Town turns 25, legacy project unveiled

Twenty-five years ago, municipal leaders thought it best to amalgamate the Township and Village of Petawawa into a single town.
The idea generated much debate among residents, but despite any doubts, the Town of Petawawa was born in 1997.
“I have to say in retrospect that it was the best decision the visionaries of that day made,” said Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet. “I have to recognize that those people with that vision 25 years ago really made us what we are today.”
Mayor Sweet credited them for many of the town’s achievements as they laid a solid foundation for the current council to build on. Since amalgamation, the unified municipality has thrived, with estimates forecasting the population to hit 20,000 in 2025.
“Development is booming, business is flourishing with the creation of amenities and tourism is thriving,” he added. “The future is indeed very bright. Petawawa is, in fact, dynamic by nature.”
County of Renfrew Warden Debbie Robinson agreed, praising the Mayor and his council for their efforts with the town’s unprecedented growth.
In honour of the 25th anniversary, a four-day celebration was held throughout the town, coinciding with the annual Canada Day extravaganza.
The Mayor, council, town staff, residents, well-wishers, and politicians gathered for the opening ceremony on June 30 near Norman Behnke Hall.
Lieutenant General of Ontario, Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, was the event’s special guest.
“I’m just delighted to be here with you today as we mark this extraordinary moment and milestone,” she said to the gathered crowd.
The town is well-known for its natural resources and its residents’ vibrancy, but Garrison Petawawa also makes it so special.
4th Canadian Division Support Group (4 CDSG) Commander Colonel (Col) John Vass was grateful for the invitation as he feels closely connected to the town, having spent much of his career in Petawawa.
“I had the pleasure of calling Petawawa my home,” said Col Vass, “and over the years, I’ve watched Petawawa grow from a small village into a vibrant town… Years ago only a handful of shops existed in the village and minimal services could be found, but now there are diverse businesses throughout the area ready to serve the community.”
The Garrison and the town are one team, one community, working alongside each other for the betterment of all, said Col Vass.
“That’s why so many members decided to make Petawawa their home even when their duty to their country has come to conclusion,” said the Colonel.
Also attending the ceremony were Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant and MPP John Yakabuski, and Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Councillor Dan Kohoko, all proud supporters of the town.
Jp2g sponsored the opening ceremony.
H & H Construction was the main sponsor for the four days of activities and the Commemorate Canada program allowed most of the 25th anniversary activities to be attended by the public free of charge. Other sponsors such as Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer, Andre L’Ecuyer, Boston Pizza Petawawa, Dairy Queen Petawawa, Slater Homes, Mulvihill Drug Mart, McCluskey Group - Tim Horton’s, Ontario Power Generation, Jim Lapointe’s Auto Group (JLAG), and End of the Leash Pet Boutique ensured the calendar of events was full.
“This is our opportunity to get together responsibly over four days,” said Mayor Sweet, noting it was also the perfect time to celebrate the United Kingdom Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Once the ceremony concluded, the Mayor invited attendees to explore the nearby grounds as they will be used for the upcoming Algonquin Trail Comfort Station, to be built in 2023.
“This will be a shining example of civic pride in action,” said Dowdeswell.