For decades the city was on a slow simmer. But now, it’s heating up and bubbling with action. Why?
A Sense of Place
Some small cities try to attract interest by being flashy, trendy, or just plain loud. But as a community, we’ve always remembered mom’s advice: “Just be yourself.”
So we celebrate our growing city on the St. Lawrence River with its down-to-earth vibes, cozy neighbourhoods, and green spaces all around. We let our kids climb trees, ride bikes, and chase chip trucks. We travel across town in 15 minutes, tops. We gather outdoors any chance we get—to eat, to drink, to hear good music, and just to hang out. We float, boat, and fish our mighty river. We get by inspired by the creativity we’re seeing everywhere—from our art scene to new construction to budding businesses. And of course, we work. But we work to live and not the other way around.
Right now, the city of Cornwall is at a turning point. Our population is swelling as newcomers arrive with fresh energy and ideas. It’s an exciting time to live the good life in Cornwall.
“There’s a real renaissance of art happening in the city. Between the reopening of our beloved art gallery, to the incredible Art Walks, Art Hives, and Apples and Arts Tour, to the planning and eventual opening of the Centre for the Arts, there’s a beautiful culturescape here.”—Emily MacLeod, Visual Arts Coordinator, Cline House Gallery
We honour and appreciate this meeting place as well as those who are who came before us—the Haudenosaunee, Mohawk, and Huron-Wendat.
Today, we continue to learn from our Mohawk brothers and sisters in Akwesasne and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live, work, and play on this land.
Working It
Let’s just say it: Cornwall is always looking for workers. From entry-level to supervisory roles to upper management, there are opening in all sectors. Truck drivers and logistics experts? Step right up. Administrators and business leaders? Yes. Carpenters, welders, and engineers? Yup. Doctors and nurses? Of course. Retail and restaurant servers? Affirmative. Professors, researchers, and teachers? Absolutely.
Odds are that anyone looking for a job can find one here.
The fact of the matter is that we have the perfect storm for job seekers: rapid expansion of the business landscape and an older population that is soon to retire. Polish that resumé, people!
“There’s literally a job out there for anyone. This is the place where you can marry a good job with a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.”
Jason Jesmer, Client Relationship Manager
Drake International
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Hot Housing
Some say you can’t throw a stone in Cornwall without (accidentally) hitting a real estate agent. And that’s because Cornwall’s housing market is hot! Troy Vaillancourt, the president of the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board and a local realtor with Century 21 explains.
“The appeal is the assortment of homes available from heritage homes to waterfront mansions to modern industrial condos,” he says. “There’s lots of new construction for semi-detached and single-family homes so there are opportunities for home buyers and investors too.”
Good in the ‘Hoods
Eamer’s Corners / Northwoods In close proximity to Highway 138 towards Ottawa and Highway 401 towards Montreal or Toronto, this area in the North of the city is an established neighbourhood with great amenities including an elementary school, tennis courts, a pool, and park space.
Riverdale A tree-lined neighbourhood with a big central park, good schools, and easy access to the river. Expect a mix of smaller war-time bungalows, one-off mid-century homes, and new luxury builds.
East Ridge One of Cornwall’s newest development features lots of semi- and single-family homes just north of the Riverside Trail and just west of the Raisin Region Conservation Area.
Cotton Mill District This area is midway through a major transformation. With it storied past that stretches back to Thomas Edison (yes, really), this once derelict area is quickly becoming a hipper and more attractive hood with waterfront condos and apartments for upscale urban living.
Downtown Also known as “The Square Mile”, this zone was the original plot for the Town of Cornwall. Most of the city’s grand historic properties are located here. The area is also coveted for its proximity to Lamoureux Park, the public library, and the downtown retail-and-restaurant strip.
Five Cornwall Flavours
Get a true taste of the city.
1. The Beer House: Rurban Brewing
The city’s indie brewery has a taproom and a patio where hop heads can taste their unpasteurized, unfiltered beer.
2. The Hidden Gem: Stomping Grounds Bistro and Cafe
A modern industrial eatery nestled in the Cotton Mills development. The scratch kitchen is known for consistently putting out solid contemporary food.
3. The Sweet Heart: Happy Popcorn Co.
This is downtown destination stocks fresh gourmet popcorns, imported candy, retro sweets, slushies, and ice cream! Yum, right?
4. The Full-Flavoured Fare: Wow India
Chefs Boopathi and Ravi whip up a frenzy of fresh, Indian dishes from biryani to kebabs and everything in between.
5. The Classic: Philos
With great service and a menu that will please everyone, we’d call this the perfect place for family gatherings. To note: Their souvlaki platters are legendary.
ADD 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: We can’t talk about Cornwall’s food scene without mentioning the old school pizzerias that put out world-famous pies. Think ‘za piled high with cheese and pepperoni and whatever other toppings customers want. Some of the classic stops include Riverside Pizza, Cornwall BBQ, North End Pizzeria, Louis’ Pizzeria, King George Restaurant, and more.
Meet the Shopkeepers
JULIE DENNIS This mother of two is at the helm of the Local Fill, a waste-free boutique. The bright shelves are stocked with everything from bulk food to shampoo to cleaning products to reusable beauty supplies.
JOCELYN NICHOLSON & CAROLYNE O’REILLY This dynamic duo recently took over and reimagined Nickel & Ore, one of eastern Ontario’s largest gift stores. They’ve filled their 6,000 square-foot space with great giftware, kitchenware, gourmet foods, apparel, and more!
JASON LAVOIE & EMILY RESTOULE This team took over Bud’s Records and Kool Things in 2020. They buy and sell new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and turntables. Also worth a mention: Their wide selection of rock shirts. A music lover’s haven!
LESLIE & KEVIN OUDERKIRK At the helm Kid’s Korner, this husband-and-wife team knows exactly what the young (and the young at heart) want. They fill their shelves from floor to ceiling with the best toys, books, puzzles, and activity kits.
A collaboration BETWEEN
