Nominations are open for the new namesake for Russell Township.
The township’s Russell Namesake Rededication Committee is now accepting residents’ submissions for the new “Russell” namesake until March 23, 2022.
This initiative is a result of an earlier motion approved by council from Mayor Pierre Leroux, after community debate over the township’s current namesake, Peter Russell, a colonial-era slave owners. The Township of Russell will be
keeping its name but rededicating the honour of the name “Russell” to a new candidate who better represents the community’s ideals.
To make a nomination, participants must:
• be a current Township of Russell resident
• ensure the nominated namesake has “Russell” as a first name, middle name, or last name
• includes a detailed, well-researched explanation of all positives and negatives about the “Russell” being nominated, why they are worthy of such an important recognition, and documents to help the Committee verify the claims in the submission
• agree to attend the “Russell Namesake Expo” event in May where they will have a booth to explain to event attendees why their “Russell” nomination should be chosen as the namesake.
The online submission form is available at www.www.russell.ca/namesake.
Residents can request the form in an alternative format, or if they need accessibility support, they can contact [email protected] or 613-443-3066 extension 2312.
The Township of Russell and the Village of Russell were all named in relation to Peter Russell more than 200 years ago. Peter Russell was known to be a slave owner and believed to be an active participant in delaying legislation that would put an end to slavery in this region.
Council approved the launch of this initiative at the Special Council Meeting of July 6, 2020.
