Dec. 2, 2013 – At Cornwall Square, one of our top priorities is the safety and well-being of our patrons, tenants and the broader community we serve. This holds true for both the owner and Triovest who is the manager of Cornwall Square. Being responsible for our facility and to the people we do business with is a key principle for both companies and it underlies everything we’re doing at Cornwall Square.

Currently there are two complex engineering projects that will be undertaken in 2014. The first project is the more significant of the two as it entails the replacement of the pedestrian bridges which connect the parking garage to the shopping centre. The second project is the ongoing maintenance and repair of the parking garage. A reputable national engineering firm has been retained for design services and review of construction activities associated with both projects. The entire team is committed to the success of these projects.

The team prepared a plan which has served as a guideline to the repair and maintenance of the parking facility over the years. Over the past months, the engineering firm working with Cornwall Square designed and reviewed the installation of temporary shoring. They are currently working with Cornwall Square to design and review the implementation of the replacement of the pedestrian bridges and the on-going repair of the parking garage. The future work will follow a strategic plan that adheres to municipal and provincial guidelines, prevailing codes, and standards.

The replacement of the pedestrian bridges is a big project. It will require some adjustments from everyone who accesses the mall and it will take some time to finish. Cornwall Square will try to minimize any disruptions but in the end it will all be worthwhile. The ongoing repair and maintenance of the parking garage will be less impactful than the replacement of the pedestrian bridges.

Cornwall Square will be undertaking a coordinated communications effort to inform everyone interested in these projects in 2014 and beyond. Below are questions and answers that may address some of your concerns. We encourage you to visit our website for more information at www.cornwallsquare.com.

What is happening with your parking garage and pedestrian bridges?

We are in the process of replacing the pedestrian bridges from the parking garage to the mall. Safety during this project is a top priority. The work on the parking garage at Cornwall Square results from ongoing planning and management. Everything we are doing and everything we plan on doing will be guided by a reputable national engineering firm. The scope and requirements of the project requires that we work with our governmental partners.

Why is the replacement of the pedestrian bridges taking so long to get done?

This is a very significant project that requires substantial resources and planning prior to construction starting. For example, the bridges have a concrete “roof” which we intend to keep in place and this significantly impacts the physical construction process. The bridge replacement is a substantial long-term investment into Cornwall Square and will not be undertaken again for quite a long time. The old saying measure twice – cut once holds true here.

Why is the parking garage always under construction?

Part of the management of a parking garage requires ongoing reviews, repairs, and maintenance. The significance of the replacement of the pedestrian bridges makes it seem more drawn-out than usual.

So what is your timing for repairs of the parking garage and replacements of the pedestrian bridges?

At this time, we plan for the pedestrian bridge replacement project to be completed in spring 2014. The parking garage repairs are planned for fall of 2014. These dates should be considered estimates as there are external factors that impact timing. We will do our best to update the Cornwall community as to exact timing as the construction process draws nearer.

I heard that the Ministry of Labour and Municipality are involved?

At Cornwall Square, one of our priorities is the safety and well-being of our patrons, tenants and the broader community we serve. Being responsible for our facility and to the people we do business with is of key importance for all companies involved. As part of the management of the parking facility, we have met and will continue to meet with the representatives of the government. Given the complexity of the replacement of the bridges and temporary shoring, these communications have been more frequent as of late.

Should I be worried about using the parking facility in the meantime?

Absolutely not – safety is and will continue to be a top priority for Cornwall Square. The engineering firm is currently working with Cornwall Square to design and review the implementation of the replacement of the pedestrian bridges and the on-going repair of the parking garage. This takes time. The existing and ongoing work will follow a strategic plan that adheres to municipal and provincial guidelines, prevailing codes, and standards.

How do I find out what is going on?

We will continue to undertake a coordinated communications effort to inform everyone interested in Cornwall Square about what we are doing with the parking garage project and why. We intend to provide information throughout the project in 2014. That being said if you have any questions about the parking garage and pedestrian bridges please contact the Property Manager directly so we can share the facts with you.

What is being done to ensure the continued success at Cornwall Square?

We are proud to be the number one shopping destination for our customers for the past 34 years, and we expect to be number one, for many years to come! Cornwall Square employs over 700 people and we are proud to be part of the broader community. We believe our retailers, staff, and patrons recognize the value of maintaining the property and ensuring their safety. Recently we hosted our Santa arrival breakfast which was well received by the community with more than 750 people attending that event. We will continue to work with our tenant partners to ensure that Cornwall Square remains the shopping destination for the City of Cornwall and area. While the significant parking garage projects are being undertaken we know that there will be disruptions; we hope to minimize them, but in the end it will be extremely worthwhile for all of us.