Jennifer Séguin Appointed Building Inspector for the Town of Hawkesbury

At its December 9, 2024 meeting, Hawkesbury Town Council adopted By-law No. 71-2024, officially appointing Jennifer Séguin as Building Inspector for the Corporation of the Town of Hawkesbury.

At first glance, this may seem like a routine administrative decision. However, the role of a building inspector is directly connected to local development, construction and renovation projects, and the enforcement of provincial building standards within the municipality.

Why Does Hawkesbury Need to Appoint a Building Inspector?

By-law No. 71-2024 refers to Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992.

According to the by-law, municipal councils are responsible for enforcing the Act within their jurisdiction. Municipalities are required to appoint a Chief Building Official as well as the inspectors necessary to carry out those responsibilities.

Hawkesbury Town Council determined that appointing a Building Inspector was necessary and officially named Jennifer Séguin to the position.

The by-law gives her the authority to act as a Building Inspector for the Town and to enforce the provisions of the Building Code Act and its regulations.

What Does a Building Inspector Do?

Building inspection is an important part of municipal operations.

In general, enforcement of the Building Code helps ensure that construction subject to provincial requirements meets applicable standards. For residents, contractors and developers, the municipal building department can therefore be an important part of the process for many construction and renovation projects.

Appointing an inspector ensures that the municipality has authorized personnel in place to carry out its responsibilities under provincial legislation.

For a community looking to encourage investment, construction and the renewal of existing properties, the efficiency of municipal processes surrounding development projects also deserves attention.

“Hawkesbury’s development also depends on having clear, predictable and efficient municipal processes. When a resident or contractor wants to invest here, they should be able to clearly understand the steps they need to follow.” - Simon Guindon

An Administrative Decision With a Connection to Development

The appointment itself does not change the Ontario Building Code or introduce new construction standards. Instead, it officially designates a person authorized by the municipality to participate in enforcing those requirements.

That distinction is important.

For a municipality like Hawkesbury, the building department intersects with several important issues, including residential development, renovations to existing properties, commercial investment and long-term growth.

New homes, additions and commercial projects may require different municipal approvals depending on the work involved. The Town’s ability to administer these files efficiently can therefore be part of the experience of residents and investors looking to complete projects in Hawkesbury.

“A town that wants to grow obviously needs to enforce the rules, but it should also help residents and contractors navigate the process so projects can move forward efficiently and responsibly.” - Simon Guindon

What By-law No. 71-2024 Actually Does

The by-law adopted by Council is relatively straightforward.

It appoints Jennifer Séguin as Building Inspector for the Corporation of the Town of Hawkesbury and gives her the authority to enforce the provisions of Ontario’s Building Code Act, as amended, along with the regulations made under the Act.

The by-law received its readings and was formally adopted on December 9, 2024.

It was signed by Mayor Robert Lefebvre and Clerk Sonia Girard.

Why Should Residents Pay Attention to Decisions Like This?

Administrative appointments can easily go unnoticed in municipal agendas. However, they provide insight into how the Town organizes the services residents and businesses rely on.

In the case of the building department, it is worth looking beyond individual appointments and following indicators such as building permit activity, processing times and the pace of development in Hawkesbury.

Those indicators can help residents understand whether the municipality has the resources and processes needed to support future growth.

“What interests me isn’t simply whether a position has been filled. We also need to look at the results: Are residents receiving good service? Are timelines reasonable? Are our processes supporting investment while protecting the public interest?” - Simon Guindon

What You Need to Know

• Hawkesbury Town Council adopted By-law No. 71-2024 on December 9, 2024.
• The by-law appoints Jennifer Séguin as Building Inspector for the Town of Hawkesbury.
• The appointment relates to the municipality’s responsibilities under Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992.
• The Building Inspector is authorized to enforce the applicable provisions of the Act and its regulations.
• The performance of the building department remains worth watching as Hawkesbury considers its residential and commercial development.

One Piece of Hawkesbury’s Future Growth

By-law No. 71-2024 is primarily an administrative measure required for the operation of the municipality. Behind that decision, however, is a municipal service that can have a direct impact on projects throughout the community.

As Hawkesbury considers its future growth and development, it will be important to follow not only the projects being proposed, but also the Town’s ability to process development efficiently while ensuring that provincial standards are respected.

Simon Guindon