To the Editor,
The 2026 municipal election is behind us. Having taken part in this election as a young candidate in my mid-twenties in Hawkesbury, I came away with a few reflections that I believe are worth sharing.
I sincerely thank everyone who supported those who put their names on the ballot. I also congratulate all those elected across our region. A great responsibility lies ahead.
Elected officials genuinely want to improve their communities and serve residents, but municipal governments operate within many constraints. Budgets, legislation, infrastructure needs, staffing, provincial and federal decisions, and competing priorities can make change slower than people would like. Not everything can be changed overnight.
That does not mean residents should stop demanding results. Quite the opposite. We need an ongoing dialogue between citizens and elected representatives, with realistic expectations and a willingness to work toward solutions.
Hawkesbury, Champlain, East Hawkesbury, The Nation, Alfred and Plantagenet, North Glengarry and other communities each have their own priorities and challenges, while also facing common regional issues such as infrastructure, finances, economic development and housing. Projects such as the proposed Alto high-speed rail line could affect several communities and will require municipalities to work together and represent residents effectively.
One thing struck me during this election: limited participation among younger adults. I was present at the polling location on almost every voting day and noticed few from my generation. This is symptomatic of a broader challenge: how do we make local politics feel more relevant and accessible to people who may not follow local affairs?
If we want more people to take an interest in their communities, we need more modern ways of communicating. Why not have the mayor or a councillor post short videos on social media explaining what is happening and what residents should know? For many residents, finding time to read pages of council minutes online can be difficult. Important information should be brought to people where they already are, in a format that is accessible and easy to understand.
Young people will live with the consequences of today’s decisions.
My campaign may have ended, but my commitment to this community has not. Every resident has a role to play in shaping its future, whether by voting, staying informed, volunteering or taking an interest in what happens around us.
I intend to continue playing my part. Will you?
Yan Tremblay-Poisson
Hawkesbury
