Page 12 YOUNG RUSSELL RESIDENTS EARN POSITIVE TICKET
Page 14 CASSELMAN OPENS FIRST COMMUNITY MINI PANTRY
VOLUME 40 • NO. 49 • 6 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • JUNE 17 2026
N EWS EMBRUN FOUNDERS OF ABILITY HIVE RECEIVE CITIZEN RECOGNITION AWARD
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
The Township of Russell recognized two local residents for their contributions to accessibility and inclusion during its council meeting on Monday, June 8. Josée Martel and Kim Vincent, residents of Embrun and co-founders of Ability Hive, were presented with a Citizen Recognition Award. The nomination was endorsed by the Township's Accessibility Advisory Committee in recognition of the pair's leadership and their efforts to improve accessibility for indi- viduals with disabilities and special needs. Founded in 2023, Ability Hive is a local business dedicated to providing sensory and therapeutic tools for autistic individuals, people with special needs, and those living with disabilities. The company was created with a mission to improve quality of life through specialized products, raise aware- ness about disability-related issues, and support the community through charitable initiatives. Since launching the business, Martel and Vincent have committed to donating two per cent of all Ability Hive product sales to local organizations and programs that support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. To date, the company has contri- buted more than $16,000 to organizations based in the Township of Russell, including Barry Poppins, Quick Start Autism, Valoris, and other community groups. In addition to their financial contributions, the two entrepreneurs have spearheaded several inclusive community initiatives. In 2023, the same year Ability Hive was launched, they organized the Township of Rus- sell's first accessible Halloween Trick-or-Treat event in Embrun. Designed specifically for individuals with special needs and disabilities, the event provided a safe and fully acces- sible curb-side trick-or-treating experience. Supported by volunteers and the Township, the initiative was well received by families and has since become an annual tradition. The following year, Martel and Vincent introduced the Township's first Sensory Santa event. The program offered a calm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where families could meet Santa Claus without the sensory challenges often associated with traditional holiday events. The initiative was also organized in partnership with local residents and the Township of Russell. Ability Hive's impact extends beyond community events. Through its online store, the company provides access to specialized products that may otherwise be difficult for local families to obtain. Its website also fea- tures “The Big Impact Blog,” a resource hub designed to support parents and caregivers of children with special needs by sharing
Josée Martel (fourth from the left) and Kim Vincent (third from the left) received a Citizen Recognition Award from the Township of Russell for their leadership in promoting accessibility and inclusion through Ability Hive and community initiatives. (Russell Township)
The Citizen Recognition Award highlights the importance of initiatives that improve accessibility, inclusion and quality of life for residents of all abilities. Township officials thanked Martel and Vincent for their conti- nued efforts to help build a more inclusive community.
information, resources and practical advice. Most recently, the company announced plans to open its first physical retail location this summer near St. Laurent Boulevard and Belfast Road in Ottawa, expanding its reach to even more families across the region. According to the Township, many of the
accessibility-focused services and community initiatives introduced by Ability Hive were not previously available in the Russell area before 2023. Municipal officials noted that through their dedication and leadership, Martel and Vincent have had a significant and lasting impact on local families.
EMBRUN WATER RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED UNTIL END OF AUGUST
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
“Without the water tower, the system is operating on just the reservoir,” the Township stated. “It is important that everyone does their part to reduce water use to ensure there is enough supply for all residents and for any emergencies, including fires.” The municipality is urging residents to use water only when absolutely necessary while the restrictions remain in place Under the current restrictions, outdoor water use continues to be regulated based on street address numbers. Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water their lawns on odd-numbered calendar dates, while residents with even-numbered addresses may water their lawns on even- numbered dates. However, lawn watering is prohibited for all residents between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. The Township has also prohibited the use of automatic sprinkler systems and pressure
washing of driveways for the duration of the restrictions. Municipal officials noted that the restric- tions are particularly important during the evening hours because the water system does not receive water from the City of Ottawa between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. During that period, the community relies entirely on water stored in the reservoir. The restrictions apply to all residents of Embrun who are connected to the Township of Russell’s municipal water distribution system, including those whose water source is supplied through the City of Ottawa. The Township has not provided a specific completion date for the repairs but expects the restrictions to remain in place until the end of August. Residents are encouraged to continue following the conservation mea- sures to help maintain a reliable water supply throughout the repair period.
Residents of Embrun will need to conti- nue conserving water through the sum- mer, as the Township of Russell has announced that water restrictions will remain in effect until the end of August. According to the municipality, repairs to the community’s water tower are taking longer than originally anticipated and are more extensive than expected. As a result, the water distribution system is currently operating without the water tower and is relying solely on the reservoir for storage and supply. Municipal officials are asking residents to reduce their water consumption wherever possible to help ensure an adequate supply for daily needs and emergency situations, including firefighting operations.
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