Hawkesbury is taking steps to prepare for the municipal elections in October.

Council approved three bylaws during its March 9 session that focus on advance preparation for the 2026 municipal election in October.

Bylaw 11-2026 deals with providing Chief Administrator Samuel Cardarelli with specific authority over various municipal matters and business during the “lame duck” period that begins on Nomination Day, August 31. That is when nominations close for potential candidates for all of the seats on the present council.

The Municipal Act states that a “lame duck” period exists for a municipal council when there is the possibility that three-quarters of the members of an existing sitting council may not return as council members following results of an upcoming municipal election. The “lame duck” period ends December 1 when the new council is sworn in.

During the “lame duck” period the current council has more limited authority on what it can and cannot do. The chief administrator during the “lame duck” period has temporary authority for hiring and firing of municipal employees, and for some financial purchasing approvals and also agreements related to buying or selling municipal property within specified value amount limits.

The chief administrator is required to provide reports to the present and new council on any decisions in these areas during the “lame duck” period.

Council also approved Bylaw 10-2026, dealing with electoral signage during the campaign period for the municipal election. The bylaw forbids placing campaign signs on municipal buildings and properties.

Council approved Bylaw 9-2026 to guarantee that both French and English will be used on municipal election documents, including ballots.