History, Mission and Vision

History

Situated on one of North America's oldest trade routes, the Town of Hawkesbury has long been a strategic location. It was once occupied by Indigenous peoples, for whom the Ottawa River served as an important link between the Great Lakes region and the northeastern part of the continent.

With the arrival of Europeans, the islands opposite Hawkesbury were undoubtedly the site of strategic encampments on the fur trade route. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the Town came into being. It was at this time that the first Hawkesbury sawmills appeared, profoundly influencing the industrial vocation of the site and the islands.

Between 1873 and 1878, Hawkesbury, which had become a major industrial and commercial center, felt the first effects of an economic crisis. Logging activities gradually gave way to the pulp and paper industry.

In 1896, Hawkesbury was incorporated as a town.

By the turn of the 20th century, small industries were giving way to large players who increasingly dominated the job market. The economic impact of the Great Depression of the 1930s was mitigated by the construction of the Pearly Bridge, linking Hawkesbury to the village of Grenville. This new strategic link between the two provinces sparked an economic boom, and the Town became a regional center for commerce and services.

The middle of the 20th century was marked by the construction of the Carillon dam and the expropriation of an entire neighbourhood on Chenail Island. Despite the opposition of the citizens, they had no choice but to leave their land. It was at this point that the Town began to expand southwards, building new residential areas and a new industrial hub.

The last thirty years have dealt a heavy blow to the local and regional economy. Major companies have closed, including Canadian International Paper (C.I.P.) in 1983 and Amoco at the turn of the millenium. These closures represent not only a shock to the local economy, but also to the collective identity.

Today, there is greater economic diversification in the industrial, service and commercial sectors.

For a complete history of the Town of Hawkesbury, please download the History of Hawkesbury document produced in 2016 during the Town's 150th anniversary celebrations.

To learn more about the history of Hawkesbury, the Hawkesbury Public Library offers a book entitled “Histoire des comtés unis de Prescott et de Russell” by Lucien Brault, written in 1965. Another book, abundantly illustrated with magnificent and unique photos, commemorating Hawkesbury's 125th anniversary, “125 Hawkesbury 1859-1984”, is also part of the collection. It's a fascinating history, a source of historical references, and recommended reading for anyone interested in the history of the Town of Hawkesbury.