JASON SETNYK
Cornwall is mourning the passing of Paul St-Onge, an educator, entrepreneur, and community builder whose influence stretched from national public-safety institutions to grassroots local projects that shaped everyday life along the St. Lawrence River.
St-Onge was a founding faculty member at La Cité collégiale in 1990, and he helped establish the 911 Institute, a leading simulation-based training centre for emergency services. His expertise in crisis intervention and tactical communications shaped a generation of frontline professionals, and he became nationally recognized for integrating UAVs, robotics, and AI into modern training. Most recently, as SARVAC’s National Training Coordinator, strengthening experiential learning across volunteer search-and-rescue systems.
Beyond the classroom, St-Onge was an entrepreneur. Many remember him as the co-founder of Mocktails, the waterfront refreshment stand that brought new life to Lamoureux Park starting in 2013. The family-friendly patio became a seasonal hub-reflecting his belief that small, local ventures could strengthen public spaces.
Long before drones were mainstream, St-Onge saw their potential for education and recreation. He founded Aero Concept Systems Inc. and created DroneSport, a technology-based activity for all ages and abilities. Its 2025 debut at the Benson Centre introduced many residents to the concept, which he hoped would inspire youth and attract visitors. The initiative later earned him a finalist spot in Cornwall’s 2026 Tourism Innovation Challenge.
His sudden passing is being deeply felt by family, colleagues, friends, and the many organizations he supported. Rodney Rivette, a cousin, said: “We are sad at this great loss not only for our family but for our community as a whole. He was a great man with a giant heart who wanted to make sure everyone felt special around him.”
For many, St-Onge’s generosity was just as memorable as his professional accomplishments. Shannon Ferguson, Project Manager for the Tourism Innovation Challenge, recalled his kindness and enthusiasm: “He consistently contributed and was always helping and supporting the other Finalists. That was just who he was-always helping.”
From annual park activities to Canada 150 celebrations, summer movies, Pokémon crawls, and more, St-Onge was known as someone who always showed up, pitched in, and lifted others.
Terry Muir, of the Stormont Community Optimist Club, said Paul was someone who “just had to give to others,” working harder than anyone he knew and asking only for a smile in return. He recalled Paul’s joy running Mocktails at Lamoureux Park, especially during free outdoor movies where he handed out snacks simply to make people feel welcome. “Nothing made him happier than seeing a crowd come together,” Muir added.
Muir said Paul poured that same energy into Canada’s 150th festivities and countless other community events-memories that now stand as reminders of “a great human being with a huge heart.”
Cornwall Optimist member Roger Desjardins said: “Paul was a giving person… with big dreams, big heart, and a big circle of friends.”
St-Onge was also the owner of Raw Fit & Wellness in Long Sault. “We first bonded over law enforcement and fitness, and it was such a proud moment for us to open our second A Lil’ Pole Fitness location at Raw Fit in Long Sault,” Shannon Champagne stated.
Mayor Justin Towndale reflected on the breadth of St-Onge’s contributions: “He was a good person, always wanting to do more for our community. He believed in Cornwall. He was involved in putting on many activities for our community, especially for youth. His passing is a loss for Cornwall, and he will be missed.”
MPP Nolan Quinn said St-Onge’s passing is a significant loss for the region. “Paul was a true pillar of Cornwall and SDG. His pride in our community guided everything he did,” Quinn said. He noted St-Onge’s long-standing commitment to lifting others up, especially youth. “Whether through the Optimist Club, his support for local projects, or simply encouraging people in their day-to-day lives, Paul always found joy in helping others succeed. He will be deeply missed.”
Whether through education, entrepreneurship, or simple acts of kindness, Paul St-Onge built a life defined by service and connection. His impact will resonate across Cornwall and beyond for years to come.
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