With more and more major employers setting up shop in Cornwall in recent years, the city is experiencing major jobs growth – and that’s attracting fresh investment and new projects across the housing sector.
Earlier this year, tire giant Michelin opened a major distribution centre that is operated by Ryder. At a meeting in August, City Council awarded a $23 million tender for the extension of roads and services in the Cornwall Business Park, which will literally pave the way to over 200 acres of new development – including a proposed new Great Wolf Lodge.
As these projects develop, a growing number of workers are being attracted to the city – driving Cornwall’s near-term population projections well past 50,000 residents. That landmark number, which city officials hope to confirm in the next census, would represent a significant increase in the town’s growth rate compared to the early to mid 2010s.
“The last census showed a two per cent bump in population, which indicated a kind of shift because previously we were looking at half a percentage point of growth every census cycle,” explained Mayor Justin Towndale. “It’s significant to those who live here and have lived here a long time, because it shows a shift in the direction our city is taking.”
Developers stepping up as city’s economy expands
With all these newcomers choosing Cornwall, developers are stepping up to ensure the local housing supply keeps up and to capitalize on Cornwall’s growth and prime location
Gatineau-based Devcore, owners and operators of the DEV Centre event and hotel facility since 2022, have brought upwards of 600 local rental units into its portfolio through the acquisition of several apartment buildings. It’s also moving forward with plans for a 75-acre site adjacent to the DEV Centre along the St. Lawrence River for mixed-density housing, a waterfront hotel, and a commercial area.
“When we purchased the property our president not only saw the building, but he saw all the potential with the land on the waterfront,” said Céleste Cordonnier, Director of Planning for Devcore. “The goal from the beginning was to create a community and a sustainable development, though the master plan has evolved since 2022.
“Right now, we’re focusing our efforts to be able to break ground during spring or summer of 2026 beginning with the underground infrastructure and the roads.”
The development proposal must still be approved by Cornwall City Council. But if and when approved, the full development will feature over 2,400 residential and commercial units.
The Seaway City gets a new high-rise residential tower
Meanwhile, just a short drive west of the DEV Centre and a few minutes’ walk from St. Lawrence College, Montréal-based Swimko is building a 160-unit apartment building on a rehabilitated brownfield that has lain vacant for several years.
Swimko’s development has support from the City of Cornwall’s Community Improvement Program (CIP), an initiative that helps offset the cost of development through property tax relief.
“Our CIP programs seek to help developers build within the core of the city, leading to attractive, sustainable neighbourhoods,” says Dana McLean, Economic Development Officer with the City of Cornwall. “The goal is to transform marginal properties into buildings that will not only contribute to the economy but boost neighbouring properties as well.”
The 12-storey apartment building, which broke ground in May, is expected to be complete in two years. It is one of a number of multi-unit residential projects that have either started construction or are planned to start in the near future.
“Growth is great for the city…we’ve seen so many new people come to Cornwall, and it’s changed the cultural fabric of the city,” added Mayor Towndale.
“We’re more diverse than we have been in our history. When you’re in Cornwall and you’re walking down the street, you can feel like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or wherever. We have to deal with the day-to-day of trade disruptions right now, so we’re cautiously optimistic overall, but we’re excited for what the future will bring.”
For more economic development news, including the latest employment opportunities in the Cornwall region, visit ChooseCornwall.ca
