The Hawkesbury Industrial Investment Association (HIIA) is continuing its efforts to facilitate industrial economic expansion in Hawkesbury and nearby.
The HIIA was founded in 1963 with the mandate of attracting and supporting industry in the town. In 2015, the HIIA’s territory was expanded to include Champlain Township, East Hawkesbury, and Alfred and Plantagenet.
The HIIA purchases land for future industrial development on a non-speculative basis. At the HIIA annual general meeting held on May 29, board member Ron Bender said that in 2023, the organization had acquired 120 acres for future development in Champlain Township. That land is near County Road 17 and the town limit with Hawkesbury.
In 2023, Paula Assaly became HIIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on November 1, the association’s meeting space on Tupper Street at the corner with Tessier Street was significantly upgraded for use by clients, and the HIIA continued to offer confidential advice at no cost to clients.
“We own buildings we rent, and we receive rental income,” Assaly said.
The HIIA also provides loans to clients.
The land in Champlain Township owned by the HIIA requires sewer services from the Town of Hawkesbury. That need has led to negotiations between the two municipalities.
“Elected officials are working hard to find an equitable solution for the citizens of each municipality,” remarked HIIA board member Anthony Assaly.
Environmental studies will be done to determine what type of industries are most suitable for the site.
