How to Meet New People

It can be a challenging experience to settle in a new town without any familiar faces or landmarks. That’s reason enough to go meet new people! You can meet people at work, in stores, in parks, in restaurants, on walks and so on. But those aren’t the only ways to go about it. The town of Hawkesbury has a large and welcoming Francophone community, it’s one of the things that makes our area so attractive.

We have many clubs and organizations that are great places to meet people, but knowing them all or even finding some of them can be difficult if you’re not from around here. Which is why we’ve put together this list of various groups and organizations that you might want to be involved with, depending on your interests. Hawkesbury’s Francophone community is a core part of the town’s identity and of its rich culture. It’s a lively, active and involved community. It provides many an occasion to connect with the French language and culture in a variety of contexts.

Joining one of these groups is a great way to meet people, to socialize, to get to know the area and to get involved in your new community. Come make new friends and experience great moments!

Here’s a list of some of the groups here in Hawkesbury and a short description of each. We’re trying to touch on as many accessible groups as possible, but it’s difficult to name them all. Please feel free to send us a Facebook message if you have others you would like us to discover.

The Hawkesbury RoadRunners*

The athletics club is made up of runners of all levels, beginners and veterans alike. They regularly organize group training sessions to help runners prepare for events like marathons and races. Members can also participate in the club’s own events such as the annual Hawkesbury firefighter race. On top of the training and racing events, the RoadRunners are involved with charities and volunteer work in the community. Members help with local fund raisers and work with other community groups to support important causes. The club promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles and contributes to improving quality of life in the Hawkesbury area.

The Hawkesbury Rotary Club

This international volunteer organization is dedicated to improving local and international communities. The club raises funds and heads service projects and events to help finance education, healthcare and environment-related initiatives.

Le Chenail Cultural Centre*

Le Chenail is a place for Hawkesbury’s Francophone community to gather. The Centre organizes many cultural events, art exhibits, workshops and French classes.

Sports Clubs at the Complexe Sportif

The Complexe Sportif manages a wide range of recreational clubs that offer classes for children and adults as well as sports competitions for all levels. The clubs promote physical health, camaraderie and friendly competition.

Prescott-Russell Canadian Mental Health Association

This organization provides services and resources for people who are struggling with mental health issues. It provides support groups, educational workshops and awareness programs to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.

The Hawkesbury Public Library Reading Clubs

The Hawkesbury Public Library offers many services for residents, including access to books, magazines, movies and online resources. The library also organizes activities for children, teenagers and adults such as reading clubs, writing workshops and movie screenings.

The Hawkesbury Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber works to support local businesses and promote the health of the commercial, industrial, agricultural and civil sectors of Hawkesbury and the surrounding region. Among other events, it organizes networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and provides resources and training programs for the owners of small businesses. 

The Hawkesbury Club Optimiste*

They are a non-profit focused on supporting the local youth and promoting their growth. They organize all kinds of youth events and activities throughout the year, such as sports competitions, summer camps, contests, scholarships and mentoring programs. The club also works closely with the community’s schools and organizations to support students in their academic success, developing leadership and personal growth. It’s also involved in various events and activities that support the community in general, such as raising funds for local charities, volunteer projects and initiatives for improving quality of life in the area.

The Hawkesbury Auto Club

The club gathers vintage and collector vehicle enthusiasts from the Hawkesbury region. It’s open to vintage, sport and collector vehicle owners and enthusiasts. The club hosts regular gatherings for its members: group outings, car gatherings, cruises, weekend events and vintage auto expo. The events provide members with an opportunity to share their love of cars, to make new friends, and see some of the region’s picturesque landscapes. The club is also involved in supporting the local community through charity and volunteer work. Members raise funds for local charities and work with other auto clubs to organize other charity events in the area. 

The Prescott-Russel LGBTQ+ Allies Group

Volunteers and agencies are the heart of this non-profit which promotes respect and integration of the LGBTQ+ community in Prescott-Russel. It aims to create a safe and inclusive community and to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues among the local population. The group organizes various activities and events throughout the year, such as social gatherings, support groups, information sessions and workshops. The events provide a space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet, to share their experiences and support each other.

To learn more about local clubs and associations, check out the Hawkesbury website.

*French website only