Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on the North Glengarry deputy mayor race and new national inflation figures.
Flu season arriving earlier than expected in Eastern Ontario, health unit says
Flu season is coming earlier than expected in Eastern Ontario, according to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, as reported by Cornwall Newswatch on October 19. The health unit says influenza vaccines on Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are free. Its offices hold immunization clinics by appointment for people who don’t have a health-care provider, or whose provider doesn’t give vaccines. Residents can call the health unit at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 to book. With an early start to the season, Cornwall and SDG families may want to arrange flu shots sooner rather than later. Sources: Cornwall Newswatch and Eastern Ontario Health Unit.
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe voters to decide Sub-Chief recall and two referendum questions
Early voting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., in a Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe recall election and referendum, with the main vote set for Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Tribe says. Voting takes place at the Tribal administration building, 71 Margaret Terrance Memorial Way, on the southern portion of Akwesasne. Members will decide whether Sub-Chief Derrick King should be removed from office; according to the Tribe, its Ethics Commission found he violated the Ethics Ordinance, and a second commission decision upheld that finding on September 2. The ballot also asks whether members support amending the Tribal Procedures Act adopted in 2013, and adopting a Banishment Law that would apply to Tribal members. Requests for in-home voting on October 23 are due by 4 p.m. on October 21, and questions about eligibility go to the Tribal Clerk’s Office at 518-358-2272. Sources: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (referendum schedule).
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council formally opposes hyperscale data centres
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has passed a resolution, TCR 2026-41, formally opposing hyperscale data centre development on or near the southern portion of Akwesasne, the Tribe announced on October 2, and Cornwall Seaway News reported on October 19. The council says the health and safety risks outweigh any economic gains, pointing to energy consumption, water use, air quality, and noise and light pollution. “There is currently no support from our community for hyperscale data center development,” the council stated. It created a Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry in May, has met with Town of Massena representatives to say it hopes the town will not authorize more data centre growth, and sees New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s state moratorium on data centres as a chance for consultation with state officials. The stance adds Akwesasne’s voice to the debate over large industrial projects just across the river from Cornwall. Sources: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Cornwall Seaway News.
North Glengarry deputy mayor candidates make their case at debate
Three of the four candidates for deputy mayor of North Glengarry took part in a debate, according to Cornwall Seaway News. Incumbent Carma Williams, deputy mayor since 2018, pointed to provincial funding for water and wastewater upgrades in Maxville and Alexandria, said property taxes rose an average of about two per cent a year over eight years, and acknowledged communication with residents needs to improve. Newcomer Krista Williams pledged to represent residents outside Maxville and Alexandria, review spending and consult food producers and community members. Liz Caddell called for new energy on council, more mental health services and better protection for seniors, and said the township should oppose the Alto high-speed train’s impact on farmland. The fourth candidate, Julie Kaswurm, did not take part, and the debate gives Glengarry voters a side-by-side look at the race. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Inflation rises to 3.1% as gasoline prices jump nearly 28%
Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1 per cent in September from 3.0 per cent in August, Statistics Canada reported on October 19. Gasoline prices were up 27.8 per cent from a year earlier, while inflation excluding gasoline eased to 2.2 per cent from 2.4 per cent. Prices for groceries rose 1.7 per cent year over year, down from 2.8 per cent in August, and rent was up 2.8 per cent. RBC Economics says gasoline alone added 1.1 percentage points to the headline rate, and its base case is for the Bank of Canada to hold its key rate for the rest of 2026. The next rate decision is scheduled for October 28, which matters for Cornwall and SDG households facing higher fuel costs and for anyone with a mortgage, line of credit or business loan. Sources: Statistics Canada, RBC Economics and Money.ca.
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