After 38 years of service with the Town of Hawkesbury, Denise Robitaille retired from the municipal administration and now wishes to put her experience, knowledge of municipal affairs, and commitment to her community at the service of residents as a Municipal Councillor in the 2026 municipal election.
“After dedicating a significant part of my professional life to the Town of Hawkesbury, I now wish to continue my commitment to our community in a new capacity. I want to put my experience and knowledge of municipal operations to work so that, as an elected representative, I can contribute to the decisions that will shape Hawkesbury’s future.”
Robitaille’s community involvement is reflected notably in her role as President of the Prescott-Russell Residence Foundation. Together with her team, she helped achieve, in record time, the fundraising goal established for the purchase of 204 motors for resident lifts in the new facility. This significant accomplishment was made possible through exceptional community support and brings the Foundation’s financial commitment to this initiative to $508,000, contributing to the safety and dignity of residents while also supporting staff.
Her candidacy is rooted in a desire to contribute to a municipality that is attentive, transparent, accountable, and forward-looking, where good governance guides Council’s decisions in the best interests of the entire community.
For Robitaille, good municipal governance means transparency, accountability, respect for the roles and responsibilities of all involved, sound management of public funds, and decision-making based on complete and reliable information.
Fiscal responsibility and property tax levels will also be among her priorities. At a time when municipalities must contend with rising costs, infrastructure maintenance, and growing service needs, she believes that every financial decision must be carefully examined with a long-term perspective.
“Residents expect quality municipal services, but they also want to know that their tax dollars are being used responsibly. We must strive to achieve a balance between taxpayers’ ability to pay, maintaining our infrastructure and services, and making the investments necessary to prepare for the future.”
Her experience within the municipality has also given her a strong appreciation for the importance of a constructive working relationship between Council and the municipal administration. She intends to work collaboratively with the administration, while respecting the respective roles and responsibilities of each, so that Council can make well-informed decisions and those decisions can be implemented effectively.
Robitaille also wishes to promote a better understanding of municipal government and greater citizen participation. She believes it is important for residents to better understand the decisions that affect them, have access to municipal information, and have meaningful opportunities to make their voices heard.
Robitaille intends to encourage citizen participation through municipal committees and ensure that the question period has a meaningful place during Council meetings, while respecting the policies, by-laws, and procedures that govern municipal administration.
Over the coming weeks, Robitaille will share her electoral platform, along with the objectives and priorities that will guide my commitment to our community. She looks forward to speaking with residents, hearing their ideas, and working together for the future of the town.
