Hawkesbury Must Focus on Responsible Growth to Finance Its Future

Hawkesbury Must Focus on Responsible Growth to Finance Its Future:

At Hawkesbury Town Council’s September 14, 2026 meeting, elected officials received an important economic update. The report paints a relatively reassuring picture of the Town’s current finances, but it also raises a major question for the years ahead: how do we continue renewing our infrastructure without placing an ever-growing burden on taxpayers?

The report, presented by Treasurer Philippe Timbers, shows that Hawkesbury has maintained a stable financial position despite inflation, the pandemic and significant increases in construction costs. However, future infrastructure needs are much higher than previously estimated.

For me, this reinforces the importance of responsible growth, especially when that growth can make better use of the infrastructure and municipal land we already have.

A $6.4 Million Annual Infrastructure Funding Gap

One of the most important figures in the report is this: Hawkesbury is estimated to need about $9.9 million per year over the long term to maintain its infrastructure at current service levels.

Current recurring funding sources provide only about $3.6 million per year.

That leaves an annual funding gap of approximately $6.4 million.

The challenge is not simply the Town’s current financial position. The bigger issue is finding a sustainable way to fund roads, underground networks, buildings, vehicles and other municipal assets over the coming decades.

“When we are looking at a $6.4 million annual funding gap, we need to consider every possible solution. In my view, residential and economic growth must be part of that conversation.” — Simon Guindon

Hawkesbury Already Owns Significant Infrastructure

The 2025 Asset Management Plan estimates the replacement value of Hawkesbury’s municipal infrastructure at approximately $434.5 million.

Roughly two-thirds of municipal assets are considered to be in fair condition or better, while about one-third are rated poor or very poor. Roads, in particular, are becoming a growing source of financial pressure and were identified by residents as the Town’s top infrastructure priority.

The water and wastewater systems, meanwhile, are generally described as being in relatively good condition following significant investments over the past decade.

That raises an important question: before building new infrastructure, can we make better use of what we already have?

The report does not quantify the unused capacity of the water and wastewater systems. That would need to be confirmed through the Town’s technical data. But if some areas can accommodate additional housing or businesses without requiring major new infrastructure, that existing capacity represents an opportunity.

Growth Can Create New Municipal Revenue

Between 2020 and 2025, the Town invested approximately $44.9 million in capital projects, nearly $13 million more than originally forecast in the 2020 long-term financial plan.

Those investments were made possible in part through approximately $13.5 million in grants and nearly $17 million in long-term borrowing. The report makes it clear, however, that neither grants nor debt can provide a permanent solution.

The report therefore points to the need for more recurring local revenue, including property taxes, user fees and increased reserve contributions.

In my view, we should also place greater emphasis on creating new assessment growth.

“Responsible growth is not simply about building more. It means building in the right places, using existing infrastructure efficiently and creating new revenue that can help support the services we already have.” — Simon Guindon

A new home, apartment building, commercial property or industrial development can eventually generate additional property tax revenue for the Town. When that development takes place in an area that is already serviced, it can be far more financially efficient than outward expansion requiring new roads and new municipal networks.

Making Better Use of Municipal Land

The same thinking should apply to municipally owned properties.

Some municipal lands may have strategic value for future public needs and should obviously be preserved. But when a property is underused and is not required for a municipal service, it may be worth evaluating its development potential.

The goal should not simply be to sell municipal land. The goal should be to determine how that asset can create the greatest long-term benefit for Hawkesbury through housing, economic development, jobs and, eventually, additional municipal revenue.

“Municipal land that sits underused also has a cost. When an asset can be transformed into housing, economic activity and recurring revenue, we should at least seriously examine that opportunity.” — Simon Guindon

What Residents Should Know

• Hawkesbury faces an estimated $6.4 million annual infrastructure funding gap.
• The replacement value of the Town’s infrastructure is estimated at approximately $434.5 million.
• Recent infrastructure investment relied heavily on grants and borrowing, neither of which can sustain future needs indefinitely.
• Growth focused on areas already served by municipal infrastructure could generate new revenue while limiting the need for major new infrastructure.
• Underused municipal lands should also be evaluated based on their long-term potential for the community.

Planning for Growth Instead of Simply Raising Costs

The September 14 economic update does not describe Hawkesbury as a municipality facing an immediate financial crisis. In fact, the Town’s current position is described as stable.

But the report sends a clear warning: the model used over the past several years will not be enough to finance infrastructure needs over the next few decades.

Choices will have to be made.

For me, the answer must include better use of existing infrastructure, a strategy for municipal lands, and responsible residential, commercial and industrial growth that brings new revenue into Hawkesbury.

Because Hawkesbury’s potential is not only about what we can build tomorrow, but also about how well we use what we already have today.

Hawkesbury, let’s talk!

Simon Guindon