Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall still hopes to support the Port Lands

Article content The passion about the future of the Port Lands overshadowed the annual update to council on Monday from the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC). Coun.

Article content The passion about the future of the Port Lands overshadowed the annual update to council on Monday from the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC). Coun. Fred Ngoundjo asked TDCC chairperson Karen Torrie-Racine and treasurer Étienne Saint-Aubin about their feelings toward the Port Lands, saying he had heard about the organization’s hopes to become involved in the project.

Recommended Videos “The Port Lands right now represents missed opportunity and it makes me cry,” said Saint-Aubin. “It has to change, and it has to change fast.” Saint-Aubin said he deeply regretted how the City of Cornwall never answered any of the letters and offers of assistance sent by the TDCC.

The organization sent letters last April expressing a desire for a seat at the table in discussions about the future of the joint Cornwall-Akwesasne project. The harbour lands were divested from Transport Canada to the joint ownership of the city and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) in 2016. “The Port Lands represents the single most significant step we can take as a community for our future development,” said Saint-Aubin.

Coun. Claude McIntosh encouraged the TDCC to connect with the MCA about the project in addition to the city. Saint-Aubin acknowledged McIntosh’s sentiments and the unique nature of the property, which he said is what makes the opportunities at the site and for reconciliation in action even more exciting.

But since the TDCC is a child of the city — an independent not-for-profit that manages the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), funded by the local municipal accommodation tax — Saint-Aubin reasoned that is why the requests to be involved have been sent to Cornwall. Mayor Justin Towndale said he took full responsibility for the TDCC not receiving a reply. He said he respectfully disagreed with the sentiment the project is currently a missed opportunity and said he believes it’s an ongoing opportunity.

“This partnership and the end result is meant to last for generations,” said Towndale. “It is slow right now, there’s no denying that. We are still waiting on some things, like an environmental assessment, which is taking a longer than expected time frame unfortunately.

“But I think we also need to get it right.” Torrie-Racine said she hopes the area can be included as a stop in eastern Ontario river cruises. Looking at the TDCC’s accomplishments throughout 2025, over $185,000 in grants were distributed and the organization supported 28 new projects and businesses.

Torrie-Racine praised vice-chair Dale Allen for being the brainchild of the Tourism Innovation Challenge, which will take place again following the success of the inaugural event that welcomed businesses to pitch innovative tourism solutions for a chance to win $25,000. The TDCC is also continuing to grow a reserve fund that will support an anchor attraction. The fund currently sits at $400,000.

“We want to keep encouraging new and unique tourist draws to our city,” said Torrie-Racine, who added the TDCC is hoping to grow awareness about the organization. “Today’s tourist is tomorrow’s investor,” said Saint-Aubin. “I think it is important to dwell on the fact that we in Cornwall can do things very well, and we can do it for the benefit of fellow citizens.”