You will find here answers to the most commonly asked questions, as well as general information about our services, and some useful direct links.
You will find here answers to the most commonly asked questions, as well as general information about our services, and some useful direct links.
Garbage bins and recycling shall be put on your property slightly set back from the curb or sidewalk, no sooner than 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the collection. The daily collection will normally start at 6:00 a.m. Garbage must be placed in a designated Town garbage bin placed curbside with the logo towards the street.
Visit the waste page for more information about all waste types.
A designated grey bin must not be filled higher than its sides and must not contain more than:
The lid of the garbage bin must be closed. If you have an excess of garbage, any additional garbage bags must be tagged with an "extra garbage bag tag" AND placed alongside the grey garbage bin for collection. Extra garbage bag tags are sold at Town Hall (3 for $10).
If you are the owner of a newly constructed house or business, you may obtain a garbage bin at Town Hall at our current cost. If you are the new owner of an existing house, it is the responsibility of the previous owner to leave the container with the property. Please note that no other container can be used for the weekly garbage collection. Bins must remain at the address to which they were assigned and are the owner’s and the occupants' responsibility. Any damage to bins will be handled case by case.
Provincial regulations do not include commercial properties in the “Blue Box” recycling program. However, there are still recycling options available to businesses. Recycle-Action is a local business that offers recycling collection services to businesses.
Since July 1st, 2023, your blue box recycling program is being managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit producer responsibility recycling organization committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems to minimize waste, and ensure materials are reused again and again.
Why has my recycling program transitioned to Circular Materials?
In 2021, Ontario passed a new regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of blue box recycling programs to producers – i.e. those that produce and supply blue box materials to residents. In this new framework, producers will become fully responsible for collecting and recycling their materials when residents discard them. The transition to this new framework will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026. As a result, Circular Materials will be managing municipal recycling programs on behalf of producers to support them in meeting their regulatory obligations.
Who is Circular Materials?
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems to minimize waste, and ensure materials are reused again and again. Circular Materials focuses on improving recycling rates to meet the needs and expectations of residents and to protect our natural environment.
For any recycling collection inquiries, please contact Gilles Mayer Sanitation. They can be contacted for:
Gilles Mayer Sanitation contact information
Schedule and prices can all be found on Amilia, where you can also register for an activity.
If you have more questions about schedule and pricing, please contact us at inforec@hawkesbury.ca or 613 636-2082
Facilities that are available to rent:
To reserve one of the above, please call 613 636-2082.
Special rates are available for non-profit organization.
The Town of Hawkesbury would like to inform its residents and visitors that a pass is necessary in order to use both boat launch ramps as well as the boat trailer parking.
For more information on the pricing and how to buy a pass, please visit the following page: Docks and Boat Ramps.
Need help?
Contact us at 613 636-2082 or at inforec@hawkesbury.ca
O'Shack is a water sports rental centre located in Confederation Park in Hawkesbury that is open during the summer.
For more information on the schedule, pricing and how to book, please go to O'shack water sports,
or contact us at inforec@hawkesbury.ca or at 613 636-2082.
For questions related to bills, please contact the Finance Service by e-mail at infotaxes@hawkesbury.ca or call 613 632-0106.
What is the pinkish, orange, or black film in my bath or toilet bowl?
This is a common problem resulting from the growth of bacteria on moist surfaces in damp conditions, such as showerheads, toilet bowls, shower curtains and bath contours. These bacteria are not present in our municipal drinking water. To remove, scrub surfaces, disinfect with a bleach solution, and rinse.
Why is my water pressure low or why does it fluctuate during use?
There could be a few reasons for this. This could be caused by a leak on your service line or due to the state of your plumbing pipes. It can also be caused by water distribution maintenance activities such as fire hydrants maintenance, leak repairs and distribution system flushing operations. If you have low pressure at all of your taps and nothing is turned on (like a garden hose), contact the Environment Department at infowater@hawkesbury.ca or at 613 678-9269.
Why does my tap water smell and/or tastes like chlorine?
Chlorine is used to disinfect and maintain good water quality. Chlorine levels in drinking water are kept well within the required limits and are closely monitored 24 hours a day. If the smell is too strong, place the water in a pitcher and let stand in the refrigerator before consuming.
Why does my tap water have a whitish/cloudy colour?
This colouration is not a health concern and is usually caused by the presence of small air bubbles trapped in the water. This is a normal phenomenon that occurs frequently when the water temperature changes (ex. cold weather season change). Let the water stand still and the small air bubbles will slowly rise and dissipate.
Why does my tap water have a rusty colour?
There could be a few reasons for this. Discolouration of water can be caused by the use of a nearby fire hydrant, the unidirectional flushing, a water main break, or can even be caused by your hot water tank. First, check if the discolouration is in the hot water or cold water, and if occurring at all taps. Tip: If discolouration comes from cold water, it will be in the toilets.
If hot water is discoloured, the issue is in the hot water tank and it will need to be flushed.
If cold water is discoloured at all taps, let the cold water run and it will become clear again. Note that this discolouration does not represent any risk for your health.
I need my exterior water valve shutoff or turned on, who do I contact?
Contact the Environment Department a minimum 48 hours in advance at infowater@hawkesbury.ca or at 613 678-9269 to book an appointment.
The water valve (curb stop) on my lawn/driveway is broken or needs to be adjusted, who do I contact?
Contact the Environment Department at infowater@hawkesbury.ca or at 613 678-9269.
Why is my water/wastewater bill suddenly very high?
A sudden increase in the amount of your bill could be due to several reasons:
If you receive a bill that you feel is too high, check over the common causes listed above before contacting the Town.
Can I purchase bulk water?
The Town recognizes the benefits of purchasing bulk water from a convenient and accessible location and offers this service to businesses at its Water Treatment Plant. Businesses wishing to purchase bulk water must create a bulk water sales account with the Town.
How to contact SLWC?
SLWC toll-free phone number: 1-866-922-9004
SLWC Website for more information
Does my home insurance cover exterior water and sewer service lines?
Maybe. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to understand if their policy covers repairs to the exterior water and sewer service lines due to normal wear and tear, whether or not additional coverage can be added to their policy and at what cost, and their responsibilities in the event of a private water or sewer service line failure. If the policy does not cover the repair of water and sewer service lines, homeowners may wish to consider alternatives.
Are SLWC’s protection plans considered insurance?
No. SLWC offers service plans as an independent private provider. Although the plans use terms like deductible, coverage and exclusions, the plans are not insurance, but a contractual pledge to arrange a contractor to repair your water and sewer service lines.
How is insurance different from the plans offered by Service Line Warranties of Canada?
Insurance provides the ability to transfer the potential financial consequences of a loss to an insurance company, in exchange for a policy premium. When an accident occurs, insurance is intended to cover the costs to put the policy holder back in the same financial position they were in right before the event occurred. Insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy issued and may not respond to all events. For more information about insurance coverage for the private portion of water and sewer service lines, property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to understand the extent of their policy coverage, and their responsibilities in the event of a private water or sewer service line failure.
Service Line Warranties of Canada provides services in the event of the failure of a private water or sewer service line due to wear and tear. Should a service line fail, Service Line Warranties of Canada will coordinate any covered repairs with their network of qualified and insured local contractors. Their contractor will obtain the necessary permits, locates and will perform the repair or replacement of the service line. Service Line Warranties of Canada will also pay the contractor directly, up to your plan’s benefit amount.
How can I stop getting mail from SLWC?
If you would prefer to not receive any marketing notifications (such as email, direct mail, or phone calls) from SLWC, please contact SLWC at 1-844-616-8444.
Who is Service Line Warranties of Canada?
SLWC is a private company that administers optional and voluntary Exterior Water Service and Sewer/Septic Line and Interior Plumbing and Drainage coverage plans for homeowners. SLWC is a part of HomeServe plc, through its subsidiaries, an international service provider operating in the UK, France, Spain, Japan, US and Canada. SLWC is guided by an Ontario-based General Manager, and the contractors in our network are all local Canadians, including those servicing Hawkesbury. SLWC is an accredited Better Business Bureau organization with an A+ rating.
Why has the Town of Hawkesbury chosen to work with SLWC to offer these Plans?
The Town saw an opportunity to educate homeowners about their responsibilities for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the private portion of their water and sewer service lines (from inside the home to the property line or water shut-off valve).
The Town can also be assured that all repairs performed on this critical infrastructure meet the Ontario Building Code and that all appropriate permitting is obtained.
What are the benefits of this type of program?
SLWC offers homeowners optional and voluntary affordable protection for unexpected costs of repairing or replacing failed or defective water and sewer service lines, as well as failed or defective interior plumbing systems.
SLWC only uses qualified local contractors so repair dollars stay within the community, helping the local economy.
Did the Town provide homeowners information for the letters?
The Town of Hawkesbury has not provided SLWC with your contact information. All contact information was obtained through a third-party mailing list service and not through the Town records.
Did the Town provide any public funds to support the promotion of this program?
No. SLWC pays for all aspects of the program including marketing, customer service and repairs.
I received a call from a Home Warranty company. Is this related to SLWC?
No. The agreement between the Town and SLWC specifically prohibits telemarketing and door-to-door solicitation practices.
I got a letter from Service Line Warranty Program with the Town’s logo on it. Is this letter legitimate?
Yes, this letter is legitimate. Back in September 2022, the Town partnered with SLWC to offer Hawkesbury homeowners protection plans to help cover the potentially expensive repair costs associated with their portion of water and sewer service lines. These plans, offered by SWLC, are used by over 1000 cities, municipalities, and utilities across North America, including over 70 in Ontario.
Please note that participation is optional and voluntary for homeowners in Hawkesbury and that it is not a Town program. Please visit https://www.slwofc.ca/ for frequently asked questions and links to additional information.
If you have any questions, please contact Hydro Hawkesbury directly at 613 632-6689.
A building permit is required for the following construction projects or work:
Projects that do not require a permit
A building permit is not required for the following work.
However, you must comply with the requirements of the Town's zoning by-law and, if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.
The work must start within six (6) months. From that moment on, you have one (1) year to complete the project. If more time is required, you can contact the Chief Building Officer to request an extension and provide the reasons why. The Chief Building Official may allow you additional time to complete the project. If construction has not started within six (6) months, or if construction is stopped for a significant period of time, the Chief Building Official may decide to cancel the permit.
Submit the application
Please submit the application to the Construction Department along with all required documents and/or plans. Here is the list of documents that are required for your application to be complete:
Payment of fees
To obtain your building permit, you must pay all fees according to Schedule "A" of By-law N° 18-2008 before starting construction. Development fees to be applicable according to the project.
Review Process
The Chief Building Official reviews the application to determine if the project complies with the Ontario Building Code, zoning and other municipal and provincial regulations.
Issuance of the permit
The Chief Building Official issues the building permit if it is found to comply with the Ontario Building Code, zoning by-laws and other applicable regulations. The period of time for the issuance of the permit is according to the provisions of the Ontario Building Code and begins on the day that the application is considered complete by the Chief Building Official.
Posting the permit
You must post the building permit in a window or conspicuous place on the construction site, keep a copy of the construction plans on the site, and bring any changes to the attention of the Chief Building Official immediately. Changes may require review and approval as the original application.
Please contact the construction department for more complex projects at infoconstruction@hawkesbury.ca. Some additional information may be required depending on the project.
| Type of construction project | Number of days allotted to issue a permit (when all required documents have been provided) |
| Residential | Up to 15 days |
| Residential (multiple units) | Up to 20 days |
| Commercial | Up to 20 days |
| Industrial | up to 20 days |
| Institutional | Up to 20 days |
List of plans and drawings, as defined in the Ontario Building Code, that may be required for the permit application:
Please contact the construction department for more complex projects at infoconstruction@hawkesbury.ca. Some additional information may be required depending on the project.
Required Inspections
Each construction step must be inspected by the building inspector to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, building permit and approved plans. The inspections required for the project will be indicated on the inspection form attached to the construction permit. It is the responsibility of the person responsible for the construction project to request each inspection with 24 to 48 hours' notice.
Deficiencies to be corrected
Deficiencies noted during the inspection must be corrected and re-inspected before proceeding to the next stage of construction.
Final inspection
You must contact the Building Department for a final inspection when construction is complete.
Construction completed
When the final inspection has been completed and the Chief Building Official considers the construction complete, the performance deposit will be given to the applicant, according to By-law N° 18-2008.
Please contact the construction department for more complex projects at infoconstruction@hawkesbury.ca. Some additional information may be required depending on the project.
If you have any questions, it is always important to start by contacting the Town's planner directly at infoplanning@hawkesbury.ca.
Approval of a site plan agreement is required for certain types of developments to address various aspects of planning. This is generally required for commercial and industrial development, for residential construction of more than three units, for a change of use, or for a revision to an existing site plan. The services of a professional may be required. Approval can be granted by the municipal Council.
Key Steps
It is important to note that every applicant has responsibilities in the approval process for a site plan agreement. Otherwise, the application may be refused. Applicants must:
Applications are evaluated based on the policies established in the Official Plan and further detailed in the zoning bylaw. Generally, the development plan should:
Applications for a minor variance must meet the following four tests:
It is always important to consult the planner early on. This can help you avoid unforeseen issues.
A pothole will be repaired if the surface is larger than 1000 cm2 and is a minimum depth of 8 cm. The repair time varies according to the circumference.
To report a pothole, go to the Bciti+ platform and submit a request or e-mail us at tp-pw@hawkesbury.ca
Under the Marriage Act, 1990, the Clerk's Office can issue marriage licenses. The Town of Hawkesbury also offers civil ceremony services.
To make an appointment : infogreffe@hawkesbury.ca or 613 632-0106.
Full details on this page
All citizens must register their dog(s). Registration takes place at Town Hall (door 3). Licenses are renewable annually before March 15. Each household is authorized to own a maximum of two (2) dogs.
Full details on this page: (link to come)
A permit is required to hold a garage sale. The cost is $10 for two (2) consecutive days. Two (2) garage sales are permitted per year per civic address. There are also two (2) free garage sales per year, on the last weekend in May and the long weekend in October.
If you have any questions, please contact the By-law Department at 613 632-0106.
To obtain a permit, go to Town Hall, Door 3.
Full details on this page: (link to come)
Under the Municipal Act, 2001, a resident must apply for a permit to hold a fireworks event. It is up to the Municipality to prescribe the conditions under which fireworks displays may be held under this permit. To request a permit, you must send an e-mail to the Fire Department at infofire@hawkesbury.ca or incendies@hawkesbury.ca.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Emergency situations include but are not limited to: medical emergencies, fire, or any situation where there is an immediate threat to life or property.
For municipal emergencies, call 613 632-1105.
Are you ready for an Emergency?
All the details on this page: (link to come)
There are two (2) ways to file a complaint: by contacting 613 632-1105, or by completing the online form.
Anonymous complaints are not accepted, nor are those made on our Facebook page. You must provide your full contact details. The identity of the complainant remains confidential, unless legal action is taken and the complainant's testimony is required.
When you receive a parking ticket, you have two options:
Option 1:
Parking tickets issued by By-law Officers can be paid in person at the Finance Department (Door 3) at Town Hall (payment in cash, cheque, electronic debit or money order) or by mail (cheque or money order), or you can pay online with a credit card at https://ipn.paymentus.com/cp/hawk?lang=en
Option 2:
You can contest a ticket by filling out the online form to request a screening review. Learn more about the screening review process here.
Parking in the Town is prohibited between midnight and 7 a.m. from November 15 to April 15.
Check the street signs before parking, as some streets may have additional restrictions.
It's important to respect the 1.5-metre setback from the sidewalk or cement curb, otherwise the Town may ask you to move it. After April 15, all temporary shelters, including structures, must be removed.
There are two (2) tax bills per year, for a total of four (4) instalments:
For any information about your property taxes, please call (613) 632-0106 or email us at infotaxes@hawkesbury.ca.
Payments can be made as follows:
There are four (4) billings per year:
For any information about your Water/Sewer/Garbage billing, please call (613) 632-0106 or email us at infotaxes@hawkesbury.ca.
The Town of Hawkesbury uses a variety of communication platforms to provide our citizens with real-time information. You can access our pages and subscribe by clicking on the following links:
A reminder: please be courteous and respectful on the Town of Hawkesbury pages. We welcome all tactfully expressed opinions. We verify all comments and reserve the right to hide or delete those we deem inappropriate. Our Facebook page is managed during normal business hours, except on statutory holidays. For all communication via Facebook, please allow an average of 48 working hours for replies to messages.
You can access all our Council meeting on our YouTube channel at : Hawkesbury ON - YouTube
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