CJRO Radio News - August 31st, 2026

Hello! This is Manuela Dascal and you are listening to the CJRO Radio local news.

The third application period for The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program is now open. Rural communities and rural businesses looking for funding can apply to the ROD Program. The ROD Program provides cost-share funding for projects that help rural communities. You can submit your application by 5 p.m. E.T. on Thursday, October 1st, 2026.

To qualify for the ROD Program, you must meet both of the following requirements: your organization must be a municipality, a not-for-profit organization, an Indigenous community or organization, a local services board, a small business with 1 to 20  employees, and your project must be within an eligible rural area of Ontario. If you need help with your application you can call  1-877-424-1300 or send a message to RODprogram@ontario.ca .

Starting Friday, August 21st, 2026, registered candidates and third parties in the 2026 Municipal Election can place election signs.

Election signs may also be placed on a private property, with permission from the resident or business. All election signs must be removed within ten calendar days following the day of the elections.

Following the certification of nominations for the 2026 municipal election, Mike Tarnowski was acclaimed to the position of mayor of Russell Township for the next term. Mr. Tarnowski declared that he is grateful for the trust and confidence placed in him, but that this moment is also bittersweet as elections are important for a healthy democracy. He also mentioned that his focus for the next term will be on financial management, strong infrastructure, reliable municipal services, transparent decision making and strategic planning. 

Russell Township residents will have the opportunity to still cast their vote for the four Council positions. Mayor Tarnowski encourages the residents to remain engaged. “Learn about the candidates, ask questions, participate in the conversation and, most importantly, vote.” Moreover there will also be opportunities for residents to become involved through the Township’s committees and advisory bodies. The voting period runs from October 21st at 9:00 a.m. until Election Day on October 26th at 8:00 p.m. .

Photo by Russell Township media.

The Township of Russell received $20,425 in provincial funding through the Rural Ontario Development Program (RODP) – Community Development Stream for its project, Main Street Beautification for Business and Tourism in the Township of Russell.

The project aims to enhance the municipal parking lot located at the start of the New York Central Recreational Trail, at the corner of Notre-Dame Street and Blais Street in Embrun. As part of the project, the recreational trail will also be relocated behind the historic train station to provide a safer and more accessible route for all users.

Work will begin this summer, with the majority of the project scheduled to be completed in the spring 2027.

Photo by Prescott-Russell media.

The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (the “PREC”) and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) recognized the achievements of the six participants in the 2026 Summer Company program. This initiative helps young people turn their business ideas into successful ventures.

Summer Company is one of the programs of Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centre (the “SBEC”), delivered locally by the PREC and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

Throughout the summer, participants received personalized business guidance, mentorship, and financial support to help develop their entrepreneurial projects. This year, a total investment of $18,000 was provided to support the launch of six local businesses.

From September 18th to 20th everyone is invited to take part and discover Autumn in the Country Arts Festival which will showcase more than 25 artists, live painting, open studios, music, workshops, and public art across Russell Township.

Opening day will be on September 18th, at MacDougall Park (50 Craig Street) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. . During the reception Russell-based artist Leslie Chandler unveils her new temporary art installation “Breath/ Souffle”. 

On Saturday, September 19th, activities will include artists studio tour, artist alley, battle of the brushes and the Russell Photo Expo winners. To wrap up the festival, a painting meetup is scheduled for Sunday September 20th at MacDougall Park. 

Autumn In The Country is organized by volunteers who are passionate about art and is supported by the Russell Agricultural Society, Gout Art Community Altruism, Prescott Russell Arts Council, Russell Township and the Russell Historical Society. 

Ecology Ottawa is accepting applications for the third year of its EcoYouth Council, offering youth aged 16 to 23 an opportunity to turn their passion for the environment into meaningful local action. Participants gain hands-on experience tackling environmental challenges, developing leadership skills, and connecting with peers who are committed to creating positive change in their communities. Applications are open until September 11, 2026. Interested youth are encouraged to learn more and apply here at Ecology Ottawa.

On September 11th, starting at 5:00 p.m. the Vars Community Association is inviting the residents to an evening in the park - the Alcide Trudeau Park, for a BBQ, popcorn and an outdoor movie after sunsets. You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for a fun evening with family, friends and neighbours.

That wraps up our local news. If you have any questions, stories or news to share, contact us at the following email address localnewscjro@gmail.com . I also invite you to visit our website at cjroradio.com   for the latest news.