Why choose Hawkesbury region?
Why choose Hawkesbury region?
Strategic Location
Geographic
The Hawkesbury region is located along the Ottawa River, offering easy access to major cities like Ottawa and Montreal (1 hour away). With a population base of 5 million inhabitants with a 100 km radius. This prime location provides businesses with proximity to large markets while maintaining a small-town feel.
Diversified expertise
HIIA can meet your needs by providing you with information on road or air transport, available land or rental facilities, the process for obtaining a building permit and possibilities for loans or grants.
Our industries
Our industries vary in sizes: large, medium, and small size. Furthermore, they are very diversified. Are you looking for a complementary or non-complementary industry? The HIIA is here to help you.
Transport
Road
Highway 17 - ON
Highway 34 - ON
Highway 417 - ON
Highway 401- ON
Highway 40 - QC
Highway 50 - QC
Highways to USA
Railway
Ottawa, ON
Hawkesbury, ON
Alexandria, ON
Cornwall, ON
Montreal, QC
Vaudreuil, QC
Air
Ottawa, ON - YOW
Montreal, QC - YUL
Mirabel Cargo, QC - YMX
Lachute, QC - CSE4
Gatineau, QC - YMX
Private air
East Hawkesbury Air Strip, ON
Montreal Soaring Club, Hawkesbury, ON
Helicopter Pad, Hawkesbury, ON
Makasa Airfield, Mont-Tremblant, QC
Affordable
real estate
Lower property costs
Compared to larger urban centers like Ottawa and Montreal, the cost of purchasing or leasing industrial or commercial real estate in the Hawkesbury region is considerably lower. This makes it attractive for businesses seeking to minimize upfront capital investments.
Availability of Industrial Land
With industrial parks and properties, businesses have access to well-positioned land for development without the inflated prices of metropolitan areas.
Certain municipalities have no development charges.
Lower
operating cost
Reduced Overhead
Businesses in the Hawkesbury region benefit from lower utility rates, property taxes, and general operating expenses compared to urban centers.
Skilled but Affordable Workforce
The region offers a skilled labor force at a lower cost, driven by a more affordable cost of living that enables competitive salaries.
Proximity to Major Markets
Strategically located between Ottawa and Montreal, it allows businesses to access two major markets without bearing the high costs of operating within these cities. The proximity reduces transportation and logistics expenses.
Skilled and bilingual workforce
More than 72% of the population in the County of Prescott is bilingual.
Bilingualism is a valuable asset in Canada, particularly in Ontario, which benefits from its geographical and cultural proximity to Quebec. Mastering both English and French can open significant doors and offer a competitive edge in the job market.
Workforce benefits
- Easily meet official language standards: 85% of Prescott and Russell’s population consists of native French speakers who are fluent and bilingual;
- 5 million people live within an hour’s drive of the Hawkesbury region;
- 25% of Prescott and Russell’s local population is within the highly active 25-44 age demographic;
- A 2.5% employee turnover rate: 9,000 qualified workers are employed in the region, and more seek for work locally.
State-of-the-art medical facility
The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) became a full-service regional hospital after completing a $160 million redevelopment project in 2022.
Recognized by Maclean’s Magazine as one of Canada’s top three communities for healthcare, Hawkesbury continues to lead in health services. With nearly 55,000 emergency visits annually, 200 physicians, over 800 employees, and a full fledged mental health facility, HGH offers highly efficient day clinics and specialized care.
Quality of life
Living in the Hawkesbury region, Ontario is Advantageous
Nestled along the Ottawa River, the Hawkesbury region offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to major cities. Located just an hour’s drive from both Montreal and Ottawa, this picturesque community provides the perfect balance between peaceful living and easy access to urban amenities.
Exceptional Healthcare
Healthcare is a priority for everyone, and Hawkesbury stands out as one of the top three communities in Canada for healthcare, according to Maclean’s Magazine. Residents benefit from high-quality medical services, providing peace of mind for families and individuals alike; not to forget our modern, newly built Long-term Care facility.
Recreational Attractions
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ottawa River becomes a hub for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddle sports. When winter arrives, the river transforms into a playground for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat biking, and ice fishing.
If skiing is your passion, Mt. Rigaud offers both day and night skiing nearby, while the world-renowned Mt. Tremblant is less than 90 minutes away for those seeking a more considerable experience.
Golfers will find a variety of courses within a short drive away such as La Cité, in Hawkesbury, the Golf and Country Club in East Hawkesbury, the Nation and the Curran Par 3, both in Plantagenet.
The Montreal Soaring Club near Hawkesbury operates a glider port, offering thrilling experiences in the skies and in the winter offers speedriding with parachutes and skis.
Hawkesbury’s region vibrant community life is reflected in its many service clubs, cultural events, and fairs. The area is known for its cultural centres, musical performances and popular events.
Larose Forest
Larose Forest is a natural hidden gem for its horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, snowshoeing, hiking, trail biking, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and more.
Sports
Hockey is more than just a sport in Hawkesbury and Vankleek Hill—it’s a passion! The town is home to numerous hockey leagues for both boys and girls, fostering young talent and community spirit. The iconic Hawkesbury Hawks, part of the Central Canada Junior A Hockey League, represent the town with pride and have a dedicated fan base. Beyond hockey, the region offers plenty of opportunities for baseball, softball, and pickleball, with many fields scattered across the community where locals gather to enjoy America’s pastime; not to forget yoga and Zumba.
Rich Community Life
The Hawkesbury’s region has many vibrant communities with its numerous service clubs, cultural events, and fairs.
Educational Facilities
Rich in elementary and secondary schools offering robotics international baccalaureate, arts-sports study program. Located in proximity to prominent universities like McGill, Concordia, UOttawa, and Carleton including a variety of colleges.
Faith and Community
The Hawkesbury region is home to a rich tapestry of religious life, with many churches serving the spiritual needs of the community. These churches are not just places of worship but also centres for community events, support networks, and social gatherings.
Diverse, Welcoming and Bilingual
The Hawkesbury region is a bilingual and diverse community that welcomes everyone with open arms. The air is clean, traffic is a non-issue, and the pace of life is refreshingly relaxed.
Statistics
72 %
of the population in the County
of Prescott is bilingual
25 %
of Prescott and Russell's local population is highly active
2.5 %
employee turnover rate