September 25, 2006

Profile

Cornwall’s ICI sector hangs tight

Community is moving forward despite setbacks

TERRY TINKESS

correspondent

OTTAWA

Cornwall is nothing if not resilient. The city was dealt what many thought would be a death blow when Domtar, its largest employer, closed in March.

The loss of more than 900 high-paying jobs marked the end of an era, but it has also signaled a fresh, new beginning.

There is an air of optimism about the town. Residential construction remains strong as higher housing prices in Montreal and Ottawa make commuting an attractive option.

A better measure, however, is new development. According to Mark Boileau, senior development officer with the City of Cornwall Economic Development Department, things are going well.

“We’ve almost completed a strategic plan that will help guide us and tell us where we go from here,” says Boileau. “There are some sectors that have been identified for further development, such as logistics/distribution, an area we have done very well with.”

Institutional development is one area that is seeing growth. One development, St. Joseph’s Villa, valued at $29 million is well underway, while a $19 million expansion has been announced for McConnell Manor.

Brownfield development also shows potential. A 25-acre site previously owned by Domtar is being considered for big box retail, but substantial remediation is required.

“Monies have been allocated to the applicants for studies,” says Boileau. “They are also looking at tipping fee subsidies, which could translate into some large numbers, possibly millions of dollars. That project is certainly being looked at.”

The larger Domtar property that contains the paper mill is also the subject of much consideration. Its use is dependant on several factors, including the location of a new bridge connecting Cornwall with the Native Territory of Akwesasne.

“We’re as busy as we’ve been in the past ten years.”

Frank Perras

Perras DiStefano Construction and Design Services

A new arena complex is also on the horizon, since two aging facilities are in need of substantial repairs. Discussion centres on where it will be built, and whether it will be municipally owned and operated, a public-private partnership.

Optimism is evident in the private sector as well.

Frank Perras is the president of Perras DiStefano Construction and Design Services Inc. He agrees the community has dealt well with the loss of its largest employer.

“Cornwall took a hit with job losses recently,” says Perras. “You would think that would have a negative impact on the psyche of the people in this area, but we are seeing anything but that. There are positive plans from all of our previous clients.

“We’re as busy as we’ve been in the past ten years, and I know our competitors are busy as well.”

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