In light of COVID-19, the City of Cornwall is taking necessary steps to protect the health of residents. As such, recreation facilities will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5, inclusive.

The Aquatic Centre is closed as of Friday, March 13 at 10:30 p.m.

While no cases have been confirmed in Cornwall, health authorities are encouraging Canadians to engage in public distancing. You can learn more about COVID-19 here.

The following facilities will be closed to the public, with all events scheduled to take place either cancelled or postponed. Refunds or credits will be provided for programs and bookings.

• Benson Centre
• Civic Complex arena, walking track and meeting rooms
• Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services meeting room
• EarlyOn Centres/ON y va

This includes the cancellation or postponement of the following events: Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Spring Home & Leisure Show, Harlem Globetrotters, Women’s Day Show, and Seedy Saturday.

Richelieu Day Care Centre will be closed as of Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Parents will be notified directly.

Municipal offices and customer service desks will remain open. Residents are encouraged to conduct business over the phone and online where possible.

• Property tax payments: 613-932-6252
• Parking fine payments: 613-930-2787 ext. 2225
• Municipal Works: 613-932-5354
• Social Housing: 613-937-7512
• Ontario Works: 613-933-6282
• Child Care: 613-933-6282 ext. 3310

If you have questions, and are unsure of where to direct them, please fill out this form. Staff will respond within two business days.

Cornwall Transit will continue to operate while undertaking additional measures to sanitize buses. The Cornwall Public Library will remain open.

Public engagement activities are postponed, including a Zoning By-law Review meeting originally scheduled for April 1. Council meetings and Planning Advisory Committee meetings will proceed as scheduled, with residents encouraged to watch via webcast rather than attend in person.

 “I am asking everyone in our community to prepare, not panic,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement. “The decision to close facilities, cancel events, and encourage social distancing was not made lightly, however, we believe these actions are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

“Check in on one another. Make sure vulnerable people in your neighbourhood are being cared for,” said Mayor Clement. “I know that in challenging times like these, the strength and generosity of our community will shine through.”

The Government of Canada recommends that residents stay home if they are sick, fill prescriptions, and stock up on essentials (but avoid panic buying). Learn more here.