Historic Port transfer agreement signed

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Cornwall Ontario – Officials from the City of Cornwall, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Transport Canada gathered at City Hall this morning to sign the necessary documents for the transfer of the Port of Cornwall.

The signing marks the culmination of numerous meetings and negotiation sessions over the past two years for the area known as the Port of Cornwall and the surrounding lands. Through the transfer, the City of Cornwall and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will become co-owners of the Port lands.

The transfer is ownership is effective today. A joint entity, known as Cornwall Akwesasne Port Development Commission, has been established to oversee the management and long-term development of the Port under the umbrella of a co-owners’ agreement.

“The transfer of the Port of Cornwall signals a new era of cooperation and collaboration between our two communities,” said Cornwall Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy. “By taking ownership of the Port, we will collectively oversee the future use of a key piece of our waterfront.”

“This milestone in our partnership with the City of Cornwall and Transport Canada is a model for other Indigenous and non Indigenous Communities to strive towards. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to create additional opportunities for both our communities,” added Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict.

A media event and community celebration is being planned for the near future at the Port of Cornwall site to formally announce the transfer.