JASON SETNYK
Cornwall’s Economic Development Department is highlighting the city’s growth and investment potential in a new 24-page section featured in the Ottawa Business Journal’s (OBJ) flagship magazine, an initiative that cost approximately $12,995 and was included in the City’s 2025 budget.
While the magazine has a print circulation of 10,000, the City projects a much broader reach online, with “conservative” estimates of 90,000 impressions over six months. Officials expect the combined digital and print presence to help raise awareness about Cornwall as a viable destination for business investment.
The City confirmed it did not select which businesses, topics, or individuals were profiled in the report. Editorial decisions were made by the Ottawa Business Journal team, informed in part by a roundtable with local business and community leaders, as well as the publication’s own research and due diligence.
“The only sponsored content is a two-page feature on the DEV Centre,” according to a city statement. The section also includes a two-page story prepared by Cornwall Economic Development and a mayor’s message written by Mayor Justin Towndale, with all remaining content produced independently by OBJ editorial staff.
The feature comes at a time when the Economic Development department is facing tighter constraints. During 2026 budget talks, councillors raised concerns over a $50,000 cut to core advertising-bringing the department’s marketing budget to levels not seen since the 1990s, according to Economic Development Manager Bob Peters. Despite the reduction, Peters said the team remains focused on “finding a way to get our message out.”
Publisher Michael Curran said OBJ last profiled Cornwall in 2008. “Given the city’s remarkable growth and industrial expansion over the last 18 years, we felt it was the perfect moment to return,” he said.
“Cornwall has emerged as one of Eastern Ontario’s most compelling locations for business investment,” said editor Phil Gaudreau, citing the city’s location, affordability, and economic momentum.
Since January 2020, Cornwall’s Economic Development Department has spent approximately $175,000 on advertising with the Ottawa Business Journal. During that same period, a nearly identical amount-about $177,000-was spent on six Cornwall-based media outlets.
The OBJ magazine is being distributed in Ottawa to subscribers and select outlets. Copies will also be available at the Cornwall Economic Development office and online.
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