History
In August 1962, a pivotal moment unfolded in Hawkesbury when a group of determined local businessmen convened at a Town Hall meeting. Their purpose was clear and urgent: to inform municipal councillors of a growing demand from industries seeking industrial space in the region—space that simply did not exist at the time.
Recognizing both the challenge and the opportunity, these visionaries acted swiftly. A 15-member Board was formed with a clear mandate: to attract and support new industries in Hawkesbury. From this initiative emerged a bold and forward-thinking organization—the Hawkesbury Industrial Investment Association (HIIA), established as a non-profit corporation. Its mission was ambitious: to raise capital, acquire industrial land, and construct facilities that would welcome new businesses to the community.
To secure the initial funding, the founding members demonstrated remarkable personal commitment by individually signing promissory notes in favour of the Bank of Nova Scotia. They also obtained authorization to issue community bonds, enabling residents to participate directly in the town’s economic future. In addition, HIIA secured a mortgage from the same institution. In a strong gesture of municipal support, the Town transferred the land to HIIA for the symbolic price of one dollar.
The first company to express serious interest in establishing operations in Hawkesbury was La Diva Shoes Ltd., based in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec. The company subsequently incorporated in Ontario under the name Mark V, with plans to innovate shoe manufacturing by producing 2,400 pairs per day and employing approximately 200 workers.
Community leaders Mr. Albert Cadieux and Wilfrid Assaly rallied the citizens of Hawkesbury to support this transformative initiative. As construction costs rose to over $115,000 for a modest 50-by-25-foot building, they called upon residents to invest in community bonds—an invitation to take part in shaping the town’s industrial future.
On October 10, 1963, another significant meeting took place with President Fred M. Giezendanner and Manager J.B. Cody of Montebello Metal Works Ltd. Already established in Montebello, Quebec, the company was seeking expansion opportunities. Their needs included larger facilities to house new equipment, increased hydroelectric capacity, a growing workforce, and access to schools for employees’ families. Their potential relocation to Hawkesbury promised the creation of 70 new jobs—further reinforcing the town’s emerging industrial momentum.
