Our Voice

Local snow removal companies are pointing to escalating insurance costs as the reason for ceasing operations. Local businesses are concerned about getting snow removed from their properties. Making the problem more challenging, commercial leases often state you must use a snow removal company to clear snow.

The Standard-Freeholder ran stories on this on September 24th, 2020, September 30th, 2020 and October 1st, 2020.

The Chamber has reached out to MPP Jim McDonnell for assistance on this issue. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has been contacted for support on this issue.

We will also be surveying members and the public to understand the implications of the dwindling number of snow removal companies.

When we were made aware of the proposed by-law for landlord licensing from The City of Cornwall back in June, we were concerned about the possible added regulation being imposed on our small business owners and immediately got involved. We participated in a meeting with the Landlord Association of Cornwall & SDG, The City of Cornwall Planning officials, the Manager of Social and Housing Services and the acting Fire Chief to discuss this proposed by-law. We discussed issues in the report and by-law concerning the clarity of terms, clarity of responsibilities of tenants versus the landlord, and concern over the necessity for the by-law at this time. We appreciate that the desire for this by-law is to obtain a complete list of all rental units so that the Fire Department can be prepared to respond to calls, however, we believe that this proposed by-law does not directly target this issue and needs more work. The Fire Chief and Planning Department agreed to review the proposed by-law and further discussions will take place.