Cornwall in 2024 – A Year in Review
December 12, 2024Cornwall Ontario – Cornwall’s economy remained strong in 2024 as the city welcomed a wave of entrepreneurial activity, according to a report prepared by Cornwall Economic Development.
“2024 is a year that many businesses and organizations should feel very good about,” said Bob Peters, Manager of Cornwall Economic Development. “Despite the challenges of inflation and high interest rates at the beginning of the year, Cornwall saw positive investment activity across all sectors. Businesses invested in technology and added jobs while residential developers broke ground on several housing developments. ”
The 2024 Year in Review report was delivered to an audience of 300 business and community leaders at Galaxy Cinemas. This is the 27th year that Cornwall Economic Development has delivered an annual recap of business news. Information for the report is gathered from diverse sources including building permits, local media and submissions from local businesses and organizations.
The 2024 report recaps dozens of stories of investments and achievements by local companies and individuals. Mayor Justin Towndale and MP Eric Duncan also spoke at the event, while MPP Nolan Quinn brought video greetings as he was at Queen’s Park representing the region.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and once again they have helped deliver another strong year of economic activity,” says Mayor Justin Towndale. “At this time of the year, it is important to reflect the hard work of so many businesses, organizations and local government partners who contribute to make Cornwall such a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
2024 – Year in Review
Over 500 building permits have been issued this year, representing over $120 million in construction activity. This was just one of the many talking points in Mr. Peters’ presentation, which can be downloaded from the ChooseCornwall.ca website. Here are some other highlights:
Commercial Activity
The number of commercial businesses that opened or expanded operations in Cornwall was once again impressive. Activity spanned the spectrum from small one-person companies to large multi-national firms such as U-Haul. The city once again welcomed a number of new restaurants, retail stores and businesses offering healthcare services, with activity spread out in all quadrants of the community. Many of these businesses have been supported by local organizations including the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and ACCFutures.
Industrial Activity
Several local manufacturers, food processors and logistics companies expanded operations in 2024, with an noticeable trend emerging of adding new technologies and capabilities. This includes the region’s largest private sector employer, Walmart Canada, along with other major employers, including IPG, Laminacorr, Lallemand, and Laframboise Group. Local transportation companies such as Minimax and Seaway Express expanded their fleets to service Canada’s supply chain network. A key highlight of the report is that news that the new Michelin distribution centre – 984,000 sf – is now operational in the Cornwall Business Park.
Residential Activity
One noticeable trend is an uptick in residential development activity. Local developers continue to build new homes across the city in a number of subdivisions. Five significant multi-unit residential projects are currently under construction in city, with more on the way.
Institutional Activity
Cornwall Community Hospital and the River Institute celebrated milestones in 2024, St. Lawrence College invested in the Cornwall Campus and OPG continues to make significant investments at the Saunders Generating Station. Progress is being made in health care and Mayor Towndale has started a Task Force on Medical Recruitment. The City of Cornwall and the Counties SDG invested in new roads, facilities and infrastructure projects.
More Info
The above is just a sampling of the dozens of stories referenced in the 2024 Year in Review report, which can be downloaded from the Resources section of this website. In-depth coverage of many of the success stories are covered with articles in the News section of this website.
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- Presentation in PDF
- Presentation as a Video (YouTube)
YourTV Broadcast
The Year in Review presentation will be broadcast on YourTV Cornwall.
- Monday December 16th at 8pm (Premiere)
- Thursday December 26th at 8pm
- Monday December 30th at 8pm
- Tuesday December 31st at 8pm
- Thursday January 2nd at 8pm
The full schedule can be found at yourtv.tv/cornwall
Jobs
Most major employers in the Cornwall region are currently recruiting, with an estimated 500+ jobs available in the region at any given time. You can view job postings online on the ChooseCornwall.ca Job Board.