This petition is concerning Hawkesbury, Ontario in Canada. Not to be confused with Port Hawkesbury in Nova Scotia or Hawkesbury in Australia. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawkesbury used to have intercity bus services available connecting to the larger cities. These services have not returned since then. 

Living in Hawkesbury (and including surrounding municipalities like Grenville, L'Orignal, Vankleek Hill, Alfred, Chute-à-Blondeau, Saint-Eugène) without a personal vehicle or the financial ability to afford expensive taxi rides poses a significant challenge, especially for those needing to travel to larger cities like Ottawa and Montreal. Many residents face this barrier, making it difficult to commute for work, access educational opportunities, or attend essential medical appointments. Public transport is not just a convenience; it's a necessity for boosting our local economy and providing equitable access to job opportunities.

Hawkesbury, situated midway between the larger metropolitan areas of Ottawa and Montreal, is a community with untapped potential that could flourish with improved connectivity. Implementing a dedicated bus route or including Hawkesbury as a stop in a pre-existing bus service (e.g. Orleans Express has a bus service that passes right by Hawkesbury) would not only serve individuals without cars but also benefit the town's economy by increasing accessibility. Affordable and reliable public transport would allow residents to seek employment in the bigger cities, offering them the same opportunities that others in well-connected regions experience.

Currently, residents may spend over hundreds of dollars for a single taxi journey to these cities—money that many cannot afford. This cost is prohibitive and unsustainable, reinforcing inequality and limiting economic growth. By establishing a bus stop or route, we can alleviate these financial burdens, promote sustainable travel, and harness the potential of our community.

The need for a bus service is clear. Similar Canadian towns have successfully lobbied for better transit options, leading to improved local economies and increased quality of life for residents. Now, it’s time for Hawkesbury to join this movement.

Please join me in urging local transit authorities and regional bus service providers to recognize the importance of including Hawkesbury in their route plans. Your signature can make a difference in connecting our community, enhancing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life for us all. Sign this petition to help make essential public transport a reality for Hawkesbury.

Game Plan:

• Town of Hawkesbury in conjunction with surrounding municipalities, and/or Prescott-Russell Counties and/or Ontario Ministry of Transportation publicly fund a bus service that  Option A) takes residents from the region to Ottawa or Montreal, or Option B) provide a shuttle bus to Alexandria, where there is a regional VIA Rail train service available. Option B would be similar to how in Rigaud there is an Exo bus service to Vaudreuil-Dorion (where there is a public transit hub).  Public agencies can work together with private bus companies like 417, Leduc, FlixBus, Orleans Express, etc.
• Argo Transit (currently available in Brampton and Bradford West Gwillimbury)