CORNWALL 2026 EXECUTIVE REPORT
TOURISM
Future home of Great Wolf Lodge
MANUFACTURING
Automotive, defence and textiles live here
LOGISTICS
Walmart, Loblaw and many more to come
Fostering growth, building community
Letter from the editor Message from the mayor
Cornwall has emerged as one of Eastern Ontario’s most compelling locations for business investment, thanks to a combination of affordability, strategic positioning, and a steadily growing economic base. For companies seeking room to expand, Cornwall offers a rare combination of available industrial and commercial space, competitive operating costs, and a supportive business environment that makes it easier to start, scale, and sustain long-term success.
As I learned more about Cornwall writing for this special report, there were plenty of benefits our local panelists highlighted – and one they all agreed on was its location. Cornwall provides businesses with efficient access to suppliers and customers across Ontario, Quebec, and the northeastern United States via land and water. The city’s modern logistics infrastructure, including a well-connected transportation network and a growing distribution sector, positions Cornwall as a natural hub for companies that rely on speed, reliability, and crossborder reach.
Cornwall’s workforce adds another advantage. With training programs delivered through St. Lawrence College and partnerships across local industries, employers benefit from a steady pipeline of skilled talent, including many bilingual workers, in fields ranging from logistics and manufacturing to health care and technology. For forward-thinking investors, Cornwall presents a compelling value proposition. The city is growing, its business landscape is diversifying, and its commitment to sustainable, long-term economic development continues to open new doors for companies ready to make their mark.
Don’t take my word for it. Check out this Executive Report on Cornwall and maybe we’ll see you and your company in a future edition!
Sincerely,
Phil Gaudreau Editor
For over 240 years, the City of Cornwall has been a hub of business and industry. In 1883, Thomas Edison pulled the switch which marked the first industrial application of the light bulb in all of Canada at the Weave Shed, as part of the Canada Mill, located right here in Cornwall. The first Premier of Ontario, John Sandfield Macdonald, represented the riding of Cornwall. Ours is a rich and vibrant history and heritage.
From paper and paint to military uniforms and jeans, Cornwall has historically been the home of manufacturing for numerous items. Over the years, our economy has shifted and evolved, following the ebbs and flows of the markets. Today, you will find circuit boards to automotive finishes and bacon to breakfast bars being made in our community.
Beyond manufacturing, you will find a robust logistics sector, which highlights our strategic location. Travel east and you will reach Montreal within an hour. Travel the same distance in a northwestern direction and you will reach Ottawa. Travel south and you will enter the First Nation of Akwesasne, followed by New York State. Highway 401, the Quebec City-Windsor rail corridor, and the mighty St. Lawrence all pass alongside our community.
I am proud to present a small snapshot of our region in these pages. It represents a much larger image of a modern, forward-focused, diverse community. We are continuing to invest in our green initiatives, infrastructure, and our people.
I welcome you to discover Cornwall and to see who we are and why we are growing. Interested in knowing more? Feel free to reach out at any time.
Sincerely,
Justin Towndale Mayor City of Cornwall
Leaders told us
We gathered several of Cornwall's business and community leaders to discuss the local economy, here is what they had to say
“We'd like to see continued encouragement of all skilled trades. The labour segment of the construction industry is weak. There just aren't enough people going into the less skilled trades, but it's a great entry point to anything from management through to other trades. We want to see continued welcoming of new people to the province into those trades for sure.
Cornwall is due for a boom. I think it's been quieter than normal for a little while. It's time for some big projects, and they do seem to be coming.”
-Chris Markell, Bourgon Construction
“I followed a couple of people who checked out the new music store that just opened in town and I said, "I'll just drop in." A few of the locals that walked in, their jaws dropped. They were thinking why would someone open a music store like this in Cornwall? They know something perhaps that we don't know. One of the most challenging businesses to open right now is a restaurant - meanwhile, we've got people investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into new restaurants in town. We've been working on investment readiness and we're adding something new every day.”
-Tim Mills, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Cornwall
“This is a community that really supports its hospital. We’re fortunate to have a strong clinical team and to be able to provide them with the tools they need to do a good job and provide quality care, because people have invested.
We’re facing the same challenges as everyone else in recruiting physicians, and an aging population. We’re fortunate over the last number of years to have and retain strong specialists, and we really benefit from St. Lawrence College’s nursing and paramedics programs.”
- Jeannette Despatie, CEO, Cornwall Community Hospital
“There are discussions about having the river cruise lines come in because they're already stopping in the ports along the same routes. We have a deep water port, so we can accommodate that. The question is, if they're to come now, what would they see, what would they do? And so, we are working with neighbouring Akwesasne on more options.
I think Great Wolf is exciting because of the potential jobs, tourism, and everything tied into that. But it’s not just the tourism aspect that excites me. It will bring jobs and those workers will require homes. We need apartments. We need condominiums. Same thing with business. We need different sectors. We need a diversity of employment in the city in order to be successful.”
-Mayor Justin Towndale
There are lots of reasons for optimism going forward. We’ve had our ups and downs as a city but, right now, I see nothing but good times for Cornwall.
- terry landon
“Our River Strategy project has changed the way people look at Cornwall from what was sort of a mill town, kind of blue-collar, to this increased awareness of what we have. Suddenly we have all these partners who want to work with us. Our project was named a candidate program by the UN-supported Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. And that creates the opportunity for a bigger impact for our little project.”
-Jeff Ridal, Executive Director, River Institute
“This is a city and a region that punches above its weight and flies under the radar, but has a quiet confidence because we’ve survived some major changes… the face of Cornwall has evolved a lot in the last 10 years. We have a much more diverse population. It feels positive.
We’re all friendly with each other and the people get along. That’s a big deal. There's a close-knit type of sense, and we're respectful no matter what's going on. I think that's really important. And we all have a place where we sit and watch the river.”
-Senator Bernadette Clement
“We want to grow because we've seen the opportunity in the increased defence spending. We want to triple our business in the next five years. We want to bring quality people to our industry. We want to invest, and see investments in residential spaces and services, because we need specialized people.”
-Claude Losier, TIMILA COO and President
Attendees of the Cornwall Executive Report VIP Roundtable from left to right. Front row: Tim Mills, Bob Peters, Kat Rendek, Senator Bernadette Clement, Chantal Paillé, Mayor Justin Towndale, Phil Gaudreau; middle row: Jeff Ridal, Jeanette Despatie, Chris Markell, Claude Losier, Michael Curran; back row: Matthew Stephenson, Terry Landon, Terry Tyo, Ian Bentley
Major projects
The city's future could be shaped by these proposals
Great Wolf Lodge
It has been the talk of the region since it was first announced in 2022 – a massive investment which would create a destination tourism draw for Cornwall and hundreds of jobs.
It takes time to cross all the t’s and dot the i’s on an investment of this size, and Cornwallites as well as tourists within the broader region continue to wait for that process to take its next step. As it stands, the company has a conditional offer to acquire 53 acres of land and is working its way through necessary due diligence. The company recently released an architectural rendering of the latest designs for the Cornwall
lodge, which includes hotel rooms, an indoor activity centre, and the popular indoor water park.
While Canada already has one Great Wolf Lodge location in Niagara Falls, this location would be wholly owned by Great Wolf Lodge’s American parent company.
Great Wolf Lodge bills itself as North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts with 22 locations in the U.S. These family-friendly resorts include pools and waterslides, Northwoods-inspired suites, dining options, and complimentary daily activities.
Artist rendering of the Great Wolf Lodge
DEV Centre
Shovels could be in the ground this year at the former NAV CENTRE property in Cornwall.
Since the site’s purchase in 2022 by Devcore, the company has been working on plans for a mixed-use development spread over the site’s 75 acres, featuring thousands of housing units, commercial spaces, and the existing hotel and conference centre among other amenities. The property also remains home to NAV CANADA employees and the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations under a leaseback agreement.
Initial work on the roads and supporting infrastructure is expected this year while the development’s plans continue to work their way through city approvals.
The full vision of the project is expected to be achieved over 15 years, at a price tag nearing $1 billion. While that work is ongoing, the DEV Hotel and Conference Centre continues to attract visitors and events to the region, boasting 535 rooms and 70,000 square feet of meeting space. The centre also features a gym, sauna and double gymnasium along with outdoor sporting facilities. In 2025, it played host to a cohort of Ontario Police College trainees.
Cornwall Business Park
This summer should see the conclusion of a multi-year effort to increase the amount of business park land available in the City of Cornwall.
The City invested $23 million into an extension of Nick Kaneb Drive, as well as the creation of Great Wolf Drive, and to service the land with new water mains, sanitary sewers, traffic signals, and the other necessary assets to allow businesses to set up shop in the area.
“The long awaited expansion of Nick Kaneb Drive unlocks over 200 acres of developable land within the City of Cornwall,” said Mayor Justin Towndale. “Much of this land is already spoken for, and Cornwall will see significant construction activity in this part of the city for years to come. This activity will bring investment, jobs, and tax base along with it, contributing to the future success of our community.”
Cornwall’s Economic Development Manager Bob Peters also noted the development of these employment lands would enable the further development of both commercial and residential lots in the area, increase the City’s tax revenues, and create additional jobs.
Business Park expansion along Highway 401
Conceptual drawing of DEV Centre's mixed use waterfront.
Industry snapshots
Taking Cornwall's economic pulse: a five-sector review
Warehousing and logistics
With Cornwall’s prime position along the St. Lawrence Seaway and close to many major municipalities, it’s only logical that distribution centres would set up in town.
Walmart’s distribution centres in Cornwall have been serving 130 Walmart stores in Quebec, the Maritimes, and parts of eastern Ontario since 2005. Since its establishment, other bluechip companies have caught on and placed their logistics operations in the Cornwall Business Park, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaw, Benson Group, and, just recently, Michelin, capitalizing on Cornwall’s strategic location, reasonable land costs, and affordable electricity. All those companies, and many others, add up to over five million square feet of warehouse space in Cornwall, the equivalent of about 11,000 transport trucks of space.
These warehouses have benefitted from programs at St. Lawrence College focused on supply chain management, providing a steady stream of skilled labour to keep the goods and materials flowing.
They also benefit from Cornwall’s strong transportation links by land and water. In addition to the Seaway, Cornwall sits directly on Highway 401, boasts a nearby U.S. border crossing, and a Canadian National Railway main line.
Tourism
The face of tourism in Cornwall is set to change in a big way with the arrival of Great Wolf Lodge.
The American tourism giant announced in 2023 its intent to make a $350-million investment in the city by building an indoor waterpark on a 40-acre site off the 401. Once opened, Great Wolf Lodge Cornwall will boast 600 guest rooms and is expected to bring 670,000 people through its doors each year. This would be the first corporately owned Great Wolf Lodge location outside of the U.S.
While the project continues its progress, the city is not standing still. The Riverside Trail, an 18 km cycling path along the river is gaining international attention, and film makers and cruise ship operators are active in the city.
The downtown core also continues to receive some attention, with a new arts centre soon to open, and the city’s Heart of the City Community Improvement Programs offering grants and loans which are designed to revitalize the downtown core and Le Village shopping district.
There is also increasing attention being paid to waterfront tourism, with potential projects brewing between the City of Cornwall and its neighbours in Akwesasne.
Even before all these new assets come online, tourism is enjoying strong increases with 2025 seeing a 26 percent increase in visitors as guests stop in to enjoy the water, explore the downtown, and take in regional events like the Glengarry Highland Games and Akwesasne International Powwow. Cornwall Tourism anticipates the local hospitality sector will need more hotel rooms to accommodate future growth.
Walmart Logistics
Riverside Trail
Residential real estate
Commercial real estate
While Great Wolf Lodge and the DEV Centre grab some of the biggest headlines, there’s a lot more exciting commercial activity underway in the Seaway City.
It has been just over a year since Michelin’s 984,000 square foot distribution centre opened in Cornwall, located alongside others for major brands like Walmart, Loblaw, Benson Group, and Shoppers Drug Mart. In the meantime, dozens of companies have lined up for a slice of the 200-acre expansion of the Cornwall business park, which is expected to be shovel-ready this summer. Local commercial realtors say the interest in setting up shop in Cornwall is as high as it has ever been, with particular interest in deals relating to the transportation and logistics sectors.
Cornwall’s location and affordability are the two main draws, especially for exciting new retail offerings. Long & McQuade and Mavericks Donuts have recently set up shop, while Starbucks has expanded to four locations and major pizza and ice cream chains are expected to open in the Seaway City in 2026.
The public sector is also getting in on the infrastructure boom. The province has started a 16-year refurbishment effort to improve the RH Saunders Generating Station, while the city invested in a new arts centre and upgrades to the civic arena.
Cornwall offers a uniquely affordable and accessible residential real estate market compared with many other cities in Ontario and Canada. Average sale prices for homes in Cornwall remain well below provincial and national averages.
While Cornwall has seen an increase in prices, like many other Canadian cities, the market has been quite stable with the number of listings at about the ten-year average – according to the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board – and a healthy apartment vacancy rate of approximately 2.7 percent according to 2024 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) statistics.
The city’s population growth is being met with the creation of new units, including a Swimko high rise on Montreal Road close to the St. Lawrence College campus, and proposed new developments on the former Courtaulds lands, former Domtar lands, and the DEV Centre site.
The balance between housing affordability, available housing types (from condos to houses with yards), and a relaxed yet well-served community environment makes Cornwall a place where you can realistically settle, build equity, and enjoy life without the steep cost pressures typical of larger Ontario cities.
Health care
Healthcare remains a major employer in Cornwall, with Cornwall Community Hospital providing acute care and St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre focusing on continuing care and rehabilitation.
Thanks to the presence of St. Lawrence College, the City is able to staff most of its nursing and paramedic needs locally, and the community hospital did not need to rely on private staffing agency support through the pandemic.
Doctor recruitment remains an ongoing priority, as it does in many other cities, and Cornwall has been successful in attracting physicians from the U.S. and across Canada. There has also been additional investment in existing medical clinics – McConnell Medical Centre recently received new ownership, Seaway Valley Community Health Centre opened a second location, and Bayshore Health expanded its local offices and debuted a new training centre to support staffing needs up north. Developing collaborative, team-based care spaces is seen as a priority to help address the local doctor shortage.
Cornwall is also home to medical innovators like heart-catheter pioneers NuMed Canada, and CNTRL+, which launched sales of its patent protected bladder support device for women in Canada and the US and grew to nine full-time employees.
Downtown Shopping District
Clement Homes
Cornwall Community Hospital
Where work meets escape: Rethinking corporate events in beautiful Cornwall
Hold high-end retreats, conventions, and training getaways without spending hours on the road at the DEV Hotel and Conference Centre
It’s that time of year again: You’ve been tasked with planning your company or department training program, convention, or team-building event. You know how important this initiative is for strengthening your organization’s culture,
building relationships, and creating space to learn and grow together.
But taking the team out of town can be complicated, and destinations like Montreal or Toronto often turn into costly and distracting experiences.
DEV Centre, located in Cornwall – a onehour drive from Ottawa and Montreal – has established itself as a more focused and affordable option. Surrounded by nature yet fully equipped for business, it offers the best of both worlds – space to think, connect, and collaborate without the high costs and distractions of the big city.
AN ABUNDANCE OF AMENITIES
DEV Centre’s list of amenities is impressive: a 350-seat restaurant, Jet Set (a traditional Irish pub), two fully equipped fitness centres, a double gymnasium, a sauna, and a 25-metre indoor pool.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” says DEV Centre general manager Ian Bentley. “Everything you need is under one roof. You never have to leave the property.”
The DEV Centre seamlessly blends business with comfort and fun, offering meeting spaces, entertainment, and recreation under the same roof. Guests can unwind with a walk through 75 scenic acres overlooking the St. Lawrence River or recharge at the on-site Sky Serenity Spa, complete with a full-service hair salon, esthetics, and massage therapy.
For a touch of luxury guests can consider the Commander suites, adds Bentley. Or the Pilot’s Lounge – a two-bedroom, two-bath suite featuring a living room, boardroom table, kitchenette, pool table, and four big-screen televisions.
SPACIOUS AND ACCESSIBLE
The DEV Centre is one of the largest event venues in Eastern Ontario, boasting 70,000 square feet of flexible, customizable meeting spaces, making the facility perfect for groups of 30 to 800. Easily accessed by
Scenic venue overlooking the St. Lawrence River
car, rail, bus, plane, or helicopter, the facility includes 540 guest rooms equipped with the latest in smart room technologies. For added convenience, the DEV Centre offers a 24-hour shuttle service ready to pick up your team from either Ottawa or Montreal.
The tranquil atmosphere inside the DEV Centre is achieved thanks to its numerous windows, an abundance of plants, and a central open-air courtyard perfect for special events and ceremonies. Ample indoor spaces provide plenty of options should planned outdoor activities need to be relocated in case of inclement weather.
SUPERB SERVICE AND CUISINE
Adding to the ambiance is the DEV Centre’s super-friendly staff, many of whom have been with the facility for decades. “We pride ourselves on running a very smooth and efficient operation, which allows all our guests to truly relax and enjoy their time with us,” says Bentley.
Top-notch food offerings play an important role, as well, showcasing the freshest local ingredients, including honey harvested from the DEV Centre’s rooftop hive. If you’re looking for a customized event menu or meals adapted to meet
The DEV Hotel and Conference Centre seamlessly blends business with comfort and fun, offering meeting spaces, entertainment and recreation under the same roof.
dietary restrictions or special nutritional requirements for athletic training, the DEV Centre’s executive chef, Jeff Bradfield, looks forward to working with you.
EXPERIENCE TRADITION AND HOSPITALITY AT THE DEV CENTRE
The DEV Centre is proud to continue its tradition as an integral part of the community, sponsoring and hosting events and serving as a premier conference centre in Ontario since 1976. Special pricing is available for military guests, seniors, and CAA/AAA members.
For more information or to book your stay, contact info@devcentre.ca or visit www.devhotelandconference.ca
Flexible spaces designed for seamless events
Newly Renovated Rooms
Opportunities
There are lots of reasons for optimism in the Seaway City
Tourism
Great Wolf Lodge’s opening will provide a bona fide anchor attraction
Location, location, location
Cornwall’s prime location becomes even more relevant as new development occurs
Employment lands
The City has created over 200 acres of new employment lands
Small business renaissance
Entrepreneurs are leading the way as new restaurants and retailers open their doors
Cost of living
Young people looking to own their own home can still afford to do so in Cornwall
Turning the page
A diversified economy and a growing population is changing the face of Cornwall
Challenges
Cornwall faces challenges common to many Canadian cities
Education outlook
St. Lawrence College is committed to staying in Cornwall, but what will post-secondary education look like?
Medical recruitment
A growing population needs access to local health professionals
Changing demographics
Cornwall’s population is more diverse than ever before and Cornwall's business community is adapting
Growing pains
With many opportunities before it, the city needs to be choosy about its projects
Public sector infrastructure
Maintaining public infrastructure is costly, and can put a strain on municipal budgets
Tariffs and trade
As a border town, the city’s businesses have to remain flexible yet friendly with the U.S.
10 People to know
Movers and shakers making it work in the Seaway City
2. Sean Adams Partner, Adams Sherwood Swabey & Follon
Sean is well known both as a talented lawyer with Adams Sherwood Swabey & Follon, and as a generous philanthropist. The Cornwall native is a recipient of the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is a former Citizen of the Year due to his many contributions over four decades of service. Some of the causes near and dear to Sean are the United Way, the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Children's Treatment Centre.
3. Chris Emard
Co-owner, Emard Lumber
Chris is part of the third generation of family leadership at Emard Lumber, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. Under his watch, Emard Lumber has expanded beyond Cornwall into Ingleside and Morrisburg, took home the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chamber’s annual Business Excellence Awards, and invested in a new warehouse. The company has also maintained its strong community ties, contributing to local events, youth sports teams, and charities.
1. Tom and Gail Kaneb Philanthropists and investors
Since selling the family business over 25 years ago, the Kanebs have not stood still. They remain among Cornwall’s most generous philanthropists and active investors, contributing to large causes like the Cornwall Community Hospital’s fundraising campaign as well as through micro-finance loans facilitated through international NGOs. The Kanebs also have ties to Cornwall success stories like SigmaPoint Technologies and Fieldless Farms. Tom Kaneb describes his focus as “finding novel solutions to longstanding problems that are entrepreneurial in nature.”
4. Kelsey Lee Owner, Love and Lee
If you’re looking to get married in Cornwall, Love and Lee should be on your vendor list. Kelsey Lee’s business was founded in 2019 when she won a year of free rent in a downtown commercial space from the Business Improvement Area. Keeping a new retail business flourishing through a pandemic was challenging, but her perseverance has paid off, with Kelsey most recently taking home Young Professional of the Year at the 2024 Cornwall Business Excellence Awards.
5. Terry Landon
Commercial real estate broker
In five decades of serving Cornwall, Terry Landon has seen it all. A broker with RE/ MAX Commercial, Terry is one of a small number of realtors specializing in industrial, commercial, and investment real estate within the Seaway City. He specializes in business opportunities, commercial and industrial properties, investments, farmland, and property management. Over the years, he’s helped shape the local commercial market and played a key role in many major property transactions in Cornwall’s business community.
7. Jeremiah Rodriguez Vice-President, Walmart Canada
As vice-president of distribution centre operations for Walmart Canada’s eastern region, Jeremiah oversees two facilities that supply 130 Walmart locations in eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. Those two centres handle nearly one million packages a day, and undergo regular upgrades and improvements to include new technologies such as a robotic arm system. He is a graduate of the University of Calgary, and before moving to Cornwall in 2021 he was a general manager for Walmart in Calgary. He has been with the company for over 25 years.
6. Jennifer Haley Dean, St. Lawrence College
Jennifer Haley has been the Dean of the Cornwall Campus of St. Lawrence College, as well as its Interdisciplinary Studies and Pathways programs, since February of 2024. Prior to joining the college’s management team, the Cornwall native taught at SLC for nine years, and worked for the River Institute. She is known for her approachable style, strong organizational skills, and dedication to creating a positive learning environment. Her local involvement makes her a valued and trusted presence both on campus and in the wider community.
9. Angela Bero General Manager, Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce
Born and raised in Cornwall, Angela Bero is a dedicated and accomplished business leader with a strong commitment to community development and economic growth. In addition to leading the Cornwall & Area Chamber, she also serves on the Eastern Ontario Training Board board of directors and the Cornwall Planning Programs and Evaluation Group, contributing her insight to workforce development, city planning, and regional growth. These roles harness her 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in event planning.
8. Erin Killoran
Executive Director, Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
Erin’s experience and contributions to the healthcare sector date back over 26 years. In that time, she has worked for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, CHEO, and, most recently, the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre as its Executive Director.
Erin is part of the city’s response to the family doctor shortage, advocating for recommendations such as creating pathways for internationally trained professionals, speeding up of applications, and expanding financial incentive programs.
10. Bob Peters Manager, Economic Development
Bob has spent over 25 years promoting Cornwall’s growth, supporting local businesses, and highlighting the region’s strengths to investors and residents. His work has helped raise the city’s profile and encourage long term investment in the region.
As part of the economic development team, Bob assists prospective investors by helping developers and investors find land and opportunities in Cornwall, providing advice and overseeing research activities that support informed purchases.
Eastern Ontario’s Next Power Centre
Did you know Cornwall's electricity is 100% renewable?
Over a century ago Cornwall was known as Canada’s factory town. It was a nod to the textile and paper mills that dominated the city’s skyline. It was also a reflection of the strategic location of Cornwall on the St. Lawrence River and the productivity of its workforce.
Cornwall’s economic landscape has changed significantly since the city was founded in 1784. Factories have been replaced by modern, innovative companies that are competing on a global scale. Industrial activity has moved away from the river to the 1600-acre Cornwall Business Park, a well designed modern home to logistics companies, manufacturers and food processors.
In 2025 work began on a $23-million expansion of the Cornwall Business Park. This work includes the extension of over three kilometres of roadway, recreational trails, utility networks and municipal services. The project is creating 250 acres of new employment lands and has generated a lot of interest from developers and end-users.
One of those projects is the planned development of a new Great Wolf Lodge, which is forecast to attract over 600,000 visitors annually to Cornwall. That in turn has sparked a flurry of interest from hotels, restaurants and retailers — all looking to find a home at what has become one of the hottest addresses in the area.
Companies that call Cornwall home today rely upon the same strategic location and productive workforce as their forebears did a century and a half ago. What’s new is the innovative approach that these companies are taking to adapting and making the most out of new technologies such as robotics and AI. The workforce of today is a combination of strategic thinkers and skilled trades with a strong work ethic and desire to build a community for their families and neighbours.
The largest employer in Cornwall is Walmart Logistics which operates two large distribution centres each totaling approximately 1.5 million square feet. These facilities ensure goods flow to Walmart stores throughout Central and Eastern Canada. Neighbours include distribution centres for Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart, Benson and Michelin, making Cornwall one of Canada’s most important supply chain hubs.
Just down the road from these large distribution centres are world class food processors Fieldless Farms, Leclerc and Olymel. These Canadian companies continually innovate and invest in new technology to introduce new products for their customers. Contract electronic manufacturers Timila and Kontron are using advanced techniques to service clients in the telecommunications, aerospace, medical and defence sectors. Nautel C-Tech is making sonar for the world’s navies and Numed Canada is making heart catheters that are helping save lives around the world.
Today, Cornwall’s skies are clear blue and residents enjoy a quality of life second to none. The St. Lawrence River is home to amazing bike paths and tree-lined parks. Companies are well connected by robust telecommunication networks and powered by affordable hydro-electricity. It is time to take a closer look and do what so many others have done in recent years – Choose Cornwall. Cornwall Economic Development supports companies both large and small looking to invest in the city. The office is in charge of land enquiries in the Business Park, and also supports entrepreneurs, tourism operators and medical professionals. More information can be found at ChooseCornwall.ca
Right: Work has begun on a 160-unit apartment building in the city’s east end.
Companies to watch
Cornwall is home to a diverse array of companies, from Fortune 500 to future game changers
Walmart Logistics
Walmart’s influence in the region is impossible to miss. Their two state-of-the-art distribution centres in the Seaway City make Walmart the largest private sector employer, and their choice of Cornwall in 2005 for an eastern Canada distribution hub caught the attention of others, creating a major new industry for the city. The company continues to invest in and improve its warehouse operations in the city.
Weaving Baskets Group
In just over 12 years, Weaving Baskets Group has acquired over 700,000 square feet of real estate space in Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry County, picking up over 100 tenants along the way. The splashiest deal of the time was the acquisition of Cornwall Square in 2021, with a multi-year redevelopment effort following the purchase, but their portfolio has also grown to include heritage commercial properties, a golf course, campgrounds, distribution centres, and vacant land primed for development.
Devcore
The proposed redevelopment of the former NAV Centre property ensures Cornwallites and visitors to the city will know the name Devcore for years to come. They’re about to embark on a nearly $1 billion redevelopment of the property they acquired in 2022, which includes renovations to the hotel and conference centre, development of residential properties, mixed-use buildings, commercial uses, and public spaces.
Michelin & Ryder
Laminacorr
Laminacorr is the only Canadian-owned company producing corrugated plastics and is the largest independent manufacturer of the product in North America. This familyowned company marks 28 years in business this year, and their products are used in a variety of applications from packaging to fencing to signage. Laminacorr counts GM, Toyota, Ford, Walmart, and Amazon among its clients.
Michelin entered the Seaway City in late 2024 via a new distribution centre built by Broccolini. The 984,000 square foot building sits on 63 acres and is the company’s flagship distribution centre in Canada, serving the entire country. The facility is operated by Ryder, and is home to 140 supply chain workers. There is space for further expansion, if needed. The company cited Cornwall’s strategic location as a reason for choosing the city for its newest facility.
Timila
Timila is the new name of MPIQC, a manufacturer with a 50-year history in the Seaway City. The new name was chosen as part of the company’s evolution as it seeks to grow its contract electronics manufacturing business to capitalize on Canada’s increased defence spending and Buy Canadian initiatives. The company is also active in the telecom, satcom, industrial and medical industries, to name a few.
De Saulniers Construction
With 25 years in business, De Saulniers Construction has grown to become an innovative and hands-on construction company providing cutting-edge general contracting services for both public and private sectors. This family-owned company has tackled both residential and commercial projects across Eastern Ontario, particularly working alongside Cornwall success story Benson Group as well as local county government projects. A high profile job they tackled in 2025 involved renovations to the entrance of the Cornwall Civic Complex arena.
Ontario Hockey Academy
The team behind Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA) says they wanted to help driven, focused student athletes follow the path of their dreams without compromise. OHA is a private boarding school which blends strong academics with the skills and knowledge needed for successful hockey careers. Graduates from OHA have gone on to studies at major American universities like Harvard and Princeton, and one was recently drafted into the NHL.
Laframboise Group
Marking over 60 years in business, Laframboise Group aims to deliver safe, innovative, and sustainable industrial construction solutions with uncompromising quality and reliability. From their Cornwall headquarters, they offer a range of construction and manufacturing solutions, taking on projects as far north as Nunavut and as far south as Florida, and from B.C. to Newfoundland. One of their largest, recent projects is an asphalt shingle plant in the Sunshine state.
CNTRL+
One in three women deal with bladder leaks, and CNTRL+ wants to do something about it. They have developed what they call the most effective and comfortable bladder support for active women. Their patented device provides discreet leak support for up to 90 minutes while exercising, and has received Health Canada and U.S. FDA approval. The company recently launched sales and has grown to employ nine.
Quick takes
What local leaders told us about Cornwall
Which of these local industries in Cornwall are you most optimistic about?
Logistics and Transportation
Tourism and Hospitality
Healthcare
Best Aspects of Living in Cornwall
Location
Affordability
Education
Bilingualism
Safety Nature and Recreation
What makes you most optimistic about the economic future of Cornwall?
“Cornwall has all the tools and infrastructure to make the step to the next level.”
-Ian Bentley, DEV Hotel & Conference Centre
“There appears to be a renewal underway in the City's administration. A strong vision and leadership will be needed to develop opportunities.”
-Chris Markell, Bourgon Construction
“The ongoing work to attract more business and people to the region, and looking for ways to make the city more relevant – they want to grow.”
-Glenn Vollebregt, St. Lawrence College
Cycling along the Riverside Trail
Stats
The numbers that tell the story of Cornwall
Nearly 42% of Cornwallites are bilingual (English / French)
Cost of acre of industrial land: $100,000
Average house sale price: $500,000
Increase in visitors: 26%
Typical commute: 10 minutes (7 minutes to get across town)
Over
5 million square feet of dedicated distribution space Cornwall is 241 years old (126 years older than Canada, 42 years older than Ottawa)
0% increase in electrical costs this year
18 km of traffic free cycling trails along the St. Lawrence River
Cornwall’s electricity is 100% renewable
Over 50,000 people call Cornwall home (highest population total ever)
Over
3 million people live within a 90 minute drive of Cornwall
$2,010,339 WAS RAISED FOR THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL THIS PAST YEAR.
$2,046,992
ABI
Aiana
Al’s Steakhouse
Altea Ottawa
Bar Lupulus
BDA Lighting
Brassica
Calabogie MotorSport Park
Cantina Gia
Capital Office Interiors
Carisma
Carrickhill Construction
Certified Building Systems
Cheshire Cat Pub
chmiel architects
CIBUS
Citymark Construction and Drywall Ltd.
Clocktower Pub
& Associates
Deb Cherry Engers & Volkers
DragonFly Golf Links
Flippers Seafood Restaurant
Giovanni’s Restaurant & Dining Lounge
KJP Select Hardwoods
La Strada
Loch March Golf
Lonergan Engineering
Marshes Golf
Melica Management
Consulting
Mati
Mississippi Golf
Mood Moss Florist
Napoli’s Cafe
Non Stop Racing
North & Navy
Omni Hotels & Resorts –
The King Edward Hotel
OSEG
Ottawa BlackJacks
Ottawa Charge
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa Senators
Parlour
Group Inc.
Perch
Petit Bills
Pierre Courteau
PBC Development & Construction Management
Management Inc.
Plasterers Local 124
Pomerleau
Preston Hardware
Pye & Richards — Temprano & Young Architects
Renfrew Golf Club
Restaurant e18hteen
Riviera
Rooney, Irving & Associates Ltd.
Royal Oak
Sandpoint Golf
Sense Engineering
Shurway Contracting Ltd.
Silverwood’s Golf & Lounge
Social Supply & Demand
The Brew Table
The Keg
The Shore Club
Thomas Fuller Construction
Trattoria Caffe Italia
Turner Fleisher
UCC Group
The tournament was attended by 212 golfers and 21 NHL alumni at the Canadian Golf and Country Club on June 19, 2025. OVER THE PAST 8
OVER THE PAST 8 TOURNAMENTS THE GOLF QUEST 4 CLINICAL TRIALS HAS RAISED $12,654,179 FOR THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. This year’s date is June 18, 2026. For more information contact Greg Moore at
Next year’s date is June 18, 2026. For more information contact Greg Moore at greg@quantumprojects.ca.