Hawkesbury Extends Maison de l’Île Agreement with Le Chenail Until 2027

The partnership between the Town of Hawkesbury and Le Centre culturel Le Chenail for the use of La Maison de l’Île will continue until 2027.

At its March 10, 2025 meeting, Hawkesbury Town Council adopted By-law No. 12-2025, authorizing a two-year extension of the lease agreement allowing Le Chenail to use La Maison de l’Île and its adjacent terrace.

The decision follows an earlier direction from Council in December 2024 and provides greater stability for the use of one of Hawkesbury’s distinctive cultural spaces.

From a One-Year Agreement to a Two-Year Extension

The previous agreement was authorized on June 3, 2024, through By-law No. 37-2024.

That agreement outlined the responsibilities of both the Town and Le Centre culturel Le Chenail for the use of La Maison de l’Île and the adjacent terrace. It was established for a one-year period ending April 30, 2025, and included an opt-out clause.

Before the agreement reached its expiry date, Council decided to extend the arrangement.

On December 9, 2024, through Resolution R-260-24, Council determined that the lease should be extended for an additional two years.

The March 2025 by-law formally puts that decision into effect.

“La Maison de l’Île is a unique place in Hawkesbury. When a municipal property can support cultural activities and bring people together, we should look at how we can make the best possible use of that space for the community.” — Simon Guindon

Agreement Extended Until April 2027

Under By-law No. 12-2025, the new lease period begins May 1, 2025 and continues until April 30, 2027.

The by-law authorizes Mayor Robert Lefebvre and Clerk Sonia Girard to execute a third amendment to the lease agreement with Le Centre culturel Le Chenail on behalf of the Town.

The agreement continues to cover the use of La Maison de l’Île and its adjacent terrace, subject to the conditions contained in the lease.

The by-law provided for this decision does not specify the financial terms of the lease extension. As a result, conclusions about costs, rental revenues or other financial arrangements cannot be drawn from this document alone.

Why La Maison de l’Île Matters

While the by-law itself is largely administrative, the decision is also about how a municipal property is used.

La Maison de l’Île provides a dedicated space for arts and cultural activities in Hawkesbury. Through its use by Le Centre culturel Le Chenail, the property can serve as a gathering place and contribute to the community’s cultural life.

For the Town, decisions involving municipal buildings should also raise a broader question: how can publicly owned spaces provide the greatest benefit to residents?

“Municipal buildings and spaces are community assets. We should always be asking how they are being used, what results they are producing and how they contribute to making Hawkesbury a more active and vibrant community.” — Simon Guindon

Two Years of Greater Stability

Extending the agreement until April 2027 provides Le Chenail with more certainty regarding its continued use of La Maison de l’Île.

That stability can help with longer-term planning of cultural activities and programming rather than operating under a shorter agreement with an approaching expiry date.

For the Town, a multi-year agreement also provides a defined framework for the responsibilities of both parties.

However, extending the lease does not mean the discussion about the property should end. As with any municipal asset, it remains worthwhile to evaluate how the space is being used and what value it provides to the community.

The period leading up to 2027 provides an opportunity to look at participation, programming, community use and the broader role La Maison de l’Île can play in Hawkesbury.

“Supporting culture should be about more than simply providing a building. We should also look at how partnerships can create activities, attract visitors and provide provincial and federal grants for Hawkesbury. We need at minimum, a 10 year lease agreement for the cultural center for them to be eligible to apply on those important grants.” — Simon Guindon

What You Need to Know

• Hawkesbury Town Council adopted By-law No. 12-2025 on March 10, 2025.
• The agreement allows Le Centre culturel Le Chenail to continue using La Maison de l’Île and its adjacent terrace.
• The previous agreement was scheduled to expire on April 30, 2025.
• The extension runs for two years, from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027.
• The Mayor and Clerk were authorized to execute the third amendment to the lease agreement on behalf of the Town.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The extension provides continuity for Le Centre culturel Le Chenail and La Maison de l’Île for the next two years.

For Hawkesbury, the period leading up to April 2027 will provide an opportunity to see how this municipal space contributes to cultural and community life.

Before the agreement reaches its next expiry date, it will be important to evaluate the results of the partnership and consider how La Maison de l’Île can continue to serve residents and contribute to a more active and attractive Hawkesbury.