Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on roadwork delays on Highway 34 in Prescott-Russell and next week’s Alberta vote on a possible separation referendum.
Online voting opens today in Cornwall’s municipal election
Internet voting in Cornwall’s municipal election opens at 8 a.m. today, Monday, October 12, according to the City of Cornwall. Residents can vote online until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Monday, October 26, using the voting website printed on the Voter Information Letter the City started mailing the week of October 5. The City says the letter is needed to vote and should be kept confidential and in a safe place. Those who prefer to vote in person can do so at advance polls on the first floor of Cornwall Square, 1 Water Street East, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 21, 22 and 23, or at one of eight polling locations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. This year’s ballot includes the mayor, eight councillors elected at large (down from 10) and school board trustees, with full details at cornwall.ca/elections. Sources: City of Cornwall and City of Cornwall (Voter Information Letters).
Cornwall police warn some e-scooters and microcars can’t legally be used on city streets
Cornwall police are urging residents to check the rules before buying an electric scooter, e-bike or enclosed microcar, according to Cornwall Seaway News. Const. Andrew Booth-Reddick of the Traffic Unit told city council that a device’s power, speed, pedals and equipment, not its name or marketing, decide whether it is legal. A compliant e-bike needs working pedals, a motor of no more than 500 watts and assistance that cuts out at 32 km/h, with riders at least 16 and wearing a helmet. Electric kick scooters and limited-speed vehicles such as microcars are not allowed in Cornwall because the city has not joined Ontario’s pilot programs, and the report says some residents spent thousands on enclosed devices they later learned could not be driven on public roads. Booth-Reddick encouraged buyers to contact the Traffic Unit before purchasing, saying he would take a 30-minute conversation “to save somebody $10,000.” Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
North Glengarry ends 2025 with $377,000 operating surplus and lower debt
North Glengarry finished 2025 with an operating surplus of $377,183 and an overall surplus of about $1.29 million, according to audited statements reported by Cornwall Seaway News. The township reduced its debt by $553,000 and invested more than $6 million in capital assets, on total revenues of $16.4 million, including $7.2 million in municipal taxes. Transportation, environmental services and recreation were the biggest areas of spending. For the first time, the statements also record future costs for closing the township’s four landfill sites, just over $5 million, and for removing asbestos and ammonia from municipal buildings, estimated at $587,000. Auditor Christina Morgan of Welch LLP said recording these obligations “does not mean an immediate expenditure,” explaining that the change recognizes future obligations for long-term planning. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Highway 34 paving delays to continue until late fall, MTO says
Drivers on Highway 34 between Vankleek Hill and Hawkesbury should expect more delays, with paving and shoulder work that began in July expected to continue until late fall before pausing for winter, according to The Review. Alternating one-lane traffic has caused long waits, including up to 30 minutes for southbound drivers between Green Lane Road and Pleasant Corners Road on October 6, and many motorists are now using other routes. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation told the paper that “all efforts are being made to expedite work and reduce delays.” Hawkesbury has also recently repaved parts of John, William and Main streets. Anyone travelling between SDG and Prescott-Russell can check 511on.ca for construction updates before heading out. Source: The Review.
Albertans vote October 19 on questions including a possible future separation referendum
Albertans are scheduled to vote on October 19 on whether to move toward a future referendum on separating from Canada, along with nine other questions on constitutional and immigration issues, according to The Canadian Press. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to speak in Calgary on October 16 and campaign in the province for Canadian unity, with Alberta MP Dane Lloyd leading the federal Conservatives’ unity effort there. Former premier Jason Kenney is set to take part in a debate on the vote, and Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to address the same Calgary conference. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canadians will decide the country’s future. While the vote is in Alberta, its result could shape the national debate over Canada’s unity in the weeks and months ahead. Source: The Canadian Press via Global News.
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