André Rouleau has been a resident of Hawkesbury for more than 50 years. He holds a diploma in Recreation and dedicated more than 30 years of his career to Algonquin College and College La Cité. He is fully bilingual in French and English.
Throughout Rouleau’s professional career, and through my involvement in sports as a player, coach and organizer, he has developed strong skills in leadership, teamwork, organization and planning.
“These experiences have taught me the importance of bringing people together around common goals, listening to different perspectives, making thoughtful decisions and following projects through to completion,” Rouleau said.
Now, he wants to put that experience, knowledge and energy to work for the community.
“If citizens place their trust in me, I will represent them with integrity, respect, transparency and a willingness to listen — but above all, with a genuine commitment to action,” Rouleau said.
“Those who know me know that I prefer action over words, he added.
Rouleau wants to help build a positive, dynamic and forward-looking Hawkesbury where every citizen feels heard and has an opportunity to be involved.
“We need to make better use of the land available in Hawkesbury to attract new businesses, retailers and entrepreneurs, while encouraging housing development that responds to the needs of our growing community,” he said.
Rouleau said Hawkesbury must actively pursue new investment and make full use of available grants and funding opportunities to help make important community projects possible.
“A stronger and more diversified tax base would give Hawkesbury greater financial capacity to address important needs, including roads, infrastructure and municipal services,” he remarked.
Rouleau said the town should also do more to promote Hawkesbury’s cultural, heritage and waterfront assets.
Rouleau believes the relationship between citizens and municipal council must be strengthened. He is proposing the creation of a Citizen Discussion Forum — a space where residents can ask questions, share ideas, express concerns and become more involved in decisions affecting their community.
“Good governance requires clear communication, genuine listening and responsible management of public funds. Residents should be able to understand the decisions made by their municipality and know how their priorities are being considered,” he said.
Rouleau would like to see municipal sports, recreation and cultural services modernized.
“Hawkesbury has knowledgeable people, valuable facilities and passionate community organizations. We need to make better use of these resources through modern, efficient and responsible management, while working more closely with organizations and residents,” he said.
Rouleau said better planning and modern management can help the town maximize is facilities and resources while providing activities and services that respond to the actual needs of the population.
