By Dana McLean

Choosecornwall.ca – Cornwall’s economy retains its strong foundations and the forecast for 2021 is positive, according to a report prepared by Cornwall Economic Development.

“Businesses in Cornwall have risen to the challenge and in many ways 2020 has been a good year in terms of development activity,” says Bob Peters, Division Manager of Economic Development. “Although growth varies from sector to sector, companies both large and small are adapting and succeeding.”

The Year in Review report was delivered online to an estimated 200 viewers on the Zoom web platform. This is the 23rd year Cornwall Economic Development has delivered an annual recap of business news, with the first such report being prepared in 1998. Information for the report is  gathered from such diverse sources as building permits, media and from submissions from local businesses.

The 2020 report recaps dozens of stories of investments and achievements by local companies and individuals. Mayor Bernadette Clement also spoke at the event.

“In a year where the only certainty was change, and where COVID-19 dominated the news, it is important to take a step back and take a closer look at our economy,” says Mayor Clement. “As much as there was disruption, there was also investment, development activity and job growth. Cornwall can be proud of the way it has responded to the challenges of 2020.”

2020 – Year in Review

Here are some of the highlights from Mr. Peters’ presentation, which can be downloaded from the ChooseCornwall.ca website, along with reports from previous years.

Commercial

Dozens of commercial businesses opened or expanded operations in Cornwall this year, despite disruptions caused by the Pandemic. These include expanded dining and shopping options along with a strong entrepreneurial push from companies supported by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, Cornwall Innovation Centre and Community Futures Development Corporation.

Industrial

Several local manufacturers, food processors and logistics companies expanded in 2020 including a new production line at Leclerc and work being finalized on the new distribution centre for Loblaw. Other companies investing and expanding their workforce were Walmart Logistics, Olymel, Laminacorr and Laframboise Group, along with transportation companies ITS, MiniMax Express and Seaway Express.

Residential

Local developers remain very busy building new homes across the city in a number of subdivisions. Other highlights include the Bell Tower project in the Cotton Mill District, a new 160 bed long term care facility by Southbridge, an expanded Riverdale Terrace and work begin on apartments for seniors at Sunset Court.

Institutional

OPG is currently undertaking 10 major rehabilitation projects at the Saunders Generating Station, St. Lawrence College is launching new programs and groups such as the CFDC and Chamber have worked hard to support local businesses. The City of Cornwall has undertaken a number of major infrastructure projects, including the extension of services on Brookdale North.

Pandemic Response

The report also detailed the incredible efforts from local government, agencies and community groups to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the efforts of front line medical staff and other essential workers along with financial supports and other assistance provided to local business owners.

The above is just a sampling of the dozens of stories referenced in the 2020 Year in Review report, which can be downloaded in the Resources section of this website. There are also over 150 detailed success stories from 2020 in the News section.

YourTV Broadcast

The Year in Review presentation was broadcast live on YourTV Cornwall, and will be rebroadcast on December 17th at 10:00 p.m. You can also view a recording of the presentation by YourTV on YouTube: