Collaboration between municipal planners, a citizens' association, and an academic institution in the rehabilitation of Le Village (Cornwall, Ontario)
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Issue Date
2001
Editor
Authors
Friedman, Avi
Bedford, Ken
Charlebois, Chuck
License
Subject
Abstract
For over a century, the city of Cornwall
has been economically reliant on traditional
manufacturing-based businesses.
Over the past thirty years, however,
changes in global markets and production
practices have translated into a significant
decline. One distinct east end neighbourhood
within the city, traditionally
referred to as "Le Village," has been significantly
affected by this shift in industrial
importance. Following the closure of the
textile mills, unemployment increased significantly
and those families who were
able to leave did so. The area fell into a
state of disrepair with many residences
turning into rental units. In addition, the
infrastructure was neglected for many
years, and the viability of the commercial
core of Le Village came into question .
Despite these trends, the spirit of community
persevered and, in 1998, a group
of concerned business owners, citizens,
and organizations banded together to
form the Groupe Renaissance group. This
not-for-profit organization focused on
developing a vision of the district with
clear objectives to create a viable, sustainable
"community" within the city of
Cornwall.