Reflet 2026 08 12

N EWS RUSSELL TOWNSHIP RECEIVES ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL GRANT FOR 2026 PHOTO EXPO

THE NEWS

local photographers and community participation. The funding, provided by the Government of Ontario, will support the annual photogra- phy exhibition, which invites photographers from across Canada to submit images taken within the boundaries of Russell Township. An independent jury will select four winning photographs to be printed and displayed as permanent outdoor public art along the

the Ontario Arts Council, our government is proud to support initiatives like the 2026 Photo Expo, which highlights the creativity of local photographers and helps make arts and culture more accessible for residents and visitors in Russell Township. Congratu- lations to everyone involved in showcasing the beauty and talent of our community.” The competition includes four categories: best youth (18 and under), best portrait, best landscape, and best wildlife. Participation is free, and each photographer may submit up to five photographs. Submissions will be accepted until Sun- day, Aug. 23, 2026. The exhibition will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during the Autumn in the Country Arts Fes- tival. The event will be held inside the large barn behind the Russell Arena, where visitors will be able to view the entries and vote for a fan favourite. The four winning photographs will be announced at noon. Last year’s Photo Expo featured more than 100 photographs from artists across the region. The Photo Expo is a partnership between Autumn in the Country: Russell’s Art Festival and the Township of Russell, with support from the Ontario Arts Council and donations from the local community. More information about the exhibition and submission process is available at www. russell.ca/PhotoExpo26. residents to receive SMS notifications for emergencies, parking restrictions, water bans, fire bans, road closures, and other important municipal updates. The website also integrates Recycle Coach, enabling residents to enter their address and receive a personalized waste and recycling collection calendar. Users can synchronize collection schedules with their personal calendars, download six-month calendars, receive reminder notifications, and search disposal instructions using the “What Goes Where?” tool. Another new feature is an interactive park map that allows users to search parks across the township by community or avai- lable amenities. The redesigned site includes an impro- ved search function with filters and tags, a searchable database of municipal by-laws and policies, a community events calendar, a directory of local associations and com- munity groups, and a new careers portal where applicants can create accounts and track job applications online. A new department directory haPs also been added to help residents quickly find the appropriate municipal contact for specific services or inquiries. The Township of Russell is encouraging residents to explore the new website and familiarize themselves with the updated services and features. Questions and feedback regarding the website can be directed to the township’s Communications Department at comms@ russell.ca.

township’s recreational trail. In addition to having their work featured in the outdoor exhibition, the four selected photographers will each receive CARFAC fees of $422 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Winners and selected honou- rable mention artists will also receive a subscription to PhotoEd Magazine. “This year’s grant allows us to continue celebrating the creativity and talent found throughout Russell Township,” said Kim Legault, communications coordinator for the Township of Russell. “The Photo Expo not only showcases local photographers and the beauty of our community but also creates opportunities for residents and visitors to connect through art, culture, and shared experiences.” The 2026 Photo Expo theme is “Cultiva- tion,” encouraging photographers to explore how communities nurture people, places, and ideas. Organizers say submissions may focus on subjects such as gardening, mentorship, community connections, conservation, and other forms of personal or collective growth. Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry– Prescott–Russell, said the province’s sup- port reflects the importance of local arts initiatives. “The arts play an important role in brin- ging our communities together, celebrating local talent, and creating opportunities for people to connect,” Sarrazin said. “Through

GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca

The Township of Russell has received a $4,750 grant from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects program, funding that will help support the 2026 Photo Expo and expand opportunities for

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE WITH NEW DIGITAL SERVICES

GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca

The Township of Russell has officially launched a redesigned municipal web- site, introducing a range of new digital tools and features aimed at making it easier for residents to access informa- tion, municipal services, and community resources. The new website, which went live on July 21, remains available at www.russell.ca but has been completely redesigned following an extensive review of the township’s previous online platform. The project was developed in partnership with Accurate Creative and included months of consultation with residents, municipal staff, council members, local organizations, and community partners. According to the township, the redesign was guided by public feedback, website analytics, accessibility requirements, and best practices in muni- cipal communications. Municipal officials said the goal was to create a modern, resident-focused website that simplifies navigation and improves access to services. The new platform features a reorganized navigation structure, clearer language, impro- ved accessibility standards, and a mobile- friendly design for phones and tablets. Online forms and service requests have also been streamlined to make them easier to complete and submit. Among the most significant additions is a new text message alert system that allows

The Township of Russell has received a $4,750 Ontario Arts Council grant to support the 2026 Photo Expo, which will showcase local photography and feature four winning images as permanent outdoor public art along the recreational trail. Pictured above, from left to right, Kim Legault, communications coordinator with the Township pf Russell, Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell and Mike Tarnowski, mayor of Russell Township. (Russell Township)

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