The Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC) told city council on July 13 it continues to seek a formal role in planning for the Port Lands and is disappointed that letters offering help went unanswered by municipal staff and council.
TDCC presses for involvement
During an annual update to council, TDCC chairperson Karen Torrie-Racine and treasurer Étienne Saint-Aubin outlined the not-for-profit’s interest in contributing to the future of the Port Lands — the harbour lands that were divested from Transport Canada for the joint Cornwall–Akwesasne project.
“The Port Lands right now represents missed opportunity and it makes me cry. It has to change, and it has to change fast.”
That was the description offered by Saint-Aubin, who told councillors he deeply regretted that the city never responded to letters the TDCC sent last April expressing a desire for a seat at the table in Port Lands discussions.
What the TDCC told council
The presentation highlighted the TDCC’s continued interest in participating in discussions about the harbour lands and supporting their development in ways that could benefit tourism and the local economy. The remarks came as part of the organization’s annual report to council.
- TDCC representatives present: Chair Karen Torrie-Racine and treasurer Étienne Saint-Aubin.
- Key message: The Port Lands represent a missed opportunity and the TDCC wants a formal role in planning.
- City response noted: Mayor Justin Towndale acknowledged the existence of unanswered letters from the TDCC.
Local context and next steps
The Port Lands are the subject of a joint Cornwall–Akwesasne project following divestment from Transport Canada. The TDCC’s request, if taken up by council, could formalize a role for the tourism-focused not-for-profit in consultations and planning related to the harbour lands.
| Actor | Role / Position |
|---|---|
| Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC) | Not-for-profit seeking seat in Port Lands discussions |
| Karen Torrie-Racine | TDCC chairperson; presented to council |
| Étienne Saint-Aubin | TDCC treasurer; urged urgent change for Port Lands |
| Mayor Justin Towndale | Acknowledged that letters from TDCC were unanswered |
The presentation did not include a council decision on whether to involve the TDCC. For residents, the issue raises questions about how community organizations will be included in long-range planning for a waterfront site that could influence tourism, culture and economic activity in Cornwall and the surrounding Akwesasne community.
Council members and staff will need to consider whether to respond to the TDCC’s offer and, if so, how to integrate the organization’s input into an existing decision-making framework for the Port Lands project.
The TDCC’s statement to council underscores the wider challenge facing municipal leaders: balancing multiple stakeholders’ interests while advancing a cohesive plan for a site that supporters say has untapped potential.
