Road works begins at the 417 Industrial Park, located north of Robot Street and west of Emard Street. Tinkess Photo

EMBRUN – The Township of Russell has completed a Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for the proposed expansion of the internal road network in the 417 Industrial Park, located north of Robot Street and west of Emard Street.

The study, conducted in accordance with Ontario’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (October 2000, as amended in 2023), examined how to improve road access within the industrial park while supporting future development. The goal is to address current traffic limitations and open up undeveloped parcels of land for employment use, all while maintaining compatibility with local drainage and topography.

Following the evaluation of several options, the Township has identified a preferred plan to improve access and circulation in the park’s western section. Key features include:

  • Extending Emard Street westward and ending it in a cul-de-sac. This design avoids a direct connection to Eadie Road, thereby minimizing potential impacts on nearby residential areas
  • Extending Robot Street northward to connect with Burton Road. This would provide a secondary access point and improve internal traffic flow across the industrial park.

The selected option strikes a balance between transportation efficiency, land use compatibility, and environmental sensitivity. Public input, agency feedback, and consultation with Indigenous communities helped shape the outcome.

A Project File Report (PFR) has been prepared, detailing the study process, alternatives considered, and rationale for the preferred solution. The report is available for public review from July 25 to Aug. 24, 2025.

  • The PFR can be accessed online at: www.russell.ca/EA
  • Printed copies are available upon request

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the report and submit written comments by Aug. 24, 2025 to either:

Francois Landry, Project Manager
Township of Russell
717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, ON K0A 1W1
613-443-1747   francoislandry@russell.ca

Kyle Herold, Civil Engineering Designer
LRL Engineering
5430 Canotek Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 9G2
613-842-3434   kherold@lrl.ca

If concerns cannot be resolved through discussion with the Township, individuals may request a higher level of assessment, known as a Section 16 Order under the Environmental Assessment Act (formerly Part II Order). This request can ask the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to require additional conditions or a full individual environmental assessment.

Requests must be submitted in writing by Aug. 24, 2025, and should include:

  • Full name and contact details
  • Type of order being requested
  • Explanation of how the order could mitigate potential impacts on Aboriginal or treaty rights
  • Supporting documentation

Requests must be sent to both:

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Minister.mecp@ontario.ca

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
EABDirector@ontario.ca

If no requests are received by the deadline, the environmental assessment will be considered complete, and the Township may move ahead with the project as planned. The documentation remains valid for 10 years, allowing time for phased implementation as long as the scope remains consistent.

Privacy Notice: Submissions made during the review period are collected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act. Unless stated otherwise, personal information such as name, address, and property details may become part of the public record.