Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says last year was a busy and progressive for the town.

She says the governance, infrastructure, community and economic development, and municipal services achievements of 2025 paved the way for further growth in 2026.

“What gets me excited and hard to fall asleep at night is seeing new businesses opening their doors and seeing new buildings going up, whether they’re private residences or whether it’s a 16-unit building or 40-unit development,” remarked Mayor Chisholm-Beaton.

The mayor says major milestones of the year included opening the new Public Works building, completing of the Town’s water system upgrade, erecting the new Pitt Street water tower, improving the Dan Willie MacDonald Memorial Ball Field, and continued investing in roads, sidewalks, active transportation, and recreation facilities.

Other highlights included the growth of the Allan J. MacEachen Airport, progression on regional water planning by the Landrie Lake Water Utility, acquisition of new waterfront tenants, implementation of accessibility improvements as guided by the IDEA Committee, and the steady development of new businesses and housing developments.

“These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our Town Council, our Town staff, the engagement of our volunteers and committee members, and the trust of our residents,” added Mayor Chisholm-Beaton.

“As we move into 2026, we do so with momentum, optimism, and a clear vision for Port Hawkesbury’s future growth and progress.”

Recreation, culture, and community events thrived with the Granville Green Concert Series which drew large crowds and contributed to local economic activity.

New and expanded programming included Sensory Santa, First Night celebrations, and aquatics and recreation services that ensured opportunities for residents of all ages year-round.

The Town also created two advisory new committees called Growing Port Hawkesbury and Community Development that bring together residents, experts, councillors, and staff advance key growth and development initiatives.

Port Hawkesbury maintained a strong financial position to receive another clean audit and year ending with a surplus.

Significant capital investment of leveraging millions in external funding has allowed Port Hawkesbury to proceed with critical infrastructure projects and maintain stable tax rates and service levels.

Building new infrastructure, housing, and businesses are focuses being carried over to this new year by Council.

The mayor says if the town is to grow, then more roofs are needed over heads.

She shared with us how she would like to see Port Hawkesbury evolve.

“One of our goals have always been to be a connected, accessible town, a walkable town, so that whether you’re driving, walking, in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or on a bike, we want to make sure that as a town on the move, that people can move in our town,” said Mayor Chisholm-Beaton.

Her hope is to be ready for business and continue to be a town for absolutely everyone to live, work, and play.