Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on a water safety warning across the South Nation watershed and next week’s inflation data ahead of a Bank of Canada rate decision.
Cornwall police report sharp rise in suicide attempts and threats
Cornwall police dealt with 63 suicide attempts or threats in the first half of 2026, up from 33 in the same period of 2025, a 91 per cent increase, according to Cornwall Seaway News. The figures come from the service’s second-quarter statistical report to the Cornwall Police Service Board. Chief Designate Hugh Stevenson linked the rise to a need to double crisis-response teams and connect people with services before they reach a crisis. The report also showed intimate partner violence incidents rising from 350 to 417, while sexual assaults and criminal harassment declined. Highway Traffic Act charges jumped from 207 to 527, and impaired-driving charges rose about 34 per cent. For residents, the numbers show growing demand on police for mental health calls and stepped-up enforcement on local roads. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Cornwall candidates weigh in on arts and culture funding
Mayoral and council candidates in Cornwall’s municipal election shared their views on arts, heritage and culture at a forum hosted by Friends of Cline House at the Cornwall Public Library on October 1, Cornwall Seaway News reports. Outgoing councillor Carilyne Hébert asked candidates for yes-or-no answers on whether they would support operating and staffing budgets for Cline House and the new arts centre. Many answered yes, while others asked for financial details first or questioned what taxpayers can afford, with property taxes for seniors among the concerns raised. Supporters argued the arts centre could bring audiences downtown, and candidates also floated ideas such as better promotion of museums and walking tours and closer work with Akwesasne. Election day is Monday, October 26, and voters can cast ballots online or in person. Sources: Cornwall Seaway News and City of Cornwall.
Akwesasne Mental Health Services offers same-day appointments
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Mental Health Services is offering new ways to get help, including same-day appointments for one-time or as-needed sessions with a mental health counsellor. People looking for longer-term support, a psychological assessment or a psychiatric diagnosis can fill out a request for services form, after which an intake appointment is booked and a provider appointment follows. The council says openings are available with psychologists, though wait times vary with availability. It notes that demand for services has increased and encourages community members to reach out soon. Services can be reached at 613-575-2341, ext. 3115, by email at [email protected], or in person at the Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Health Facility. Source: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Water safety statement issued for South Nation watershed as rain continues
South Nation Conservation issued a Water Safety Statement on October 15 for the South Nation River watershed, warning that water levels and flows are already high with more rain on the way. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting up to 35 mm of rain by the end of Friday, October 16, and saturated ground means more of it will run off. The conservation authority says the greatest concern is in the headwaters of the South Nation River and along the North Branch near North Grenville and North Dundas, but banks across the watershed may be slippery or unstable. Residents are urged to keep children and pets away from waterways, and those in flood-prone areas should check that sump pumps work and that downspouts and driveway culverts are clear. The statement is in effect until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, unless it is updated. Sources: South Nation Conservation and Cornwall Seaway News.
Inflation figures due Monday ahead of Bank of Canada rate decision
Statistics Canada is scheduled to release September inflation figures on Monday, the same day the Bank of Canada publishes its quarterly surveys of businesses and consumers, according to The Canadian Press. The surveys show whether firms plan to pass higher costs on to customers. Both arrive ahead of the central bank’s October 28 interest rate decision, which is described as a “live” meeting where a hike is possible but not the base case. RBC assistant chief economist Nathan Janzen expects annual inflation to hold near three per cent, mainly because of high gasoline prices, and says the bank will weigh signs of spreading inflation against a softening labour market. For Cornwall and SDG households and businesses, the rate decision will shape borrowing costs on mortgages, lines of credit and loans. Source: The Canadian Press via CP24.
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