JASON SETNYK
The City of Cornwall’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) has received a report recommending Brownfields funding support for the Ontario SPCA’s new animal centre and veterinary clinic project at 2151 Second St. West, with no discussion or debate at a recent meeting.
The report outlines an addendum request under the City’s Brownfields Community Improvement Plan (CIP), specifically Program 4, which provides grants to offset municipal planning and development fees. The recommendation calls for approval of $83,042 in funding, including $80,760 for building permit fees and $2,282 for site plan control costs. Funding would be drawn from the City’s Brownfields Reserve.
The property, now an active development site with an approved site plan and building permit, was previously vacant but has historical ties dating back to 1957, when it was used as barracks during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway hydro dam. Environmental Site Assessments Phase I and II have been completed, and no Record of Site Condition was required.
The Ontario SPCA project represents a significant redevelopment within the City’s Brownfields Strategy Community Improvement Policy Area.
The planned 8,000-square-foot facility will become the new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, marking the first Ontario SPCA-operated veterinary clinic in the region. The site will also include a fully fenced outdoor yard exceeding 35,000 square feet, with dedicated dog enrichment spaces.
City staff note the project aligns with strategic priorities focused on infill development and expansion along existing infrastructure corridors. Brownfields incentives are designed to encourage redevelopment of underutilized lands while supporting economic growth and increasing property assessment.
The total redevelopment cost is estimated at $8 million, with approximately $6 million already secured through a combination of Ontario SPCA reserves and external contributions. Construction, underway since late 2025, is expected to continue through spring 2027.
Beyond construction activity supporting local trades and suppliers, the completed facility is expected to create four full-time and three part-time positions, along with approximately 75 volunteer roles. Additional hiring will include a veterinarian and registered veterinary technicians.
As a regional hub, the new centre is projected to attract around 6,000 visitors annually from Cornwall and surrounding communities. In addition to expanding animal care capacity, the facility is expected to support veterinary services, education programs, and community outreach, particularly for residents facing financial barriers to pet care.
The recommendation will now move forward in the municipal approval process.
L’article Animal centre project receives Brownfields funding recommendation est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
