Council Recap: January 26, 2026

Tourism-Oriented Signage for Highway 401

On January 26, Council was notified that new Area Profile Signs will soon be installed along Highway 401 at Cornwall’s eastern and western city limits. These tourism-focused signs result from a collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. Constructed with high-quality retroreflective materials, the signs are designed to optimize visibility and highlight Cornwall as a destination worth visiting for motorists traveling the highway. An annual fee of $1,200 per sign is included in the 2026 budget. Additionally, funds totaling $13,500—covering both set-up and the first annual fee—were allocated and reconciled in the 2025 budget.

Presentation by Friends of Guindon Park Trails

Andrew Dubé, president of the Friends of Guindon Park Trails, a group dedicated to supporting and enhancing the recreational trail network in the 500-acre park, shared with Council the soon-to-be incorporated volunteer organization’s initiative that seeks to complement the work of the City by leveraging volunteer power to keep trails in top condition.

The Guindon Park Trail Keepers Association would work in partnership with the City to create a top-tier outdoor experience for park users through year-round maintenance of trails, while advancing community engagement through public programs, rentals, clinics, and various events. Council forwarded the recommendation to administration for a review and subsequent report.

2026 Municipal Grants Program

Council was provided with information on the results of the 2026 Municipal Grants Program. Grants are intended to provide modest levels of support and assistance to community non-profit organization. The 2026 application period was open for the month of October, and a total of 18 applications were received requesting $194,153 of funding. Of the 18 applications received, the committee approved 10 applications totalling $117,153 of funding (both financial grants and services in-kind grants).

Approved requests included the Program 2 Multi-Government Funding Support, with $30,000 to the Seaway Senior Citizens Club, and $30,000 to Centre Charles-Émile Claude. Program 1 Financial and In-Kind Assistance recipients were 3^rd Cornwall Scouts ($10,000), Canadian Mental Health Association Champlain East ($10,000), Cornwall Youth Music Collective ($10,000), Social Development Council of Cornwall ($10,000), Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce ($7,000), United Way Centraide Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry $6,153),  the Hub for Beyond 21 Foundation ($2,500), and Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District ($1,500).

Locomotive 17 Fundraising Update

Council voted unanimously to give Friends of Engine 17 an additional 12 months to finalize their fundraising before making any further decisions about the Locomotive that is situated near Ninth Street and Brookdale Avenue. The Friends have raised about $55,000 so far and are on track to potentially raise another $150,000. Council had previously permitted the Friends to continue fundraising efforts until the end of 2025. The Friends propose refurbishing Locomotive 17 and moving it to the Benson Centre. Council previously committed $44,000 to move it to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls.

Update on Permanent Tree Protection By-Law

After receiving an update on tree protection, Council has moved closer to establishing a Permanent Tree Protection By-Law. Staff reported that the temporary by-law introduced in 2024 has effectively prevented large-scale tree removals before necessary studies, planning applications, and development approvals are completed. Public participation has been strong throughout, with over 550 survey responses and 77% expressing some support for making the by-law permanent. The City’s goal is to maintain at least 30% of the urban tree canopy.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Monday, February 9, at 7 p.m.