Highlights of the Cornwall City Council meeting on 28 May 2024

Members of Cornwall City Council met in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall on 28th May 2024 for their regular fortnightly meeting. All Council members were present. Here are some key moments from the meeting.

Delegation of powers and accountability policies

The Board approved updates to the Policy on Delegation of Powers and the Policy on Accountability and Transparency. These revisions aim to improve governance by providing clear guidelines for delegated authority, promoting open and transparent decision-making and improving the responsiveness and accountability of municipal operations. The policies establish principles for ethical conduct, efficient management of resources and accessible public information.

Cornwall Policing 2023 Unit Needs Analysis

Cornwall Police Service has submitted a comprehensive facility needs analysis report, highlighting current inadequacies and the need for a new strengthened police headquarters. Conducted by RPL Architects, the report reveals that existing facilities are outdated, dispersed and undersized, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns. The proposed new facility will cost $51 million, reaching $55 million by 2025. Next steps include site selection, conceptual design and community consultation, with the CPS Board approving recommendations to develop a Facilities Master Plan . Councilor Maurice Dupelle, who sits on the Policing Board (along with the Mayor), said: “This is not a want, it is a need. It’s going to cost money and we can’t get around that.”

Annual Housing Update 2024

The Council has received the Annual Housing Plan Update 2024, which outlines efforts to tackle housing and homelessness in Cornwall and surrounding areas. The report highlights affordable housing challenges, the impact of homelessness, and strategic initiatives to improve housing security. The plan emphasizes the Housing First approach.

CIP (HOTC) for 224 Second Street West and 331 Second Street West

Council approved funding for two projects under the Heart of the City Community Improvement Plan. 224 Second Street West received $18,700 for parking and landscape improvements. Also, 331 Second Street West, Maison Baldwin House, received $4,420 in project design fees, municipal planning/development fees based on actual costs and municipal discretionary tip fees.

Cornwall Transit garage extension

Council approved the expansion and redevelopment of the Cornwall Transit garage, awarding the contract to De Saulnier Construction Limited for $2.6 million. The project includes the construction of a new addition to address the lack of vehicle storage and office space and the renovation of the exterior of the existing building. This initiative was funded by the Investment in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

Boundary road lighting improvements

Council awarded Dundas Power Line Limited the contract to improve road lighting on Boundary Road for $183,573. The project involves the installation of new and replacement road lighting and addressing the need for improved street lighting along the corridor.

Universal water metering and AMI project

Council has awarded the $17.7 million Universal Water Metering and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project contract to Neptune Technology Group Canada. The project aims to support the city’s water conservation goals by installing water meters with radio transmitters at all service connections, implementing an AMI data collection network and providing meter data management software. Councilor Sarah Good expressed concern about the high cost of the project, pointing to the 20-year lifespan of the infrastructure and questioning its need over other priorities. Good made a motion to adjourn, which was ultimately defeated. The original motion passed, with only councilors Sarah Good, Maurice Dupelle and Syd Gardiner voting against it.