The Story of a Police Village
Historical boundaries of the Police Village of Russell (Township, 2022). A Police Village was a type of local government used in Ontario in the 19th century. It served small communities that couldn’t support a full municipal council, handling basic services like public order, sidewalks, and street lighting. Russell Police Village Boundary Est. 1898The boundary of the Police Village of Russell was formally established in 1898, when the Municipal Council of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell conferred Police Village status under the Municipal Act. Over time, most Police Villages in Ontario transitioned into incorporated villages, towns, or cities, or were amalgamated into larger municipalities. Today, Russell stands proudly as the last remaining Police Village in Ontario, preserving a unique legacy. Community Legacy Fund: The PVR TrustIn 2000, proceeds from the sale of Russell’s Hydro Electric System to Ontario Hydro were used to establish a dedicated Trust Fund.The fund is managed by a three-member board whose members are elected during municipal elections from candidates residing within the official Police Village boundary. The Trust preserves a principal amount of $1 million, with investment income allocated to support local projects in the Russell community. In 2023, Russell celebrated 125 years of its Police Village status.See how the Trust helped mark the occasion on our Special Initiatives page.