Cornwall in 2025 – A Year in Review

Cornwall 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.

“2025 has delivered more success stories than ever before, and it is a sign of investor confidence in our community,” said Bob Peters,  Manager of Cornwall Economic Development. “Once again, Cornwall has overcome challenges and realized positive investment activity across all sectors. This activity is shining even more a spotlight on the good things tht are happening in our community.”

The 2025 Year in Review report was delivered to record number of business and community leaders at Galaxy Cinemas. This is the 28th 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 2025 report recaps dozens of stories of investments and achievements by local companies and individuals.

“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. “We are also fortunate to be welcoming six new physicians to Cornwall, in addition to new investment across so many sectors. 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.”

2025 – Year in Review

Over 500 building permits have been issued this year, representing over $67 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 entrepreneurs starting small businesses to large multi-national firms investing in Cornwall. A trend made evident is recent years was once reinforced as the city 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 reinvested in their operations, despite facing challenges related to global trade policy such as tariffs. Local employers continued to add new technologies and capabilities and increasingly explored new markets. This includes the region’s largest private sector employer, Walmart Canada, along with other major employers, including Olymel, Leclerc,  IPG, Laminacorr, Lallemand, and Laframboise Group.

Residential Activity

The residential development section of the report highlighted a large number multi-unit residential projects, including a major project at 910 Montreal Road. Local developers continue to build new homes across the city in a number of subdivisions.

Institutional Activity

In many ways, 2025 was a year to recognize significant investments in the institutional sectors, with major announcements from the City of Cornwall, Cornwall Community Hospital and the River Institute. St. Lawrence College is expanding its offering of skilled trades education and OPG continues to make significant investments at the Saunders Generating Station. A key highlight was the progress is being made in attracting medical professionals to the city.

The crowd was also treated to the premiere of the video trailer for the expansion of the Cornwall Business Park.

More Info

The above is just a sampling of the dozens of stories referenced in the 2025 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.

• • Presentation in PDF 
  • Presentation as a Video (YouTube)

YourTV Broadcast

The Year in Review presentation will be broadcast on YourTV Cornwall.

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.

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