Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on a fundraising boost for Maxville Manor in North Glengarry and new national housing construction figures.
Cornwall man, 86, charged with manslaughter in spouse’s death
An 86-year-old Cornwall man has been charged with manslaughter and failure to provide the necessaries of life in the death of his 83-year-old spouse, the Cornwall Police Service says. Police responded to a sudden death call on April 13, 2026, where the woman was pronounced dead, and an investigation followed. Police allege the man unlawfully caused her death on April 12 and that he failed, without lawful excuse, to provide her with the necessaries of life while she was in necessitous circumstances. He was arrested and charged on October 14 and released to appear in court on November 3. Neither person has been named, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Sources: Cornwall Police Service and Cornwall Seaway News.
Over the Edge rappellers set to descend Seaway headquarters today for United Way
Participants in United Way Centraide SDG’s Over the Edge fundraiser are scheduled to rappel down the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation headquarters at 202 Pitt St. in Cornwall today, Saturday, October 17. The descent is about nine storeys, or nearly 100 feet, and this is the event’s fourth year in Cornwall. Organizers have set a goal of $60,000 this year, and each participant must raise at least $1,000, including a $75 registration fee. Since 2023, more than 120 participants have raised over $100,000, according to Cornwall Seaway News. The money supports local programs dealing with housing, homelessness, mental health, food insecurity and poverty across Cornwall, SDG and Akwesasne. Sources: Cornwall Seaway News and Cornwall Newswatch.
Cornwall Transit offers free rides to the polls as advance voting nears
Cornwall Transit will offer free rides to and from polling locations during advance voting and on Election Day, the City of Cornwall says. The free service covers all conventional bus routes, where riders show the operator their Voter Information Letter or another valid piece of ID, and Specialized Transit, where riders say they are travelling to vote when they book. Advance voting runs Wednesday, October 21 to Friday, October 23, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Cornwall Square, 1 Water Street East. On Election Day, Monday, October 26, eight polling locations are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents voting online can get help from the Voter Help Line at 613-930-2787, ext. 2026, or from staff at City Hall and the Cornwall Public Library. Sources: City of Cornwall and City of Cornwall (online voting guide).
Golf fundraiser raises $36,000 for Maxville Manor courtyard
The first Golf FORE! fundraiser for Maxville Manor, the long-term care home in North Glengarry, raised $36,000 toward a new courtyard with a pergola, seating and gardens, according to Cornwall Seaway News. About 120 golfers took part at the Glengarry Golf and Country Club, and Melicaa Management Consulting, which is managing the Manor’s redevelopment, donated $10,000. North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald won the 50/50 draw and gave his $2,600 back to the Manor. CAO Stephen Golden said an earlier $11 million raised met the provincial requirement for funding, but the foundation still has to cover equipment and extras the Ministry of Long-Term Care does not pay for. The expansion is planned to be finished by 2029, bringing the home to 126 beds, which matters for Glengarry families looking for long-term care close to home. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Housing starts pick up nationally, but Ontario construction falls sharply
The annual pace of housing starts in Canada rose three per cent in September to 248,896 units, up from 242,223 in August, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported on October 16. Actual starts in centres of 10,000 people or more fell 11 per cent from a year earlier, to 19,984 units. Ontario was much weaker, with actual starts in those centres down 46 per cent, from 7,465 in September 2025 to 4,054. CMHC deputy chief economist Aled ab Iorwerth warned of the risk of “not building enough during this period of softening housing markets.” For Cornwall and SDG residents, slower construction across Ontario could make it harder to improve housing supply and affordability. Sources: CMHC and The Canadian Press via BNN Bloomberg.
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