Port Hawkesbury’s Mayor said 2025 was a productive but challenging year for the town.
At last night’s monthly public meeting of Port Hawkesbury Town Council, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton gave an overview of the past year, featuring projects like the recently-completed public works building, upgrades to the town’s water system, paving and sidewalk projects, Active Transportation improvements, and work on the Dan Willie Memorial Ballfield, the arena in the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, and the Strait Area Pool. She said the parking lot near the town’s fountain also received upgrades in the past 12 months.
Chisholm-Beaton pointed to new businesses, expanding businesses, and more housing spaces going up around Port Hawkesbury.
Chisholm-Beaton said the 2025 Granville Green Outdoor concert series was successful again this year, as well as the annual Santa Claus visit and Christmas parade, along with First Night celebrations. She reported growth in arts and culture, as well as youth and recreation programs like fitness and aquatics.
Along the town’s waterfront, the mayor noted that two new businesses have set up operations.
Brenda Chisholm-Beaton
As far as finances, the mayor said the town has an approximately $700,000 surplus, tax rates have remained the same, and there were no service reductions, while the town has expanded its green bin pickups.
After pointing to some staff changes from those leaving or retiring, Chisholm-Beaton said the Allan J. MacEachen Memorial Airport reported increased tourist numbers, now has new asphalt on its runway, and the operator, Celitc Air, had a great year.
With the town’s water source, Landrie Lake, supplying existing and potential operations in Point Tupper, like the EverWind Fuels Green Hydrogen and Ammonia operation, the mayor said the town is studying the long-term potential of its watershed.
The mayor highlighted the work of the town’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee in making town spaces more open to more residents.
In the case of the bridges at the Granville Street-Reeves Street intersection, the mayor said they remained closed but pedestrian access has been maintained.
After the meeting, Chisholm-Beaton said some of the challenges entail keeping up with infrastructure, service, and housing needs given the town’s fiscal limitations.