There will be a race for the next Mayor of Hawkesbury.

As of Friday, May 15, two familiar individuals in local politics had filed nomination papers to run for mayor in the October 26 municipal election.

Former Councillor Gilles Greffe is attempting to return to municipal politics by running for mayor. Incumbent Councillor Julie Séguin has also registered as a candidate for mayor.

On Friday, Séguin released a short video on social media to announce her candidacy.

“I have not made this decision for myself. I have made it for my town, our future, and for all of us,” she said.

Séguin spoke of Hawkesbury’s history and bilingualism as its strengths.

“Today, Hawkesbury is at a turning point. A town with an immense potential, a town with a strategic location and a strong identity, but also a town facing major challenges ahead and in need of rebuilding trust with the population.”

Séguin said she believes in communications and wise investment from municipal government, that protects citizens and supports local businesses and organizations.

“I want to open the doors of city hall again. I want to give citizens their voice back. I want every decision to be communicated, explained, understood, and owned by council. I want to turn debates into discussions,” she remarked.

Séguin was also the Conservative Party of Canada candidate for Prescott-Russell-Cumberland in the 2025 federal election.

Greffe said a deep personal commitment to the well-being and quality of life of the community are his reasons for wanting to be the next mayor.

“I firmly believe that with an engaged and visionary council, we can make a real difference and successfully achieve our goals together,” he said.

“As your new Mayor, my objective would be to strengthen the growth and continued development of our community in a sustainable and dynamic way. With renewed momentum, we will continue ensuring that Hawkesbury remains a town recognized for the quality of its services,” added Greffe.

He said his candidacy is backed by many years of experience as a councillor, along with strong leadership in management.

I stand for transparency, teamwork, respect, loyalty, and above all, listening to the needs and concerns of our citizens,” Greffe said.

As of May 15, Gilbert Hanna is the only candidate registered for a councillor position in Hawkesbury.