Cornwall Ontario — The City of Cornwall provided an update on legal matters surrounding the storage tanks site operated by Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. in the Cornwall Port area.

On December 9, 2013, City Council passed an Interim Control By-law to prohibit development on the storage tanks site. In addition, in early 2014, the City imposed charges against Trillium for not obtaining a building permit and site plan control approval and failure to obey an order to comply. This matter has been granted a number of extensions before the courts.

At the same time, Trillium had initiated an action in Superior Court against the City claiming the City exceeded its authority in laying the charges stated above.

The City of Cornwall and Trillium have reached an agreement that has seen Trillium withdraw its Superior Court application in exchange for the City withdrawing its charges.

The City of Cornwall is continuing to work with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Transport Canada on a divestiture process for the Port of Cornwall. This is a defined process outlined in Canada’s National Marine Policy which provides for the transfer of local ports to local entities. This matter deals with the entire port district, including the harbour and the storage tanks development site. The ultimate goal is for the City of Cornwall and Akwesasne to take joint ownership of this area.