Municipal elections are October 26 in Ontario. To help voters make an informed decision here in Cornwall, the editorial board of The Seeker has put together 10 questions for candidates seeking a seat at the municipal council table, whether as Councillor or as Mayor. To ensure fairness, the same questions were sent to every candidate. We sent a total of 10 and they had the option to answer all of them, or pick a minimum of 5. Their answers will be published in their entirety, in the order they are received. We will not edit, correct or modify any responses.
These are Todd Lalonde’s Answers. He is running for Councillor.
Who are you? Where are you from? What education do you have? What relevant experience do you have? (1 brief paragraph)
Born and raised in Cornwall, I’m a husband, father, and retired City of Cornwall Supervisor of Parks and Landscaping with Infrastructure and Municipal Works. I served as an elected Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and represented Eastern Ontario as Regional Director with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association. My community involvement includes leadership with the Family Counselling Centre of Cornwall and the United Counties, the United Way of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, where I served as Board Member and Chair, the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Tri-County Literacy Council. I proudly served as Co-Host of the Hospice Cornwall Telethon for 14 years. I currently serve as a provincial representative to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, as a Board Member with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP Detachment Board, and as a Board Member with the Children’s Treatment Centre of Cornwall. I am also a political contributor and Host on YourTV Cornwall. I studied at Algonquin College in Ottawa and St. Lawrence College in Cornwall.
In The Seeker’s poll asking constituents about the most important issue facing them, a large majority of respondents answered “taxes/affordability”. What would you do as a Councillor/Mayor to make Cornwall more affordable, and what city services or spending, if any, would you be willing to reduce, change or eliminate to keep tax increases under control.
I understand why taxes and affordability are the number one concern for many Cornwall residents. Families, seniors and people on fixed incomes are feeling the pressure of higher costs, and City Hall has a responsibility to make sure every tax dollar is being spent wisely.
As a Councillor, I would take a “value for every tax dollar” approach. Before asking residents for additional money, Council should be looking carefully at how we spend the money we already collect. That means reviewing municipal programs, contracts, staffing levels, purchasing practices and major capital projects to identify efficiencies and avoid unnecessary spending.
Having spent many years working in municipal operations, I understand that there are often opportunities to improve how services are delivered without simply cutting services. I would support greater use of long-term planning, preventative maintenance and better coordination between departments to reduce costly repairs and duplication.
I would also be prepared to have difficult conversations about priorities. Not every program or project can be treated as essential, particularly when residents are struggling to pay their own bills. Where services are non-essential, underutilized or could be delivered more efficiently, Council should consider reducing, restructuring or, where appropriate, eliminating them. At the same time, I would not support cuts that compromise essential services.
I also believe we need to look beyond simply cutting expenses. Cornwall needs to continue growing its assessment base, attracting investment and supporting local businesses. More development and economic activity can help spread the cost of municipal services across a broader tax base rather than continually placing the burden on existing taxpayers.
Most importantly, I would insist on transparency and accountability. Residents deserve to know what projects cost, what the long-term financial commitments are and why Council believes a particular expenditure is necessary.
My goal would not be to promise that taxes will never increase—that would not be responsible or realistic. My commitment is to make sure tax increases are justified, kept as low as reasonably possible, Cornwall residents work hard for their money. City Hall should work just as hard to respect every dollar they contribute.
Over the past few years, many constituents have expressed concern that the city’s homelessness situation has significantly worsened. What would you do as a Councillor/Mayor to address this issue?
Addressing the layered causes of homelessness remains one of Cornwall’s most pressing and visible social priorities and I believe we need to approach it with both compassion and accountability.
As a Councillor, I would support a coordinated approach that brings the City together with local service agencies, the United Way, health and social-service providers, police, the County, and both the provincial and federal governments. No single organization can solve homelessness on its own. When additional funding is required, Council should be prepared to advocate strongly to senior levels of government rather than simply placing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
At the municipal level, we need to focus on prevention, housing and support services. That means working to increase the availability of affordable and supportive housing, helping people at risk of losing their housing connect with services before they become homeless, and supporting programs that address the underlying issues that can contribute to homelessness.
At the same time, compassion must be balanced with public safety and community standards. Residents, businesses and people experiencing homelessness all deserve to feel safe and respected. Public spaces need to remain accessible to everyone, and issues involving encampments, property damage, aggressive behaviour or unsafe conditions need to be addressed fairly and consistently.
Cornwall has always been a community that looks after its neighbours. I believe we can continue that tradition while also making sure our response is organized, measurable and focused on long-term solutions—not just temporary fixes.
Why are you running for Council? What is the most important issue facing the City of Cornwall today?
I am running for Cornwall City Council because I care deeply about this community. I was born and raised here. I want to help make it an even better place for my family, for your families, and for the generations that follow.
I have spent much of my life serving this community. As a retired Supervisor with the City of Cornwall’s Infrastructure and Municipal Works Division, I understand the day-to-day realities of municipal government and the importance of providing good services to residents. My 16 years as an elected school board trustee and Chair, along with my work in health, education and numerous community organizations, have taught me the importance of listening, working together and treating people with respect and compassion.
I have met many people over the years who simply want the same things: a safe place to live, an affordable home, good roads and parks, opportunities for their children, support for seniors, and a community where neighbours look out for one another.
I believe the most important issue facing Cornwall today is affordability. I hear from families, seniors and working people who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. They are making difficult choices every day, and our City Council needs to understand that.
We need to be compassionate and responsible with taxpayers’ money. We should look for efficiencies, carefully review spending, protect the services people depend on, and keep tax increases as low as possible. At the same time, we need to work to attract investment, create jobs and grow our community so that Cornwall has a stronger future.
I am not running because I think I have all the answers. I am running because I care, I have the experience to help, and I am willing to listen.
I want to make Cornwall better—not just for my family, but for you and everyone who calls Cornwall home.
Many constituents have expressed concerns about accountability and controversy surrounding Council. What could you do as a Councillor/Mayor to improve transparency and accountability?
I believe accountability starts with being open, accessible, and willing to listen to residents. As a Councillor, I would make it a priority to communicate clearly with the public about the decisions Council is making, why those decisions are being made, and how they affect taxpayers.
I would support greater transparency around Council decisions, including making information easier for residents to understand before important votes take place. I also believe the Council needs to focus more on respectful debate and responsible decision-making, rather than personalities or political disagreements. Working together is a must for the common goal.
My experience working for the City, serving as a school board trustee, and volunteering on community boards has taught me the importance of good governance, accountability, and teamwork. I understand that elected officials are accountable to the people they represent—NOT to individual interests or political agendas.
I would also encourage more meaningful opportunities for residents to provide input and ask questions, and I would make myself available to constituents who want to discuss local issues. When mistakes are made, Council should acknowledge them, learn from them, and take corrective action rather than avoiding responsibility.
Ultimately, I believe residents deserve a Council that works together, treats people with respect, follows the rules, and puts Cornwall’s best interests first. My commitment would be to bring a calm, practical, and responsible approach to Council and to earn the public’s trust through actions—not just words.
We constantly hear about the Art Centre and the water meters. Many residents have expressed the view that these were bad decisions on Council’s part. Both projects are being implemented, but they remain a sore spot for some voters. Would you consider revisiting or changing decisions made on those projects?
Yes. I believe Council should always be willing to review a decision when new information becomes available, costs change, or circumstances change. But that review has to be responsible and based on facts, financial information, contractual obligations, and what is best for Cornwall.
Having spent many years working for the City, including as a supervisor in Infrastructure and Municipal Works, I understand that decisions made around a Council table can have very different consequences when they reach the operational level. I have managed people, budgets, equipment and municipal services, and I understand the importance of looking at the real costs, practical challenges and long-term impact of a decision.
My experience as a school board trustee also taught me to ask difficult questions, listen to residents and make decisions based on the information available—not politics.
With the Art Centre and water meters, I would want to know where we are today, what has been spent, what we are committed to, what the future costs will be, and whether there are opportunities to reduce costs or improve the outcome.
I would not promise to cancel a project simply because it is unpopular, especially if doing so would cost taxpayers even more. But I also don’t believe “the decision has already been made” should mean we stop asking questions.
What would you do to improve our relationship with Akwesasne? What does Truth and Reconciliation look like to you? Explain how Cornwall can take steps toward it.
For me, this is personal. I was born and raised here, and I have spent much of my life serving this community. I believe Cornwall and Akwesasne are neighbours, and our relationship should be built on respect, understanding, and friendship.
Through my years with the City, as a school board trustee, and through my community involvement, I’ve learned that strong relationships start with listening. We can’t move forward if we don’t take the time to understand each other.
To me, Truth and Reconciliation isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about what we do today and the relationships we build for tomorrow. I would like to see more partnerships in areas such as community events, youth, culture, the environment, and economic development.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know how to listen, build relationships, and work with people. I believe that’s where reconciliation begins—with respect, an open door, and a willingness to move forward together.
Cornwall’s municipal government relies on experienced and qualified staff to deliver services to residents. What would you do as a Councillor/Mayor to ensure the city can attract, retain and support the best possible people in senior positions?
I know first hand how important municipal employees are because I was one of them for decades. I started with Cornwall Transit, became a union president then a relief supervisor, and later spent many years in Municipal Works and Infrastructure, including supervisory roles. I have hired, trained, managed, and worked alongside municipal employees, and I understand the challenges of keeping good people.
Council’s job is to set direction and hold management accountable, but we also need to respect the expertise of the people we hire to run the City. We should not be micromanaging professional staff or allowing politics to interfere with day-to-day operations.
If we want the best people in senior positions, we have to pay competitively, provide opportunities to grow, recognize performance, and create a workplace where people feel respected and valued. We also need succession planning. I’ve seen how much knowledge and experience can walk out the door when employees leave or retire, and we need to make sure that knowledge is passed on to the next generation.
My experience has taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about hiring good people, listening to them, holding them accountable, and giving them the tools to succeed.
As a Councillor, I would bring that practical experience to the table. I understand municipal operations from the ground up—not just from reading reports. I know what it takes to deliver services, I know what employees need from leadership.
Healthcare is primarily a provincial responsibility, but access to healthcare is a major concern for Cornwall residents. What can the City of Cornwall realistically do to help improve healthcare access, and would you make it a priority as a Councillor/Mayor?
Yes, I would make it a priority. This issue is personal for me. I have experienced the worry and frustration that comes when someone you love is sick. Both of my parents experienced serious health challenges, and I know first hand how important timely, compassionate healthcare is not just for the person who is ill, but for the entire family.
I understand that healthcare is primarily a provincial responsibility, but that doesn’t mean the City should sit on the side lines. When our families need help, we need to do everything we realistically can.
My years of public service have taught me that getting things done means listening, building relationships, and bringing people together. As a Councillor, I would work with our hospital, healthcare providers, community organizations and provincial representatives to advocate strongly for Cornwall and help attract and retain healthcare professionals. We need to fight to attract and retain doctors and other healthcare professionals, and I would make sure Cornwall’s voice is heard clearly and consistently when decisions are being made about healthcare in our community.
I won’t pretend that a municipal Councillor can fix our healthcare system. But I can promise to show up, speak up, and keep pushing for our residents.
I know what it means to worry about someone you love, and I want Cornwall to be a community where families know that when they need healthcare, they won’t be forgotten.
Many residents are concerned about crime, vandalism, drug use and a general decline in their sense of safety. What can the city realistically do to address these concerns, and where should municipal responsibility end and provincial or federal responsibility begin?
This is something I take very seriously. I want people to feel safe in their community. When seniors are afraid to walk downtown, parents worry about their children, or residents see vandalism and drug use in their neighbourhoods, we can’t simply tell them that it’s someone else’s problem.
My experience gives me a different perspective on this. I currently serve on the Police Services Board (OPP), and I’ve also spent decades working for the City. I understand that keeping a community safe takes more than policing alone. It requires good communication, responsible municipal leadership, prevention, well-maintained public spaces, and strong partnerships between the City, police, community organizations and residents.
I believe we need to support our police and make sure they have the resources they need to do their job. At the same time, we have to recognize that police cannot be expected to solve every social problem. Addiction, mental health, homelessness and organized crime require provincial and federal resources and leadership.
Where municipal responsibility ends, our advocacy shouldn’t. I would work with our police leadership and Police Services Board, community organizations and our provincial and federal representatives to make sure Cornwall’s concerns are being heard.
My years of public service have taught me that you don’t solve difficult problems by blaming someone else. You listen, you bring people together, and you work on solutions.
I want Cornwall to be a place where people look out for one another and where residents can feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. I can’t promise to eliminate crime, but I can promise to take people’s concerns seriously.
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