Cornwall is studying land use rules for emergency shelters

VaselineJune 19, 2024

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Cornwall is studying land use rules for emergency shelters

A city public information session at the Benson Center was held late Tuesday afternoon as an early part of the process of developing Cornwall’s plans to incorporate emergency shelters into its zoning bylaw.

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The study is being conducted by Re:Public Urbanism, and panelists at Tuesday’s session included the consulting company’s founder and director Paul Hicks, as well as urban planner Mike Szilagyi. The Benson Center’s Auto Hall next to Pad 1 and near the building’s front entrance had a series of information boards installed as members of the public walked along the display, having the opportunity to discuss the process with project team members and staff the city.

General manager of planning, development and recreation, Jamie Fawthrop, said a future part of the exercise would be to look at planning policies set by other communities.

“(Ultimately) recommendations will be produced to regulate the establishment of shelters,” Fawthrop said.

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Ultimately, the zoning bylaw changes will be in the hands of Cornwall City Councilors and the report/recommendations will first be presented at a Planning and Hearing Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting.

In presenting the study, the city said it has committed to housing for all as a strategic pillar for this council term, and that to get there it is developing a comprehensive approach that will lead to more housing options of all types, for everyone .

So it is currently reviewing planning rules, zoning and policies specifically related to emergency shelters as it anticipates future development proposals, including for shelter facilities.

The city said community input is important to the process and will be summarized in a future report to council.

The Automotive Room setup included a panel entitled Homelessness in Cornwall: A Snapshot, which included reporting that there has been a rapid increase in homelessness since the pandemic and now estimated to be in the range of 120 to 250 people.