EMBRUN – The Township of Russell is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Zoning By-law. The Zoning By-law regulates how land can be used and developed, including permitted uses, building heights, building setbacks, parking, and more.

The 2018 Zoning By-law is being updated to align with the Township’s recently adopted Official Plan and is required to ensure that it reflects current regional and provincial policies and respond to community growth. If approved, the proposed Zoning By-law will replace the current Zoning By-law and change some of the zoning rules within the entire geographic area of the Township of Russell.

The Draft Zoning By-law is now available for public review and can be found on the Township website (russell.ca). The changes that are proposed include, but are not limited to:

  • New definitions and diagrams, and removal of irrelevant definitions
  • Introducing new zones, and removal of irrelevant zones and zone exceptions
  • Reduction in building setbacks to increase flexibility in design
  • Updated provisions pertaining to Additional Residential Units (ARUs)
  • New provisions with respect to the Groundwater Recharge Area

There were two public events scheduled where you could learn more about the Zoning Bylaw Review. The first was an open house, which took place on Tues., May 19, 2026, at the Gaston Patenaude Hall, 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, Ontario. The open house ran from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The second event will be a public meeting, also at Gaston Patenaude Hall, on Mon., June 1, 2026. The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

At this meeting the public will be provided with an opportunity to provide oral comments to the Planning Advisory Committee and staff.

What exactly is the Zoning By-Law, and how can it affect me?

The Township of Russell Zoning By-law provides regulations that apply to the use and type of development of properties within the Township. It provides specific information with regard to, but not limited to:

  • Zoning designations of properties;
  • Permitted land uses;
  • Minimum required lot frontage and lot area;
  • Minimum required yard setbacks;
  • Maximum building height;
  • Parking requirements; etc.

The provisions within the Zoning By-law are based on the framework provided within the Township of Russell Official Plan. In some cases, relief from the Zoning By-law may be sought through a minor variance or a Zoning By-law amendment.

For more information on the Zoning Bylaw, you can visit the Township website (russell.ca) where you will find several summary sheets which outline the provisions of zoning designations within the Zoning By-law. This is not a full list of requirements within the Zoning By-law, as further provisions of other Sections within the Zoning By-law may apply to proposed development. These are broken into the following categories:

  • Residential Zones
  • Commercial Zones
  • Agricultural Zones
  • Commercial and Industrial Park Zones

There are also a number of schedules, numbered from A1-A6 which provide additional details regarding specific areas within the Township.

Anyone with questions regarding the Zoning By-Law, Official Plan, or Planning applications, is encouraged to contact the Planning Department to obtain additional information.