Harden's Plaza Hawkesbury Expansion: A Strategic Play in Eastern Ontario's Retail Real Estate Renaissance

The retail real estate sector is undergoing a quiet but profound renaissance, driven by shifting consumer behavior, infrastructure investments, and the rise of regional commercial hubs. In Eastern Ontario, Harden's $20 million+ Phase III expansion of Plaza Hawkesbury stands out as a masterclass in capitalizing on these trends. By anchoring the development with Food Basics and Domino's Pizza, and leveraging the area's strategic infrastructure, Harden is not just building a mall—it's creating a commercial ecosystem poised to outperform in a post-pandemic economy.

Strategic Location: The Power of Proximity

Plaza Hawkesbury's location is its most compelling asset. Situated at the intersection of Tupper Street and County Road 17, the site is flanked by Highways 40 and 417, two of Ontario's busiest corridors, and just 15 minutes from the Quebec border. This positioning ensures a constant flow of cross-border traffic, regional commuters, and visitors to the nearby $190 million-expanded Hawkesbury General Hospital. For investors, this means a retail asset with inherent traffic generation, a critical factor in an era where foot traffic is the lifeblood of commercial real estate.

The expansion's proximity to major highways also aligns with broader infrastructure trends. Ontario's Golden Horseshoe region is seeing a surge in transit-oriented development (TOD), with governments prioritizing connectivity to reduce congestion and boost economic activity. While Plaza Hawkesbury isn't directly tied to TOD projects, its location benefits from the same regional momentum. Improved transportation networks and high-speed Internet access are making secondary markets like Hawkesbury more attractive, creating a flywheel effect for commercial hubs.

Tenant Diversification: Balancing Affordability and Convenience

Harden's tenant mix in Phase III is a textbook example of value-add strategy. Food Basics, the 32,000-square-foot warehouse-style supermarket, caters to budget-conscious shoppers—a demographic that has grown in prominence post-pandemic. Its “no-frills” model appeals to households prioritizing affordability without sacrificing quality, a trend that has reshaped retail demand. Meanwhile, Domino's Pizza adds a high-traffic, quick-service component, attracting impulse-driven consumers and families.

This diversification is key. By pairing a grocery anchor with a fast-food tenant, Harden is creating a “destination” effect. Shoppers are more likely to extend their visit when they can fulfill multiple needs in one trip. The existing plaza already houses a robust mix of tenants, including LCBO, Dollarama, and Winners, which further reinforces the center's role as a one-stop shop. With 9,000 square feet of leasable space still available in Phase III, the development has room to attract additional tenants, such as fitness centers or service providers, to deepen its value proposition.

Demographic Tailwinds: A High-Income, Aging Population

The Hawkesbury region's demographics are another tailwind. The area has a daytime population of 27,787, with a median age of 52.9 and an average income of $92,688. These figures suggest a mature, affluent demographic that prioritizes convenience and quality—exactly what Food Basics and Domino's deliver. As the population ages, demand for accessible retail and healthcare services will only grow, reinforcing the long-term viability of the plaza.

Moreover, the recent hospital expansion—a $190 million investment—signals institutional confidence in the region. Hospitals are economic engines, attracting healthcare workers, suppliers, and ancillary businesses. This creates a self-sustaining cycle of demand for retail and commercial services, making Plaza Hawkesbury a magnet for both residents and visitors.

Why This Is a Strong Entry Point for 2025

Harden's Phase III is more than a construction project—it's a signal of confidence in Eastern Ontario's commercial real estate market. The company's track record, including two prior phases completed in 2009–2015, demonstrates its ability to execute long-term value creation. By delivering Phase III ahead of schedule and within budget, Harden has mitigated risks that often plague large-scale developments.

For investors, the timing is critical. Retail real estate is rebounding as e-commerce growth slows and consumers return to physical spaces. The sector's undervaluation relative to other asset classes, combined with the rise of regional hubs, presents a unique entry point. Harden's $20 million+ investment in a high-traffic, high-growth corridor validates this thesis.

Final Take: A Blueprint for the Future

Harden's Plaza Hawkesbury Phase III is a case study in how to build a resilient retail asset in a post-pandemic world. By combining strategic location, tenant diversification, and demographic alignment, the development is positioned to outperform as Eastern Ontario's commercial landscape evolves. For investors seeking exposure to the retail real estate renaissance, this is more than a project—it's a blueprint for success in 2025 and beyond.

The question isn't whether regional commercial hubs will thrive, but how quickly investors can capitalize on them. Harden's expansion offers a clear answer: with foresight, infrastructure, and a touch of old-school retail smarts.