Cornwall’s Year in Review Highlights Growth, Challenges, and Big Plans for 2026

A full house gathered at Galaxy Cinemas this morning for Cornwall Economic Development’s annual Year in Review, an event that has become a December tradition for business owners, community leaders, and partners from across the region.

Economic Development Manager Bob Peters opened the Year in Review with a laugh, noting that he was ahead of schedule this year—until the good news kept coming.

“The slide deck is longer than normal,” he joked. “The good news just didn’t stop.”

Community, Partnerships, and Reconciliation

The event began with a land acknowledgement recognizing Cornwall’s place on the traditional lands, then a video greeting from MPP Nolan Quinn followed, highlighting the hard work of local entrepreneurs and the region’s economic resilience.

Mayor Towndale: “It’s Been a Good Year — and a Challenging One”

Mayor Justin Towndale addressed the crowd with his usual mix of humour and candour. He praised local businesses repeatedly:

“You are the backbone of our community.”

He acknowledged the closure of Ridgewood and the unpredictable political climate south of the border, but said Cornwall has been steadily building relationships and remains on the radar of investors and provincial leaders alike.

A CAO Proud of His Community

Cornwall CAO Tim Mills shared a personal reflection about raising his family here, thanking Akwesasne and neighbouring counties for their partnership.

“If people could see this room, they would know exactly how Cornwall is doing.”

A Fast-Paced Look at a Busy Year

Peters then launched into a rapid-fire review never-ending slides, touching on major investments across health care, education, tourism, and local business.

Some highlights included:

• Cornwall Community Hospital becoming a Level 3 trauma centre, opening a new ICU, and installing a new CT scanner.
• St. Lawrence College unveiling a new millwright lab and expanding skilled trades programs.
• The River Institute earning a feature in National Geographic.
• Tourism numbers surging, with U.S. visitors up 60%, cycling tourism booming, and major events returning stronger than ever.
• Significant local success stories across retail, restaurants, industrial growth, and community services.

A Strong Local Media Note: The Seeker Expands

During the Year in Review, Peters also highlighted the growth of yours truly, The Seeker, noting its expanded team of contributors and photojournalists. With co-owners Julia and Mai-Liis present, he congratulated them for strengthening a homegrown publication that continues to champion local stories and amplify the region’s cultural pulse. The Seeker now has a team of 23 contributors and has expended coverage to Alexandria, Lancaster and all of Stormont.

The Business Park and Great Wolf Lodge

One of the biggest announcements was the progress on the new business park expansion, with construction ahead of schedule and new lands set to open next year.

The crowd also got an updated rendering of the highly anticipated Great Wolf Lodge, which is expected to bring roughly 600,000 visitors a year once completed.

Celebrating Doctors, Small Businesses, and Quiet Successes

Cornwall welcomed six new physicians this year through relocation and scholarship programs—an encouraging sign amid province-wide shortages.

The presentation also celebrated long-standing local businesses like Kids Korner, Fantasy Realm, Seaway News, and others marking major anniversaries, as well as manufacturers and logistics companies investing millions into upgrades and expansions.

Looking Ahead

Despite economic uncertainty, Peters noted signs of optimism: stabilizing inflation, low interest rates, strong tourism, and continued entrepreneurial momentum.

He closed by thanking businesses of all sizes:

“Sometimes success is simply matching what you did last year. Next year is another opportunity for growth.”

Prize draws for Nutcracker tickets, Film Fest passes, and a coveted Cornwall hoodie wrapped up the morning—along with an invitation to catch the full presentation on YourTV over the holidays.

Cornwall’s story this year was clear: growth, resilience, and a community steadily building toward its future.