Council Meeting Recap- October 14, 2026
Infrastructure Capital Projects Presented
On October 14, Council received an update on the 2025 construction season and current Infrastructure Department projects. Michael Fawthrop and Emma Vanier reviewed seven ongoing reconstruction projects, which include complete upgrades to municipal infrastructure. The Lauber Ave. project, underway since September in the Cumberland St. and Bedford St. area, will finish by year-end and features watermain replacement, road reconstruction, and new sidewalks. Other highlights included Montreal Rd.’s new retaining wall and recreational path, open since June, and the Nick Kaneb Drive extension started in September, with Great Wolf Drive nearing completion by year-end.
Council Composition Reduced
Council voted to downsize for the 2026 Municipal Election, reducing the composition to eight councillors plus the mayor, for a total of nine elected members. The current composition is 10 councillors plus mayor.
The reduction of two Council positions will result in annual savings of approximately $71,000 annually, based on current compensation levels.
Budget Process Timeline Revised
Finalizing the 2026 budget has led to a revised timeline: it will be presented to Council and the public on Dec. 8, with a public information session on Dec. 11. Council will review the budget for one month, followed by a Special Council Meeting on Jan. 7. This is Cornwall’s first budget under the Strong Mayor Powers, and Mayor Towndale has instructed staff to prepare a budget with a 4% levy increase (excluding Police Services), aiming to balance fiscal responsibility and ongoing needs.
Resolution on VIA Rail proposed changes
Council passed a resolution urging VIA Rail to maintain current service levels for Cornwall and the surrounding area, requesting Mayor Towndale to meet with VIA Rail leadership and inviting a company representative to address council. Recent VIA Rail modernization plans for the Québec City–Windsor corridor, including Cornwall, have raised concerns due to proposed cuts that would further reduce local services affecting Cornwall, SD&G, and Akwesasne.
Paramedic Services Report
Council reviewed the 2025 Paramedic Services report, noting response times generally met or exceeded targets. For sudden cardiac arrest, Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services achieved a 41.21% target time, above the 30% benchmark. Response improvements are credited to increased staffing in 2024 and better triage. The service covers over 114,000 residents and visitors in Cornwall and SDG counties.
Town Hall Meeting to be Planned
Council plans to have a town hall meeting on the subject of post-secondary education in Cornwall. No date has yet been selected for the meeting.
Service Agreement with Red Cross
Council was provided with information regarding a Comprehensive Service Agreement with the Canadian Red Cross. Cornwall has a signed service agreement with the Canadian Red Cross which expires December 31. The Cornwall SDG Human Services Department is interested in renewing the agreement, as the Red Cross provides emergency response assistance to residents in the case of a emergency. The Service Agreement will be renewed for a five-year period, January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030.
By-law Related to McConnell Ave. Speed Limit Adopted
Council as part of its package of by-laws to be adopted gave the green light to McConnell Avenue having a 50 km/h speed limit extended from Lemay Avenue/Arba Court to St. Antoine Street. Infrastructure Services says it’s necessary to lower the current speed limit of 70 km/h on McConnell Avenue between Highway 401 and the CN Rail Overpass due to significant increases in traffic volumes and current/future housing projects on both sides abutting McConnell Avenue.
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