Cornwall: Future-Ready and Forward-Looking

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STRATEGIC CONTEXT:

In January 2024, Cornwall City Council unanimously approved a multi-year strategy and related term-of-council priorities. ‘Pillar two’ of Council’s Strategic Priorities – Operational Plan is Community Connections, and underpinning that pillar is an action item entitled: ‘Embrace and harness Cornwall’s role as a hub city.’ This item directs City of Cornwall staff and senior management to “explore the development of a university program in City of Cornwall by working alongside local interest holders and engaging with university officials.”

The purpose of the present White Paper is to position discussions surrounding any potential university campus or program in both the historical and current context, and to inform any next steps Cornwall may take with potential university partners.

DISCUSSION:

More than ever, cities need to compete to retain top talent and attract family-rearing aged professionals to ensure growth, investment, and quality of life improvements. Since the 1970’s, the draw for young Canadians to large urban centres has led to massive sprawl, affordability, and transportation challenges. Newcomers from around the world who choose to make Canada their home have also tended to base themselves in larger centres. But as cost of living considerations become top of mind for a new generation of people entering the workforces and starting families, many are giving small and medium-sized municipalities a second look. This new generation of workers is looking for safety, affordability, vibrancy, economic stability, and strong public services (schools, hospitals, parks, etc). They also tend to seek cities with post-secondary education options and derived economies.

The City of Cornwall, following its proud industrial past, is at the cusp of a generational transformation. It also happens to be in an ideal geographical location — it’s in Ontario and is bordered by the Mohawk community of Akwesasne as well as the United States and Quebec. Two of Canada’s largest urban centres — Ottawa and Montreal — also happen to be an-hour drive from Cornwall.

The city has one of Ontario’s most beautiful urban waterfronts and delivers a full line of quality services to its residents — reliable transit, an award-winning drinking water network, and extensive recreational opportunities, to name a few.

The city has recently experienced a huge influx of newcomers, recording a total of 1,879 asylum claimant arrivals in 2022 and 2023. Asylum claimants now account for approximately 2% of Cornwall’s population – a figure that has doubled in the last 18 months and is far larger per capita than other centres (including Toronto). While it is unclear how many of these new arrivals will settle in Cornwall for the long-term, an expanded range of post-secondary education options will almost certainly add to reasons for them to put down roots (as is true for any other population cohort).

Cornwall’s socio-economic transformation is in no small measure dependent on its ability to become a specialized knowledge hub for research.

The City’s recently approved new Strategic Plan identifies a series of ambitious objectives including: growth in population, employer of choice, hub city, and being future ready with emerging economic sectors.

By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, cities and universities can play a vital role in preparing and developing the future economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and improving quality of life for residents.

University programs within a city can serve as engines of economic, social, and cultural development, enriching the lives of residents and contributing to the city's long-term prosperity and resilience.

Past context: Cornwall and uOttawa’s relationship over the years

In 1948, the Classical College was established in Cornwall. It was managed by the University of Ottawa and saw numerous graduates cross its doors. Several of them, already residents of Cornwall, prospered in the community. This institution closed in 1967.

Talks between the University and the City of Cornwall on establishing a campus in the city were held in 1972 but no concrete plan was ever drafted.

Since then, many Cornwallites have attended the University of Ottawa for post-secondary education.

The idea of a French-language university in Cornwall was resurrected a few years ago, following the announcement that the Province of Ontario intended to establish the first French-language university within its borders. Although the City of Cornwall expressed formal interest, it was decided to establish the university in Toronto.

In 2023, interest in the creation of a university campus in the City of Cornwall was once again reignited. Since then, several meetings between officials from both the City of Cornwall and the University of Ottawa have taken place, though no decisions have been made.

Why reconsider Cornwall for a research campus

It should be noted that several Canadian universities are home to student populations that are not from the same community. Take Queen’s University as an example. As of 2019, 95% of its 24,649 students came from outside of Kingston to study.

Across Canada, smaller cities and towns make great homes for universities and satellite campuses.

St. Francis Xavier University, one of Canada’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions, is home to over 4,000 students, despite Antigonish being home to only 20,129 residents.

Bishop’s University in Lennoxville is another great example. Despite the town having a population of 5,642, the university’s student population numbers 2,867.

North Bay, a community similar in size to Cornwall (with a population of 51,553) is home to Nipissing University.

The benefits of having a university in the City of Cornwall

Universities give back to the community by supplying jobs and services. Additionally, graduating students often find employment in the cities they graduate in. Universities can also function as incubators for new research hubs, growing the community economic vitality.

Overall, university programs within a city can serve as engines of economic, social, and cultural development, enriching the lives of residents and contributing to the city's long-term prosperity and resilience.

A more educated workforce brings numerous benefits to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole:

  1. Higher Earning Potential: On average, individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with lower levels of education. This is because education often leads to acquiring specialized skills and knowledge that are in demand in the broader labor market.
  2. Lower Unemployment Rates: Educated individuals are more likely to find employment and have lower unemployment rates. They possess the skills and qualifications sought after by employers, making them more competitive in the job market.
  3. Increased Innovation and Productivity: Education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for innovation and productivity. A more educated workforce is better equipped to adapt to technological advancements, implement new ideas, and drive economic growth.
  4. Improved Health and Well-being: Education is strongly correlated with better health outcomes and overall well-being. Educated individuals are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, have access to healthcare services, and experience lower rates of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  5. Social benefits, cohesion and civic engagement: Higher education provides individuals with opportunities for personal and professional development. Educated individuals tend to be more actively engaged in civic and community activities, such as voting, volunteering, and participating in public discourse. They contribute to building stronger, more cohesive societies by fostering social trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
  6. Enhanced Economic Stability and Resilience: A more educated workforce contributes to a more diverse and adaptable economy. In times of economic uncertainty or technological disruption, educated workers are better positioned to transition to new industries and occupations, reducing the risk of unemployment and economic instability.
  7. Increased Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Education nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset and encourages individuals to pursue new business ventures and innovative ideas. Educated entrepreneurs drive economic growth by creating new products, services, and employment opportunities.
  8. Global Competitiveness: Nations with higher levels of educational attainment tend to be more competitive in the global economy. A skilled and educated workforce attracts investment, drives innovation, and strengthens a country's position in international markets.
  9. Inter-generational Benefits: Education has inter-generational benefits, as educated parents are more likely to provide their children with a supportive learning environment and encourage their academic success. This creates a positive cycle of educational achievement and social mobility.


French language vitality in the City of Cornwall

The French language has occupied quite an important — and celebrated — place in the City of Cornwall. Cornwall is one of Ontario’s most bilingual cities. Almost half of the population (43.26%) can converse in both English and French. Francophones represent 25.4% of the City’s population, compared to 15.4% for Eastern Ontario and 4.8% for Ontario as a whole.

The City of Cornwall welcomes post-secondary programs hub

Council, staff and community leaders are all supportive of bringing post-secondary education programs to the City of Cornwall. As Cornwall’s population and economy continue to grow, the current generation is looking to thrive on the high quality of life in the City. Further, many millennial and Gen Z Canadians are looking for more affordable living options than can be found in larger centres like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal. For Cornwall to grow, diversify, transform and develop, it needs certain foundational building blocks.

Additional higher education options will allow residents to access a range of employment opportunities, young adults to study locally, new students to discover Cornwall and for the City to position itself in a manner where it can embrace future growth. New post-secondary programs or a campus would be heavily promoted by the City’s Economic Development department as part of its role in strategic plan execution. As a mid-size city in Ontario, welcoming unique university campus programming to support the transformation of the local economy will be the key to unlock Cornwall’s potential.

STRATEGIC CONTEXT:

In January 2024, Cornwall City Council unanimously approved a multi-year strategy and related term-of-council priorities. ‘Pillar two’ of Council’s Strategic Priorities – Operational Plan is Community Connections, and underpinning that pillar is an action item entitled: ‘Embrace and harness Cornwall’s role as a hub city.’ This item directs City of Cornwall staff and senior management to “explore the development of a university program in City of Cornwall by working alongside local interest holders and engaging with university officials.”

The purpose of the present White Paper is to position discussions surrounding any potential university campus or program in both the historical and current context, and to inform any next steps Cornwall may take with potential university partners.

DISCUSSION:

More than ever, cities need to compete to retain top talent and attract family-rearing aged professionals to ensure growth, investment, and quality of life improvements. Since the 1970’s, the draw for young Canadians to large urban centres has led to massive sprawl, affordability, and transportation challenges. Newcomers from around the world who choose to make Canada their home have also tended to base themselves in larger centres. But as cost of living considerations become top of mind for a new generation of people entering the workforces and starting families, many are giving small and medium-sized municipalities a second look. This new generation of workers is looking for safety, affordability, vibrancy, economic stability, and strong public services (schools, hospitals, parks, etc). They also tend to seek cities with post-secondary education options and derived economies.

The City of Cornwall, following its proud industrial past, is at the cusp of a generational transformation. It also happens to be in an ideal geographical location — it’s in Ontario and is bordered by the Mohawk community of Akwesasne as well as the United States and Quebec. Two of Canada’s largest urban centres — Ottawa and Montreal — also happen to be an-hour drive from Cornwall.

The city has one of Ontario’s most beautiful urban waterfronts and delivers a full line of quality services to its residents — reliable transit, an award-winning drinking water network, and extensive recreational opportunities, to name a few.

The city has recently experienced a huge influx of newcomers, recording a total of 1,879 asylum claimant arrivals in 2022 and 2023. Asylum claimants now account for approximately 2% of Cornwall’s population – a figure that has doubled in the last 18 months and is far larger per capita than other centres (including Toronto). While it is unclear how many of these new arrivals will settle in Cornwall for the long-term, an expanded range of post-secondary education options will almost certainly add to reasons for them to put down roots (as is true for any other population cohort).

Cornwall’s socio-economic transformation is in no small measure dependent on its ability to become a specialized knowledge hub for research.

The City’s recently approved new Strategic Plan identifies a series of ambitious objectives including: growth in population, employer of choice, hub city, and being future ready with emerging economic sectors.

By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, cities and universities can play a vital role in preparing and developing the future economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and improving quality of life for residents.

University programs within a city can serve as engines of economic, social, and cultural development, enriching the lives of residents and contributing to the city's long-term prosperity and resilience.

Past context: Cornwall and uOttawa’s relationship over the years

In 1948, the Classical College was established in Cornwall. It was managed by the University of Ottawa and saw numerous graduates cross its doors. Several of them, already residents of Cornwall, prospered in the community. This institution closed in 1967.

Talks between the University and the City of Cornwall on establishing a campus in the city were held in 1972 but no concrete plan was ever drafted.

Since then, many Cornwallites have attended the University of Ottawa for post-secondary education.

The idea of a French-language university in Cornwall was resurrected a few years ago, following the announcement that the Province of Ontario intended to establish the first French-language university within its borders. Although the City of Cornwall expressed formal interest, it was decided to establish the university in Toronto.

In 2023, interest in the creation of a university campus in the City of Cornwall was once again reignited. Since then, several meetings between officials from both the City of Cornwall and the University of Ottawa have taken place, though no decisions have been made.

Why reconsider Cornwall for a research campus

It should be noted that several Canadian universities are home to student populations that are not from the same community. Take Queen’s University as an example. As of 2019, 95% of its 24,649 students came from outside of Kingston to study.

Across Canada, smaller cities and towns make great homes for universities and satellite campuses.

St. Francis Xavier University, one of Canada’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions, is home to over 4,000 students, despite Antigonish being home to only 20,129 residents.

Bishop’s University in Lennoxville is another great example. Despite the town having a population of 5,642, the university’s student population numbers 2,867.

North Bay, a community similar in size to Cornwall (with a population of 51,553) is home to Nipissing University.

The benefits of having a university in the City of Cornwall

Universities give back to the community by supplying jobs and services. Additionally, graduating students often find employment in the cities they graduate in. Universities can also function as incubators for new research hubs, growing the community economic vitality.

Overall, university programs within a city can serve as engines of economic, social, and cultural development, enriching the lives of residents and contributing to the city's long-term prosperity and resilience.

A more educated workforce brings numerous benefits to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole:

  1. Higher Earning Potential: On average, individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with lower levels of education. This is because education often leads to acquiring specialized skills and knowledge that are in demand in the broader labor market.
  2. Lower Unemployment Rates: Educated individuals are more likely to find employment and have lower unemployment rates. They possess the skills and qualifications sought after by employers, making them more competitive in the job market.
  3. Increased Innovation and Productivity: Education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for innovation and productivity. A more educated workforce is better equipped to adapt to technological advancements, implement new ideas, and drive economic growth.
  4. Improved Health and Well-being: Education is strongly correlated with better health outcomes and overall well-being. Educated individuals are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, have access to healthcare services, and experience lower rates of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  5. Social benefits, cohesion and civic engagement: Higher education provides individuals with opportunities for personal and professional development. Educated individuals tend to be more actively engaged in civic and community activities, such as voting, volunteering, and participating in public discourse. They contribute to building stronger, more cohesive societies by fostering social trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
  6. Enhanced Economic Stability and Resilience: A more educated workforce contributes to a more diverse and adaptable economy. In times of economic uncertainty or technological disruption, educated workers are better positioned to transition to new industries and occupations, reducing the risk of unemployment and economic instability.
  7. Increased Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Education nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset and encourages individuals to pursue new business ventures and innovative ideas. Educated entrepreneurs drive economic growth by creating new products, services, and employment opportunities.
  8. Global Competitiveness: Nations with higher levels of educational attainment tend to be more competitive in the global economy. A skilled and educated workforce attracts investment, drives innovation, and strengthens a country's position in international markets.
  9. Inter-generational Benefits: Education has inter-generational benefits, as educated parents are more likely to provide their children with a supportive learning environment and encourage their academic success. This creates a positive cycle of educational achievement and social mobility.


French language vitality in the City of Cornwall

The French language has occupied quite an important — and celebrated — place in the City of Cornwall. Cornwall is one of Ontario’s most bilingual cities. Almost half of the population (43.26%) can converse in both English and French. Francophones represent 25.4% of the City’s population, compared to 15.4% for Eastern Ontario and 4.8% for Ontario as a whole.

The City of Cornwall welcomes post-secondary programs hub

Council, staff and community leaders are all supportive of bringing post-secondary education programs to the City of Cornwall. As Cornwall’s population and economy continue to grow, the current generation is looking to thrive on the high quality of life in the City. Further, many millennial and Gen Z Canadians are looking for more affordable living options than can be found in larger centres like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal. For Cornwall to grow, diversify, transform and develop, it needs certain foundational building blocks.

Additional higher education options will allow residents to access a range of employment opportunities, young adults to study locally, new students to discover Cornwall and for the City to position itself in a manner where it can embrace future growth. New post-secondary programs or a campus would be heavily promoted by the City’s Economic Development department as part of its role in strategic plan execution. As a mid-size city in Ontario, welcoming unique university campus programming to support the transformation of the local economy will be the key to unlock Cornwall’s potential.

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Page last updated: 19 Jun 2024, 02:11 PM