to know, consider these resources:

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs' 2022 Candidates' guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections
• AMO’s link to information on municipal elections
• Key dates and additional information are available on the Township's Elections webpage.

The Clerk shall report the “unofficial results” of the municipal election when received from the Service Provider as soon as practicable after 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Town Hall located at 717 Notre Dame Street, Embrun, Ontario, and/or any other location as deemed appropriate by the Clerk. The “official results” of each Candidate shall be available at the Town Hall as soon as possible after Voting Day and posted on the Township’s website.

Term Length

The Member of Council elected to serve as elected official for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term ending on November 14, 2026, must take an oath of office before they can begin any duties as a Member of Council.

Their Inaugural and 1st Regular Council Meeting will be on October 15, 2024.

Office Equipment and Resources

Each Council member will be provided with an iPad/laptop, cellular telephone and an email address generic to the Township.

Role of a Municipal Elected Official

Each new Council member will also be provided with an orientation manual or information with respect to the community profile, service responsibilities, organizational structure, corporate symbols, municipal council, municipal departments, employee programs and services and financial overview.

Elected officials (including the Mayor and Councillors) represent the population by making decisions on policies and priorities of the Township. Community needs and issues can include:

• Property zoning
• Residential, Commercial and Industrial development
• Grants applications and/or allocations
• Waste services and contracts
• Maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts
• Community and recreational installations
• Animal control
• Fire services
• Annual Budget, taxation and Long-term financial planning
• Asset management planning
• Emergency Measures management

The general role of a Council member is to:

• consider the well-being and interests of the residents, and bring these topics to Council’s attention;
• ensure the development and approve Township master plans, policies and programs;
• participate in Council meetings, Committee meetings, and other meetings that you are appointed to by Council;
• get information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the Chief Administrative Officer (or the person designated by the Chief Administrative Officer);
• make decisions through “resolutions” or “by-laws” approved during a public meeting;
• follow the Township’s obligations, rights, and duties from a variety of legislations and policies such as the Municipal Act, Official Plan, and more;
• keep confidential topics discussed in private at a Council or Committee Meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public and follow the Code of conduct established by Council;
• set the vision for the community and participate in budget discussions and approval;

A Council member cannot:

• have veto power on any motion, by-law or decision;
• speak for the entire Council or the Township (unless directed to do so by a decision of Council);
• direct municipal staff or assign them tasks. Council as a whole has one employee only: the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO);
• decide which specific businesses can or cannot operate within the Township of Russell;
• reveal any confidential information discussed in closed session.

A Council member has to read any information provided, seek additional information or public opinion and ultimately decide on many standard, complicated and/or controversial issues. Many of those decisions will have long-term consequences for the Township’s Corporation and/or directly onto residents that extend beyond your four-year term of office and should be made in the best interest, the long-term health and well-being of the community or the Corporation.

The general role of a Head of Council (Mayor) is to:

• assume the official duties as stipulated in section 225 of the Municipal Act,
• act as a representative of the municipality at official functions within and outside the municipality;
• provide leadership to the Council;
• prominent and very public profile;
• is recognized as an ex-officio member of every standing committee of Council and as such has the same rights as other committee members, but is not obligated to attend meetings;
• represent the municipality at the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR);
• mandatory participation in UCPR Council meetings and sit, upon appointment, on different Committee Meetings.

Council-CAO Relationship

It is important to note, as mentioned earlier in this information guide, that the Council has one employee only: the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). If Council wishes to interact with other municipal employees, they must do so through the CAO. The CAO is the link between the Council and staff. All Council directives, correspondence, and requests for information on behalf of the administration will be given to the CAO who will forward to the appropriate staff and ensure follow‐up actions.

There is a big difference between a Township CAO and a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) in a private company. A CEO has very clear instructions from their company’s board. A CAO must take direction from the Council, understand their opposing perspectives, and turn it into clear instructions for municipal staff.

The focus of the Township’s CAO is on the day-to-day work of the municipality and putting Council’s decisions into action. This allows Members of Council to concentrate on making policies and listening to residents. Members of the Council should expect to work with their CAO in an open, trusting, and professional way.

Code of Conduct for Elected Officials

The Code of Conduct is a requirement of the Municipal Act. The purpose of a code of conduct is to provide guidelines to council members and local boards, to create a safe and healthy workplace that promotes a high level of job satisfaction and respectful environment. The Township believes that it is the shared responsibility of all employees and council members to work towards the constant improvement of our workplace environment. Council members can assist the Township in maintaining an exemplary work environment, by conducting themselves in an ethical and professional manner at all times.

Council-Staff Relations Policy

This policy is also a requirement of the Municipal Act. It provides guidance by setting principles and practices that will ensure a respectful, tolerant, and harassment-free relationship between Members of Council and the officers and employees of the Township.

Remuneration

As of January 2024, the Mayor’s remuneration is $69,476.57, and a councillor’s remuneration is $35,476.57. Council members’ annual salaries are automatically adjusted with the same cost of living adjustment approved to the municipal employees’ salary structure.

Elected Members of Council also receive per diems, a comprehensive benefits package (optional enrolment to single or family coverage) and a mandatory participation in OMERS pension plan.

Time Commitment

The majority of official business of Council is on weeknights. Your time commitment may change based on the time of the year, number of boards/Committees you may be appointed to. How invested you are in your role in responding to residents and/or attending community events may influence your day and weekend schedules.

The role of Mayor will require more daytime availability to attend official County Council business and committees, meeting with staff, business community and residents

Council Meetings

Council Meetings usually take place twice a month, on the second and fourth Monday evenings. These meetings average duration is about three hours long. Participation in these meetings is mandatory, and Members of Council are strongly encouraged to arrive on time. Special Council Meetings may be called throughout the year to address matters that either need urgent attention or require extended amount of time for presentation or deliberation.

The Wednesday before a Council meeting, the Clerk’s Department will send via email an electronic meeting agenda that lists all meeting minutes, reports, resolutions, by-laws, and other items for discussion. Council meeting agendas are typically 50 to 500 pages and must be read before the Council Meetings.

The public may attend any Council or committee meetings and a question period on the subjects on the agenda is held during Council Meetings.

It is important to note that Council meetings are held in both official languages. This means during the meeting, any Member of Council, staff, or the public may choose to speak in English or French.

Council meetings are business meetings. We encourage potential candidates to attend a few Council meetings before deciding about whether to run for the municipal election to get familiar with the role and process.

Advisory Committees and Boards

In addition to attending Council meetings, Members of Council must also serve as chair to Standing Committees. These committees provide information or advice to Council on specific important topics. Their members include one or more Members of Council, Township staff liaison, and residents from the community appointed by Council. Here are some of the Township’s Committees:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee
• Planning Advisory Committee and Committee of Adjustment
• Public Library Board
• Seniors Advisory Committee
• Teens Advisory Committee

Conferences and Events

An elected official is provided an opportunity to attend conferences and events during their term, both inside and outside the community as per their discretionary budget.

At the beginning of each year, the Clerk’s Department provides a list of conferences that may be of interest to Council members. Invitations to events are also provided throughout the year.

Budget Meetings

Any year in which an election does not take place in the Township of Russell, the following process and meetings apply:

• Public consultation — Prior to budget preparation, Council will hold a public consultation on the second Monday in September of each year.
• Draft Budget and timelines — Staff will present the first draft of the budget and timelines to Council at the first regular Council Meeting in October of each year.
• Budget working group sessions — Budget working group sessions (approximately 2 full days) will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday, two weeks following the first Draft Presentation of the budget. Staff prepares a PowerPoint presentation summarizing key information and highlights major changes and/or points for further discussion. View the presentation prepared for the 2024 Budget.
  
• Final version and adoption — Final version of the budget will be presented to the Council for adoption at the first regular Council Meeting in November of each year.

For the 2025 Budget, the following process and meetings will apply:

• Public consultation — Prior to budget preparation, Council will hold a public consultation on the Monday September 9, 2024.
• Draft Budget and timelines — Staff will present the first draft of the budget and timelines to Council at the regular Council Meeting on Monday October 15, 2024.
• Budget working group sessions — Budget working group sessions (approximately 2 full days) will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday, two weeks following the first Draft Presentation of the budget (October 23 and October 24, 2024). Staff prepares a PowerPoint presentation summarizing key information and highlights major changes and/or points for further discussion.
• Final version and adoption — Final version of the budget will be presented to the Council for adoption at the regular Council Meeting on November 12, 2024.

Training

Each municipal councillor may be required or invited to attend various training sessions including Standard of Care – Water System, Disaster and Emergency Measures Training, Media Training, Elected Officials Training, and more.

Understanding the Corporation of the Township of Russell

Two-Tiered Government

Unlike a major city, our region is governed by two levels of government. The upper tier (regional) level is the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, and the lower tier (local) is us, the Township of Russell. The United Counties of Prescott and Russell oversee eight townships, municipalities, and cities including:

• City of Clarence-Rockland
• Municipality of Casselman
• The Nation Municipality
• Town of Hawkesbury
• Township of Alfred-Plantagenet
• Township of Champlain
• Township of East Hawkesbury
• Township of Russell

Although we have similar names, we are responsible for different services. The United Counties of Prescott and Russell have the responsibility of supporting regional interests, including:

• paramedic services
• maintenance of major roads (county roads)
• social services (social assistance, housing)
• private home daycare licencing
• Regional Official Plan (land planning & usage)
• Larose Forest

Visit the United Counties of Prescott and Russell website to learn more.

Villages and Boundaries

The Township of Russell includes the village of Embrun, the village of Russell, part of the village of Limoges, and part of the village of Marionville.

As the Township only includes part of the village of Limoges and part of the village of Marionville, we must coordinate with other cities and municipalities for repairs, improvements, and new projects located in these areas. In Marionville, the Township shares municipal boundaries with the City of Ottawa and the Township of North Dundas. In the village of Limoges, the Township shares municipal boundaries with the Nation Municipality.

History

Russell Township’s first settlers included many United Empire Loyalists and migrants from Ireland and the British Isles who arrived in the late 1820s. They settled in the less swampy regions along the branches of the Castor River, in Luxemburg (defunct) and Duncanville (which later became Russell). In the mid-1840s, French Canadians settled in the lowlands at the east end of the Township, mainly in the Village of Embrun. Also included in the Township are the hamlets of Limoges and Marionville. In 1903, Marionville was named after 12 individuals whose surnames were Marion; while, in 1926, the Village of South Indian was renamed Limoges in honour of Father Limoges.

The Township’s history is one of pragmatism and community spirit. In 1915 a large fire levelled 25 buildings in Russell, and in 1932 several buildings were also destroyed in Embrun’s great fire. The resilience of our ancestors ensured that our communities would continue to grow and thrive. As the Ottawa areas continued to grow in the latter part of the 20th century, and as people sought escape from its urban sprawl, the Township experienced an explosion of new residents and businesses. That persistent growth has continued to the present day, where over 20,000 people are proud to call Russell Township home and continue to write its history.

Community Demographics and Profile

For specifics about our population, median age, employment rate and more, consult our Community Demographics tool.

The Township’s Community Profile brochure has information about our history, housing, schools, public libraries, health services, and more.

Organizational Chart

The organizational chart is a chart that shows how municipal staff positions are structured to efficiently deliver municipal services. The chart shows a flow of responsibility, from the Chief Administrative Officer to the different Department Heads, and then down to the appropriate department staff. Our common objective is to have members of the Council and staff work together towards serving the best interests and needs of those who live in the municipality.

Strategic and Master Plans

Strategic Plan

The Township’s Strategic Plan is a document illustrating Council’s priorities and directions that will guide the decision-making, project planning and budgeting. By setting clear, focused, and realistic goals and priorities, Council and staff can work efficiently during Council’s four-year term. These goals are classified into five categories called “pillars,” which each have a list of actions to be accomplished during Council’s term.

Accessibility Plan

The Township makes a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan which has the objective of improving residents’ accessibility to municipal buildings and Infrastructures while meeting provincial legislation requirements. The Accessibility Advisory Committee reviews progress on the Accessibility Plan once a year.

Asset Management Plan

The Asset Management Plan helps guide investment decisions for the Township’s infrastructure assets. The plan includes an inventory of our assets, levels of service, and a strategy for when the asset needs to be repaired or replaced.

Annual Business Plan

The Business Plan is an action plan created by Township staff and approved by Council which tracks and measures the progress of major projects or initiatives determined in the annual budget and/or in the Strategic Plan. A new Business Plan is created every year. Once Council has approved the action plans, Township staff:

• make work plans and allocate the budget for the actions, create partnerships and work with the community where appropriate;
• track and regularly report on our progress;
• adjust when necessary;
• celebrate our progress.

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

The goal of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is to support and promote sustainable communities. The plan identifies risks to community safety and well-being and sets actions to help reduce these risks. This plan is developed and monitored at the United Counties of Prescott and Russell level of government.

Cycling Plan

The Cycling Plan helps the Township of Russell provide great cycling routes to residents and visitors while providing seamless connections to the rest of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and the City of Ottawa.

Economic Development Strategic Plan

The Economic Development Strategic Plan helps create a strategy to lead our local economy in the direction we want to see. To build a local economy that everyone can be proud of, we commit to:

• Caring for businesses and residents to make sure they are healthy, successful, and satisfied;
• Working to grow our business community without sacrificing our rural charm and quality of life;
• Continuing our relationships with businesses and residents;
• Finding solutions instead of barriers.

Financial Statements and Reports

The following public documents are available by request to our Finance Department:

• Financial Statements
• Financial Information Returns
• Statements on Remuneration and Expenses of Members of Council
• Yearly Budgets
• Debt and Borrowing Capacity Reports

Official Plan

The Township of Russell has an Official Plan as required by the Ontario Planning Act. The Township of Russell's Official Plan outlines the goals, priorities, and permitted land uses within areas of our municipality. The Official Plan works in conjunction with other applicable legislation, such as the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, and the United Counties of Prescott Russell Official Plan. The role of the Official Plan is to guide physical change within these areas until the year 2036.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan assists the Township of Russell in planning, budgeting and achieving the goals and objectives of the Recreation Department until 2025. The plan presents 72 recommendations under the following categories: programming, facilities, partnerships, and funding.

Transportation Master Plan

The Township of Russell's transportation network connects our community. It includes our roads, bridges, sidewalks, and more. The Transportation Master Plan is a long-range plan to improve or add to our network of roads, bridges, and sidewalks that connect the Township. Recommendations from the Transportation Master Plan include:

• Improvements to the north-south travel network, being the more popular direction of travel within commuters making their way to Ottawa via Highway 417; and
• Intersection improvements, including left-turning lanes along Notre-Dame Street and upgrades to Route 300 intersection.

Water and Wastewater Master Plan

The Water and Wastewater Master Plan 2016 is the Township's plan to ensure drinking water and wastewater services meet our community's needs now and into the future. It builds on the Township's 2004 Water and Wastewater Master Plan, and other plans and policies made since then.

Taxes, Growth, and Development

Property Tax Distribution

The Township keeps less than half of all total property tax payments collected. The remaining tax dollars go to the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (our regional government), and the local school board of the resident’s choice. The Township collects tax dollars on behalf of these organizations.

For example, in 2021, the Township collected over $29,000,000 in property tax payments, but the money was distributed as follows:

• Approximately 45% ($13,652,675) for the Township of Russell
• Approximately 36% ($10,963,985) for the United Counties of Prescott Russell
• Approximately 17% ($5,279,209) for school boards

History of Tax Levy Increase

Below are the tax increases that were approved over the last four years:

• 2020: 493,567 (4.00%)
• 2021: 332,992 (2.50%)
• 2022: 356,997 (2.50%)
• 2023: 685,901 (4.00%)

Impact on average household in 2023: A municipal tax increase of 4% for the average household of $350,000 in assessment will see an increase of $88.17.

Regional Residential Tax Rates (2023)

The Township of Russell has the second-lowest tax rate in the Prescott-Russell region. For more information, see the table below. Please note the table ranks the municipal portion of tax rates within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell region, by year, with lowest rate being 1 and highest rate being 8. Ranking order changes by year.

Regional Average Assessments 2023

The Township of Russell has the highest average assessment in the Prescott-Russell region. For more information, see the table below. 

Growth

The Corporation’s significant investments in water and sewer services and other infrastructure over the past 15 years has come to fruition. This has allowed our Township to experience significant growth in recent years. The most recent Statistics Canada census data has highlighted that the Township of Russell was the fastest-growing population centre in the Ottawa area between 2016 and 2021 with a growth rate of 18.6%.

The Planning, Economic Development and Building Departments as well as the Infrastructure Department were greatly solicited to support the development and impacts of this growth. The total number of building permits issued in 2021 increased by 6.1% compared to 2020. The number of single-family dwellings has drastically increased by 210% in 2021 compared to 2020 even though most of the year has been under pandemic conditions.

The Economic Development Department sold over 93 acres of industrial land in the 417 Industrial Park in 2021-2022, resulting in the addition of 13 reputable businesses to our community, 851 new jobs and over $812,000 in projected annual municipal tax revenue. To accommodate new growth and development, our 417 Industrial Park has 140 acres that will become available by 2023. Having strong local business incentives through our Community Improvement Plan programs encourage local businesses to improve and renovate their properties, which in turn revitalizes key areas of the Township and boosts economic development.

Types of Development

It is important to remember that the Township cannot prohibit a subdivision, developer or a specific business from investing or developing in the Township. Staff and Council can only guide the use of the land based on what is allowed in the Zoning By-law, Official Plan, and other policies adopted by the local, regional or provincial government.