Hawkesbury and Champlain Township have taken the first step towards a mutual agreement that will mean future growth and development for both municipalities.

The mayors of both municipalities issued a joint news release December 17 announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) “that strengthens the partnership between the two municipalities and paves the way for future growth and service improvements in the region.”

The MOU is the result of several years of discussions between the municipalities involving the undeveloped borderland between Hawkesbury and Champlain Township along County Road 17. The MOU sets out the guidelines for negotiating a formal agreement between Hawkesbury and Champlain Township that will help encourage future commercial development of the areas.

The goal now is to have the formal agreement ready for approval and signature by the end of April next year.

“This memorandum of understanding represents a strategic step toward strengthening the economic partnership between Champlain Township and Hawkesbury,” stated Mayor Normand Riopel of Champlain Township. “By collaborating proactively, we are maximizing efficiencies and unlocking our shared potential.”

Under the MOU Hawkesbury has expressed interest in annexing specific parcels of land located within Champlain Township, east of the boundary between the two municipalities. The amount of land involved is 106.42 hectares of woodland that is adjacent to residential areas north of the gas station on County Road 17.

These lands are classed as a Trade and Industry Policy Area in the Official Plan (OP) for land use of the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR). Some sections of these lands are designated as Rural Policy Areal in the OP.

In exchange for allowing annexation of these lands to Hawkesbury, Champlain Township will get access to Hawkesbury’s water and sewer services for a specific area of 138.7 hectares in size located on the south side of County Road 17. Access to these services would allow future commercial development of that area.

“This agreement comes at no cost to our residents and opens the door to new opportunities that support sustainable growth while respecting the needs and realities of our community,” stated Mayor Robert Lefebvre of Hawkesbury. “This agreement in principle marks a decisive step forward for Hawkesbury and our entire region. By joining forces with the Township of Champlain, Hawkesbury is clearly reaffirming its commitment to remaining a driving force for regional development.”

Both mayors indicated that the MOU and the future formal agreement will benefit both municipalities and “ensure the region remains a vibrant, healthy, and economically resilient place to live, work, and invest.”