The final numbers are in – over $190 million worth of building permit activity took place in Cornwall in 2009.
The amount is greater than the sum of the building permit values of the previous four years (2005-2008) combined. The figure more than doubles the figure reached in 2006 ($74.8 million), which until recently many had considered a record level of construction activity since the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950’s.
“2009 was a breakthrough year for Cornwall – and it looks like 2010 will be just as good,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “Our Economic Development, Planning and Building Permit offices have all been very busy facilitating the variety of large and small development projects. Many of the construction projects that began in 2009 will continue on in 2010.”
Building permit values represent a measure of economic activity in a community, and growth was seen in Cornwall’s residential, commercial and institutional sectors.
There are several major development projects underway in the City at the current time:
· Cornwall Community Hospital - $120 million multi-year redevelopment project
· Shoppers Drug Mart Distribution Centre - $60 million new construction
· Service Canada – 33,000 sf new construction
· Harden Group – 70,000 sf new commercial plaza
· Pizza Hut - $1 million new restaurant
· OPG Visitor Information Centre - $8 million new construction
Mark Boileau, Manager of Cornwall Economic Development, recently recapped the year’s positive developments with a comprehensive presentation at Team Cornwall’s Year in Review meeting in December. His presentation outlined investments by dozens of companies in the City that are expected to create hundreds of jobs in Cornwall in 2010.
“Together, the Shoppers Drug Mart Distribution Centre and the Service Canada Call Centre projects will create over 300 full time jobs by the end of 2010,” said Mark Boileau. “Other local firms, such as StarTek, Teleperformance and Sigmapoint, have also announced plans to grow their workforce.”
“2009 was perhaps the busiest construction year in Cornwall since the construction of the Seaway,” added Mayor Bob Kilger. “We expect that positive activity to carry forward into 2010 and on through 2011. It is an exciting time for Cornwall.”
The City also saw the completion of some major projects in 2009, as well as the start of others that will continue into 2010. St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre completed their $40 million project, while work began on a new multi-sport facility and St. Lawrence College announced a $10 million renovation project. The City of Cornwall is also planning a number of infrastructure projects in 2010, not the least of which will be a new $55 million secondary wastewater treatment facility.
“Business people in Cornwall are extremely invested in the growth of our City”, said Gilles Latour, Chair of Team Cornwall. “We think that this economic growth will be the catalyst for encouraging more people to take a closer look at Cornwall, and realize just what a great city this is.”
The Year in Review Presentation is available for download from the ChooseCornwall.ca website, by visiting the “Downloadable Documents” section.
Building permit activity in 2009 shatters previous records
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