Council Meeting Recap- September 22, 2025

Building Activity Presented by Development Services

On September 22, Council received a comprehensive overview of building permit activity for the period June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Christopher Roelofs, Chief Building Official, in his report summary, said that during the period there were 638 permits issued, representing a construction value of $85 million, and permit fees in the amount of $1.58 million.

The median processing time decreased by five days over the previous 2023-2024 period, from 13 to 8 days. Compliance with legislated review timelines improved by 5 per cent, from 90 per cent to 95 per cent. Twenty-four per cent of permits were issued within one day, and 40 per cent were issued within five days, demonstrating strong turnaround for straightforward applications thanks to improved staffing and processing.

Pending/Future Development Pipeline

Ryan Windle, Director of Development and Building Services, updated Council on numerous big builds. Windle listed the following: 701 Montreal Rd (64 units); Tenth and Marlborough (8 units); 300 Brookdale Ave. (hotel); 2003 Second St. W (OSPCA building); Marleau/Nick Kaneb (new high school); 1525-1545 Vincent Massey Drive (Ontario Hockey Academy additions); 800 Second St. W – Lock 18 subdivision mixed use/density subdivision (966 units); 1745 McConnell Ave. (warehouse).

Memorial for Lee Theodore

Council has requested that the Municipal Naming Committee determine possible options for an appropriate memorial to honour the legacy of Lee Theodore, in consultation with his family. Theodore, a beloved community activist, mentor, and former Cornwall Citizen of the Year, passed on Aug. 12 at age 39. Options to be considered for the memorial will include dedicated public artwork, naming of a park, or naming of a street or lane.

Water Financial Plan approved

Council approved the Water Financial Plan, after it was presented by Sean-Michael Stephen, of Watson & Associates Economists. The plan is required for the renewal of the City’s Municipal Drinking Water License under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The plan reflects a comprehensive analysis of the city’s water system, including capital and operating needs, as well as projections and funding strategies.

The plan starts in 2026, the year the City’s current licenses expire, and it serves as a financial road map for the next six years, supporting the City’s strategic vision of delivering responsible and sustainable municipal services.

2023 Audit Findings

Lori Huber, the City’s external auditor from KPMG LLP, provided Council with an overview presentation of the 2023 Audit Findings. Huber told council that it is a clean audit opinion for 2023, and that the balance sheet at the end of that year in terms of accumulated surplus was 0 per cent.

Annual Reports on Reserves, Municipal Debt Limits, Development Charges

The Financial Services Department provided Council with the annual report of the City’s reserves and reserve funds as of December 31, 2023. Reserves and reserve funds are established by Council to assist with long-term financial stability and are a key element of the City’s long-term fiscal strategy. Also, Financial Services provided the 2023 Annual Report on Municipal Debt Limits to Council, and the 2023 Annual Report on Development Charges Reserve Fund was provided. Also at the meeting, Financial Services provided Council with a financial snapshot of expenses for elected officials for the period April 1 to June 30, 2025.