Some Hawkesbury residents think the town needs a takeover—by a television program.
HGTV has announced a nationwide call for Canadians to show their small-town pride and nominate their community to be featured in the new Canadian original series Home Town Takeover Canada, set to premiere on HGTV and stream on Citytv+ in fall 2026/winter 2027.
Home Town Takeover Canada is the first expansion of the popular U.S. “Home Town Takeover” franchise. Home Town Takeover Canada is on a mission to spark a nationwide small town revitalization movement, starting with one special town. Inspired by the success of three seasons in the U.S., the new Canadian series will shine a light on a Canadian small town facing real challenges and give it the boost it needs to get back on its feet. HGTV is looking for a Canadian small town that has a population of 20,000 or fewer and is asking for submissions to include photos and videos of the areas in the community that need the most love, whether it be public parks, main streets, gathering places or changemakers’ homes.
Hawkesbury property owner Michael MacDonald thinks Hawkesbury should be on the new show and is urging residents to make their pitch to HGTV to have their town among the first to get the TV makeover treatment.
“This is important because I have lived in the Hawkesbury area for many years and have watched local governments become caught up in day-to-day tasks, often losing sight of the bigger picture — our geography, what we can offer, and the vision through the eyes of locals and business owners,” MacDonald said.
He noted the waterfront is a good example of a place that could be made over for the benefit of the entire town and visitors.
MacDonald is planning to visit residents and business owners to produce a video highlighting why Hawkesbury should get a Home Town Makeover.
“These will reflect what we all aspire to make of Hawkesbury: what should have been, a long time ago, a beautiful place to play, gather, and thrive,” MacDonald explained.
Residents can visit hometowntakeover.ca to share why the think Hawkesbury or any other town is deserving to be on the new show. The selected location, host and broadcast details will be announced in the coming months.
