Cornwall, Ontario: A City with a Rich History and a Modern Struggle

Published on 16 December 2024 at 20:01

A Glimpse into Cornwall's Past

Cornwall, Ontario, is a city with a rich and diverse history. Originally named New Johnstown, it was settled in 1784 by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The city was renamed Cornwall in honor of Prince George, the Duke of Cornwall, and was incorporated as a town in 1834 before becoming a city in 1945. Over the years, Cornwall has evolved into a modern community with a strong industrial and The

 

Recent Homeless Crisis
In recent years, Cornwall has faced a significant homeless crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, leading to the emergence of multiple encampments across the city. The city's response has been proactive, including the creation of a housing crisis team and the implementation of a winter housing plan. Unfortunately, the crisis took a tragic turn when a 67-year-old woman, Diane Hebert, was found dead in a tent at one of the encampments. This incident has spurred the city to take further action to address homelessness and prevent future tragedies.

 

Statistics on Homelessness in Cornwall

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects many Canadians, including those in Cornwall. According to Statistics Canada, an average of 235,000 people in Canada experience chronic or episodic homelessness annually. In Cornwall, the city operates 1,610 community housing units, with 323 of these being Rent Supplement Program units. The city also collaborates with local services to provide support and housing

 

Moving Forward


Cornwall continues to work towards finding long-term solutions to homelessness. The city's efforts include using a former nursing home as a transitional housing hub and retrofitting a former school to provide supportive housing units and tiny homes. These initiatives aim to provide more permanent housing solutions and support for those in need.

 

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