Cornwall City Council has directed Administration to pause the current Bridge Housing proposal while the City determines the most effective path forward to address transitional housing needs in the community.
The current proposal will not be moving forward at this time at any of the three locations originally identified. The City continues to work with local MPP Nolan Quinn and MP Eric Duncan to advocate for funding solutions that will support transitional housing in Cornwall.
Council has directed Administration to assess the work completed to date and identify options for moving forward with bridge housing. That assessment will draw on the extensive community engagement and site evaluation work undertaken over the past year.
“Bridge housing remains a genuine priority for this Council,” said Mayor Justin Towndale. “Pausing is not stepping back — it is taking the time to get this right. We owe it to the people who need transitional housing to make decisions that are sustainable, well-planned, and backed by the community.”
During the process to date, the City conducted three public Open Houses and gathered community survey feedback on candidate sites. The hard work, dedication and commitment from administrative and departmental staff during the Open Houses, and the relationships built through it, will continue to inform future planning.
As Administration undertakes its review, the City welcomes the continued involvement of community partners, non-profit organizations, and social service agencies. Cornwall’s community sector has deep expertise in housing and homelessness supports, and their engagement will be essential as the City charts a path forward.
“We are not walking away from this work,” said Mayor Towndale. “More information on the next steps will be coming shortly, and I invite residents to watch for updates on this project.”
The planned Town Hall meeting will not be held at this time. The City thanks all residents, community organizations, and stakeholders who participated in the consultation process.
Community organizations wishing to discuss Cornwall’s bridge housing planning are encouraged to contact the City’s Human Services Division.
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