EMBRUN – Russell Township wants to know what you think on a variety of issues, and right now there are four opportunities in which you can share your opinion on local projects, services, and future planning initiatives.

Currently there are four surveys that you can access from the township website (russell.ca). Maybe you want to help shape programming at the new recreation complex, or perhaps you are interested in what public transit options are being considered, or maybe you would just like to add your two cents to the discussion on the 2027 budget. Whatever your interest, you can help guide Township decisions, and it only takes a few minutes to let your voice be heard.

Here is a summary of the survey’s currently available and a bit of background about them.

The Aquatics Programming Survey is open until July 24, 2026. As the Township prepares to open the new Recreation Complex, they would like your opinion about programming and operating hours for the six-lane 25 metre pool.

Some of the programs that could be available are swimming lessons, fitness classes, lane swims, family swims, aquatic programs for older adults, or other recreational opportunities. By providing your feedback you can help guide what will be available and when.

The Township Facility Rentals Survey is open until July 29, 2026. The Township is interested in hearing what your experience has been when trying to rent a Township facility. Have you booked, or tried to book, a Township facility? We want to hear about your experience, whether you’ve rented a sports field, meeting room, ice time, or a community hall. How did it work out? What worked and what didn’t. By providing your feedback you can help identify what is working and what isn’t and what could work better.

The Township of Russell is conducting a short survey to better understand how residents and facility users experience our rental services. Whether you rented a community hall, meeting room, sports field, ice time, or another municipal facility, your feedback will help us identify what is working well and where improvements can be made.

The Transit Feasibility Study Survey is open until Aug. 9, 2026.

The Township is conducting a Transit Feasibility Study to explore the possibility of public transit service within our community. In order to do that they need to know how residents travel and what their needs are. The Township is working with Left Turn Right Turn (LTRT), an independent transit consulting firm based in Toronto, to complete this work and gather feedback from residents. All survey responses are anonymous.

The 2027 Budget Survey is open until Sept. 4, 2026.

When it comes to budgets, everyone knows that it is a matter of making every dollar count and that sometimes hard decisions need to be made. In order to make the correct decisions, the Township needs to know what your priorities are? By knowing what matters to you, an effort can be made to direct resources where they can provide the greatest benefit. The Township of Russell will soon begin work on the 2027 Budget, and your feedback will help guide Council’s decisions.

Four surveys, four opportunities to be heard. Public participation helps ensure decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the community. All residents are encouraged to take part in the surveys that interest them and help shape the future of the Township of Russell.

Your voice matters. Make use of the opportunity to allow it to be heard.