Cornwall ON - If you love to write this group is for you if you’re in the Cornwall area.   From novices to the more experienced there’s nothing like being in a room full of creative people to get you going in the right direction.

Here is a blurb from Lorna Foreman whom you can contact for more info.   I’ll be there myself this coming Monday night.

The Cornwall and Regional Writers Society welcomes new people.

The meetings are held once a month on the third Monday of each month (barring holidays) at 6:15PM at the Cornwall Library.    ( Next meeting is Monday, July 19, 6:15 – 8:15)

A small, informal  and enthusiastic group, monthly topics are allocated, serving to push ourselves out of our our normal writing genre and style.

We encourage writers to read anything  they have written (or parts of) and give feedback when requested.

Whether published, unpublished or wanna be published – all are welcome.

Call Lorna Foreman at (613) 933-5265 for further information.

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Cornwall ON - Moneysense Magazine just came out with a list of the best cities to live in.   Cornwall Ontario finished at 92, but like any list of this nature you have to examine the criteria to better handle the information.

Cornwall is a beautiful city on the banks of a river that is in transition.  Long an industrial town of mills and factories it’s rapidly changing into a community evolving and sprouting in many areas.

Cleaner and Greener Growth – Many of the new industries evolving in Cornwall are cleaner.   We have call centres opening as well as distribution centres because of our work force; much of which is bilingual.  The city of Cornwall has an edge in utility costs thanks to long term agreements and use of cheaper Quebec electricity.

Location – Very few communities can touch the ease of access to Cornwall; especially for industry.    It’s situated on Highway 401, the main artery of traffic from Montreal to Toronto.   Via Rail services the city, and Ottawa is less than 90 minutes away as well.   The waterway and bridge to the US and nearby Massena offer a versatility rarely seen.

Like many “factory towns” the cost of housing was artificially low.   While rapidly catching up with nearby cities the value is still quite amazing which is why many retirees are flocking to Cornwall after selling their homes in nearby communities like Ottawa.  You can sell a $500K home in Ottawa and replace it easily in Cornwall for under $250K which adds to your nest egg with no noticeable loss in quality of life.

If anything there are a lot of benefits to living in Cornwall Ontario.     Going home for lunch.  How many people in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa have long commutes?  In Cornwall you generally can get anywhere in less than 10 minutes.   Traffic jams just don’t exist thanks to good traffic planning.

Shopping.   With the local shopping scene and shopping centres to those close by there’s plenty to see and do so that living in Cornwall really is living widely with all the area has to offer.

Moneysense uses several metrics that really don’t impact large parts of the population.  University for example.   While Cornwall currently doesn’t host a University there are many close by yet in the Moneysense calculations that makes Cornwall not as good as other cities.

Medical Care; now this is where Cornwall shines on the list (we’re number 38); chiefly because it’s close to Montreal and we get a lot of spill over doctors and professionals from there.  Add in how the community pulled together to help fund the new Hospital and you can see why Cornwall rates so high when it comes to medical support.   Yes it’s behind Kingston,but  Kingston has a Medical teaching hospital.

Crime.   Some have complained about high taxes in Cornwall(they actually are less than cities like Ottawa), but one of the big expenses has been in our highly skilled and acclaimed local police force.   It’s led to lower crime metrics from over all crime to severe crime.

Average income for Cornwall is also skewed as we have a large group of retirees in the area.   While a mecca for those who want to enjoy their golden years people generally don’t earn as much at that time of life.

Cornwall Ontario also has a key metric in that if you ever want to own your own home you’ll pay it off faster living here.  According to Moneysense it takes 2.69 years of average income to own a home vs 4+ years in many other communities.   The overall cost of living in Cornwall make up for some of lower average income numbers.

Family life.   Lower crime; cleaner air, better medical services and amazing recreational facilities like the Aquatic Centre and the new Arena Complex being built lead to a great place to raise a family.   Cornwall also has some great sports programs such as our Minor League Football program and a rapidly increasing Soccer infrastructure.  You can bike for miles along the waterfront with lots of cross country skiing available in the winter as well.

Cornwall Ontario also has a great Transit System that’s getting greener by innovative uses of small more environmentally friendlier buses.

Culture.  Cornwall is vibrant.  It’s a true Canadian mix with a lively French Culture mixed in with all sorts of Ethnic groups.   Cornwall also neighbors the First Nations community of Akwesasne.

For more information about Cornwall visit www.choosecornwall.ca – to see the entire list from Moneysense click HERE.

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And if you’re looking to relocate to Cornwall you can give Joe Gunn a ring and let his 25 years of experience help you find exactly what you’re looking for in this hot and expanding market!

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LONGEVITY ACRYLICS MAKES A SPLASH

Cornwall ON - Longevity Acrylics is soaking up the idea of Cornwall’s new multi-purpose sports facility by sponsoring a dressing room.

“We’re a family oriented business,” said Stewart Campbell, President of Longevity Acrylics.  “Investing in our future is an important way to encourage growth in our area and promoting sports for youth is always a worthy cause.”

Longevity Acrylics manufactures acrylic bathware from its Summerstown location.

The $20,000 commitment means there are only limited number of dressing rooms open to sponsorship.

“Longevity’s involvement confirms that this truly is a project that the entire region can enjoy,” said Project 2010 Chairman Scott Lecky. “While our Fundraising Committee continues to unveil partnerships with local businesses, there’s still plenty of work to do and funds to raise.”

This announcement brings the total amount of local fundraising dollars committed to Project 2010 to $1.25 million.

The target is $2 million.

Work is well underway on the site of the new Cornwall Sportsplex; on lands between Seventh Street West and Second Street West.

The facility will boast 3 NHL sized ice pads, a field house and tennis court while the list of amenities includes a committee room, lounge, concessions and more.

Aside from being a positive economic impact on Cornwall and area, Project 2010 will also encourage a healthy lifestyle for local residents.

For more information, please send e-mail requests to info@3plus1.ca or log on to www.3plus1.ca .

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Cornwall ON - Clermont Rosa Concrete Foundation Limited is sponsoring a dressing room in the multi-purpose sports facility.

“Our commitment to this project was never in doubt,” said Denis Rosa, Vice President of Clermont Rosa. “We’re big believers of being active in the community.”

The $20,000 commitment means there are only limited number of dressing rooms open to sponsorship.

“The response of the business community to 3+1 Project 2010 continues to be phenomenal,” said Project 2010 Chairman Scott Lecky. “We only have a very small number of dressing rooms left for sponsorship but there are still other avenues we are exploring for partnership opportunities.”

This announcement brings the total amount of local fundraising dollars committed to Project 2010 to $1.225 million.

The target is $2 million.

Work is well underway on the site of the new Cornwall Sportsplex; on lands between Seventh Street West and Second Street West.

The facility will boast 3 NHL sized ice pads, a field house and tennis court while the list of amenities includes a committee room, lounge, concessions and more.

Aside from being a positive economic impact on Cornwall and area, Project 2010 will also encourage a healthy lifestyle for local residents.

For more information, please send e-mail requests to info@3plus1.ca or log on to www.3plus1.ca .

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Project 2010 is receiving over $11,000 thanks to the 7th Annual Seaway International Wine Festival.

Cornwall Ontario – The event which featured an endless selection of fine wines, spirits and beer from around the world as well as gourmet foods was held at the Ramada Inn & Conference Centre on Saturday, January 16th with net proceeds going to 3+1 Project 2010.

“We’re extremely pleased to contribute to such a great community project,” said Director of Sales at the Ramada Inn Joanne Brault.

(In the photo: L to R – Sheila Youmelle, Team Scotia, David Murphy, 3+1 Project 2010 Committee, sponsor Kirk Tallman, Cornwall Truck Centre, Scott Lecky, Ramada Inn, Claudette Steer, Team Scotia, Yollande Drouin, Team Scotia, Earl McBean, Scotiabank Branch Manager and sponsor Gilles Latour, Latour Wealth Management.)

Corporate sponsors included Scotiabank, Cornwall Truck Centre and Gilles Latour Wealth Management.

“We were more than happy to participate through our Team Scotia community involvement program,” said Scotiabank Cornwall Branch Manager Earl McBean.

“Its part of our on going effort to support great community projects,” continued McBean.

“The wheels are in motion as we ramp up the second half of the community portion of our fundraising drive,” said 3+1 Project 2010 Chairman Scott Lecky.

The community fundraising goal is $2 million and so far more than $1.1 million has been pledged.

Residents wishing to support 3+1 Project 2010 can do so by filling out a pledge form from www.3plus1.ca.

The site of the project, on a piece of land between 7th Street and 2nd Street in Cornwall’s West end, continues to be developed.

Construction is scheduled to complete in March 2011.

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Scott Lecky is one busy man.  He manages the Ramada Inn here in Cornwall, a few other projects keep him busy too, the 3 Plus One Arena project for one which he spearheads.

I can’t blame him either.  He’s worked hard to develop his business and this facility should help.  During our chat at the Ramada he talked about how we need to “get it built” (the arena) “we dont’ have choices, but to build infrastructure to bring in people to Cornwall”

I asked Scott if he had any political aspirations and he said he had his hands full raising two kids, but followed them and was very supportive of our MP.   Mr Lecky stated ” What’s more progressive than building a new sports facility?”

The fund raising committee which he chairs has seen its total inch up to over $800K with no naming rights $$ in the kitty yet.   The Golf tourney raised over $20K, and the Rotary Club had chipped in another $50K.   He thought that the committee would exceed the $2 Million dollar target announced.

On the Bridge Crisis he said that it was a tough situation for the area economy.   He felt that the bridge had to stay on Brookdale; further away would hurt hurt all the area businesses, and he felt that the area couldn’t afford the negativity created by the crisis.

“We have to create the envioronment for kids to get excited about playing sports”    He also felt that there should be no compromise on the project of which I would tend to agree with him.

I have to admit that he made a lot of valid points.  Some I may not agree with, but his commitment to the community and to having reasons for people to move to and visit Cornwall make a lot of sense.

Here is his clip from this week’s special meeting regarding the arena.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX6X4iK8-4s

What do you think Cornwall?

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Long meeting at City Council last night.    The numbers for 2008 were reviewed with the accounting firm for the city, Craig, Keen, Despatie, and Markell LLP with Ross Markell speaking for the firm.

Some of the numbers were really good.  Mr. Markell compared Cornwall to Brockville, Northbay, and Belleville, but accounting numbers have to be sifted through and balanced to truly understand them.

Also, the numbers discussed were up to the end of of 2008 and the impact of the recession will only truly start to show in the 2009 numbers which is what was discussed by Mr. Markell.  As it stands Cornwall cut social spending in 2008 to help balance the books.

For next year’s report the yearlie’s will be will be reflected differently.   For example when you go for a loan the bank will add up your cash and liquid assets; Cash, RRSP’s, houses; things that can be converted quickly.

As of next year the numbers will reflect and include the accumulated assets of the City akin to all the junk you may have around the house including that drawer full of single socks and all those toys you buy off of tv that never work.

The good news is that due to selling Cornwall Electric the city’s debt is very low and Cornwall sits on a $25,000.000.00 million dollar nest egg which gives the city revenue every year.

The bad news is that the cost of the arena and the waste treatment project will force the city to borrow money, and a lot of  it at the same time that Cornwall’s cash reserves either need to be pumped up or judicially not spent.

The only way to do that without raising taxes would be to cut services, and most likely services will have to be cut and costs go up.

The water meter issue isn’t about saving water as the city last night said that the rates will match the cost of the system.     So yes; some bigger users will pay a higher bill, but folks this is all about money and paying for the new system.  The chances of anyone saving any money with meters is very remote; plus the cost of implementing the meters will have to be paid for as well.

The cost for the new water treatment project will add $40-$50 per household per year.

The city is taking on an awful lot of debt at a time when revenue will most likely be down due to lower interest rates returned for their investments and lower taxes collected because of the economy.

The reality is that for 2008 there was basically only a cash reserve of about $300K as most of the reserves had been spoken for.  The cupboard needs to be refilled at a time with the taxpayer’s cupboards aren’t that full either.

Mr. Markell  ” You will need to borrow”  “the progress fund will offset some of the interest….”

The City will also have to change the “Pay as You Go” bylaw in order to possibly go into deficit.

As a taxpayer I can appreciate the good work done by Mayor Kilger and the current city council as well as the group before.  Compared to the three cities mentioned by Mr. Markell Cornwall was in better shape as of December 2008.

The challenge facing Mayor Kilger and City Council today is how will we compare in 2009, and 2011, or 2015 if we keep spending on these projects without raising revenues?

Should the city be plowing as much as it is into the arena project now without proper investment from the Hockey Community?   If the project will cut down to a more feasible amount the city would not have the pressure it’s going to have to tax our overtaxed citizens during a harsh economy.

And it definately is time to say no to water meters.

What do you think Cornwall?  Do you want your tax bills going up for an arena?  We all need water, but do we all need a 3+1 hockey pad?  Please leave your comments and vote in our poll.  You can vote on more than one option.

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L I N K

Now Cornwall has to finance  at least $9 Million dollars of funding if not more and then of course the cost of the upkeep.

I’m still against this project as are a number of other people.   I still feel that the groups that use this arena need to step up and raise an awful lot more money than the $2 Million that Mr. Lecky’s group wants to raise.

What do you think Cornwall?  Should this project still go through if the groups that need the rink don’t pony up the dollars necessary?

Feel free to vote in our poll.

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  I had the honor of spending an hour or so with Cornwall City Councilor Syd Gardiner Friday afternoon.   

I have to tell you the passion shared by Syd for Cornwall and the projects that he works on truly is inspirational.   

We talked about a range of subjects; about his love for the Aultsville Theatre and his hoped for Arts Council (basically a United Way for area Arts Groups) and Cornwall in General.

I learned a lot about the man, and about this City I’ve been living in now for five years.

He had just come from St. Lawrence College where Jim Brownell had just announced a $10 Million dollar upgrade and refurbishment package that will allow the school to offer more programs and respond to the growing enrollment and interest in secondary eduction.

Syd spoke passionately about his hopes for an Arts Council for the area and the benefits of combining resources and information for the many people in the arts in the area as there are more people practicing one form of art or another than play hockey.

Then I cornered him on this 3+1 Arena project and he made some very strong statements.

He said categorically that this arena project would not raise taxes for the citizens of Cornwall.

He said that if the Federal $$ didnt’ come through then he support downsizing to a 2 pad arena.

He said that there would be “no job losses” at the new facility, and one quote that I liked is that he said he’d support taking the funds from the sale of the Bob Turner property and making sure that there’d be an artificial  turf field added to the 3+1 arena site so that amateur Football and other sports would be able to have a longer season and better facility.

I have to give Syd credit for having vision.     My main concern which I shared with him is that I feel that the hockey community so far just hasn’t done enough to warrant an investment of this size.

I feel that Mr. Lecky and his team (team being all of the local hockey groups) need to raise at least $2.5-3.5 Million dollars of the $8-10 Million burden on the city.

Cornwall has a fund from the sale of Cornwall Electric.   It’s a lovely nest egg and the city plans to use about 3/4 of the yearly interest of this nest egg to finance this project.

Well that’s good, but that means that this nest egg won’t grow as much and if something happens that warrants a need to call on these funds they will be allocated for a decade.

So again, to me the challenge is for Mr. Lecky’s group and the hockey community that will use the 3+1 arena project to raise enough cash to warrant Mr. Gardiner and City Council’s faith in such a heavy committment.

Syd mentioned that this is about the kids and children are our future; but let’s give them the lesson that things don’t come for free and you have to work for them.

Let’s see the kids that play hockey go out and hustle some $$ together and let’s really see how much Cornwall wants this facility.

Syd then gave me a great quote about the transition that this city is going through since Domtar’s closing.

“You won’t recogknize Cornwall four years from now.”

I would tend to agree with him and I think with people like Syd in City Council many of those changes will be for the better.

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Today the Conservative mess we call government announced the biggest ever single year deficit in Canadian history.

At the same time, Cornwall Ontario, a small city of just over 40,000 people with a tax base of less than 15,000 awarded a contract to a Whitby firm for $1, 367,500.00 to design a rink that hasn’t been funded yet.

Details haven’t been released but it seems boggling that the city would spend any monies until funding for the project is in place and so far; unless someone knows something; the funds have yet to be announced.

Today the group led by Scott Lecky kicked off their fund raising with a breakfast and announced $525,000 in pledges.

L I N K The Group also has its own website.

You can’t pay contractors or consultants with pledges.

Kingston failed to raise the same $2 Million dollars that Mr. Lecky’s group is trying to raise. ( L I N K )

In this current financial climate, and in a small city like Cornwall loading this arena onto the public purse will hamper growth.  It will hamper jobs, and could well push the city backwards.

I love hockey, but the people who want this arena have to write the cheques to pay for it and not just give out pledges; and frankly I don’t think the city should be writing cheques until there’s at least 10% of the cost to local taxpayers on the table and maybe not even then.

Cornwall needs jobs and those jobs are going to be hard to create with the high city taxes we have.    We need money to attract business to Cornwall; to attract doctors to Cornwall; and to attract things that will help grow Cornwall.

We need dollars to help the people who are already here too and if the local tax base ends up paying for this project will there be any dollars for the things we truly need?

The clock is ticking.

What do you think Cornwall?

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