Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on Ontario’s winter electricity imports from the U.S. and new federal money for skilled-worker training.
Police canvass Walton Street area for video in Cornwall homicide
Cornwall police carried out a large-scale canvass on Saturday, October 17, moving from Walton Street south to the St. Lawrence River as part of the homicide investigation into the death of a 52-year-old Cornwall woman, according to Cornwall Seaway News. Detectives are asking residents and business owners in that area to check for CCTV or other video recorded between about 9:30 p.m. on October 11 and 12:30 p.m. on October 12, and to download and save any relevant footage, with technical help offered to those who need it. The woman was pronounced dead in the 500 block of Walton Street early on October 12 after police were called to assist Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services, and police confirmed on October 14 that the death is being investigated as a homicide. Police said there is “no threat to public safety.” Anyone with information can call D/Cst. Pilon at 613-933-5000, ext. 2766, or leave an anonymous tip with Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Sources: Cornwall Seaway News and Cornwall Police Service.
St. Vincent de Paul food bank sees demand climb after Salvation Army closure
The St. Vincent de Paul Society food bank in Cornwall helped 1,563 people in September, up from 1,349 in January, according to Cornwall Seaway News. Demand at other local organizations has risen since the Salvation Army food bank in Cornwall closed in June. From January to September, the food bank recorded 4,541 visits, close to the 4,756 it logged in all of last year, and Seaway News says this year’s total is on track to pass 2025. President Sue MacDonald said food banks are being challenged to meet growing need with limited resources, and that many people still don’t know the food bank exists after more than 40 years of service. It operates out of St. Francis de Sales Church, 434 Second St. W., on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m., which matters for residents who relied on the closed Salvation Army service. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Enbridge open house to explore natural gas for Kawehno:ke homes
Enbridge Gas is scheduled to hold an open house on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kawehno:ke Recreation Center on Cornwall Island, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne says. The session is meant to share information about possibly bringing natural gas service to Kawehno:ke for home heating, answer questions and gather community views. Residents will be able to say in a community poll whether they support or oppose natural gas service, and the council says the poll will inform discussions and next steps. More chances to weigh in are expected at the Kawehno:ke District Meeting on Wednesday, November 18, and at further community information sessions. For Cornwall Island households, the process gives residents a direct say on whether a new home-heating option comes to the island. Source: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Ontario to import U.S. electricity this winter
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has signed a six-month contract with U.S.-based Alpha Generation to import 600 megawatts of power starting November 1, CBC News reports. The IESO says the deal is part of normal system planning to cover facility maintenance and winter peak demand, and notes that Ontario remains a net exporter, sending about seven times more electricity to its neighbours in 2025 than it imported. The cost of the contract has not been made public, according to CBC and the Toronto Sun. The deal comes after Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut electricity exports to the U.S. during the trade dispute, and Jack Gibbons of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance called the move “very ironic.” For Eastern Ontario residents, the contract is intended to keep the provincial grid supplied through the coldest months, though its effect on bills has not been disclosed. Sources: CBC News and Toronto Sun via Yahoo News Canada.
Ottawa commits up to $258.6 million for skilled-worker training
The federal government will put up to $258.6 million over five years, and $50 million a year after that, into the Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund, according to The Canadian Press. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu announced the plan in Thunder Bay on October 16. The fund pays for projects that could speed up training or certification to close gaps between workers’ skills and industry needs, in sectors such as energy and critical minerals, and applications opened in August. A day earlier, Ottawa announced $430 million to help unions and other organizations cover the cost of new training facilities and equipment, and the Liberals say they aim to train up to 100,000 new skilled workers over the next five years. For Cornwall and SDG employers looking for skilled staff, and residents considering a trade, the money could widen training options, though eligibility details have not been reported. Sources: The Canadian Press via CTV News and The Canadian Press via Kelowna Daily Courier.
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