Paula Griffin

This document reports on the progress of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Agreement and Action Plan for the Town of Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. The plan aims to achieve a 486-unit housing supply growth target, with a focus on missing middle and affordable housing. Strategic pillars include significant infrastructure investments (water, wastewater, roads) to support future multi-unit developments, and policy initiatives such as reducing parking requirements, promoting alternative housing solutions, increasing maximum building height, facilitating accessory dwelling units, and implementing a capital contribution bylaw.

The Sustainability and Environment Committee meeting for January 12, 2026, included discussions on several critical items. Key business arising from previous minutes involved a staff report and discussion regarding the Property Maintenance Bylaw concerning naturalized areas, and an update on the Forest Management Plan. New business focused primarily on discussing the Committee's 2026 Workplan, covering priority initiatives, policy reviews, key objectives, and the meeting schedule for the year. The agenda also included sections for resident engagement, an update from the Cornwall and Area Watershed Group, and correspondence.

The committee meeting agenda included a discussion with a Freshwater Fisheries Biologist regarding angling regulations for Hyde Park. Old business covered continued discussion on the Property Maintenance Bylaw, an update on the Forest Management Plan, and staff updates regarding signage and water audits. New business involved discussion of the 2025/26 Financial Update and the 2026/27 Budget Request. Further items included updates from the Cornwall and Area Watershed Group and an in-camera session.

Key discussions during the meeting included planning and development resolutions: approval for the subdivision of 505 Main Street (PID 640227) resulting in a panhandle lot with reduced frontage, and granting preliminary approval for a 7-lot subdivision on Ferry Road (Portion of PID 248997). Committee of Council resolutions involved continuing the Affordable Housing Incentive Program, donating $300 to the Cornwall Confederation Women's Institute Branch, and agreeing to illuminate the Town Hall in purple for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12, 2026, and in blue for Alzheimer's Awareness Day of Action on January 28, 2026. Municipal and Emergency Services addressed extending the Fire Services Contract with North River Rural Fire Company for two years, and approving Memorandums of Understanding with Cornerstone Church and the APM Centre for reception center use and volunteer services, following lessons learned from Post Tropical Storm Fiona. The Parks and Recreation update detailed positive feedback on outdoor rinks, successful holiday events, and plans for Snowfest. The Water/Sewer Utility adopted the Drought Contingency Plan as required by provincial regulations.

This progress report details the Town of Cornwall, Prince Edward Island's advancements under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Agreement and Action Plan, covering January 31, 2024, to January 30, 2025. It highlights the permitting of 150 net new residential units, representing 30.9% of the 486-unit Housing Supply Growth Target, with a strong emphasis on multi-unit housing. Key strategic initiatives include the adoption of zoning amendments to increase building height, reduce parking requirements, and facilitate alternative housing forms, alongside significant infrastructure investments. These efforts are designed to enhance housing density, diversify supply, and support affordable and multi-unit housing developments within the community.