A Note from City Administration on Homelessness in Cornwall

A Note from City Administration on Homelessness in Cornwall

Homelessness is a complex issue and often results from multiple system failures. We understand how strongly the community feels about what they’re seeing in Cornwall.

We are aware of social media activity related to homelessness and individuals who may be unhoused. Unfortunately, some of the claims being shared are incorrect or misleading. We want to provide you with some facts.

The City of Cornwall, together with community partners, are working every day to support residents who are unhoused and to keep everyone safe, especially during extreme weather and emergency situations. This work includes:

• Daytime Warming Options: For those looking for a place to warm up during the day, several City facilities are available. The Cornwall Public Library, community centres (such as the Aquatic Centre, Benson Centre and Cornwall Civic Complex), and administrative buildings are open as throughout daytime hours.

• Overnight Warming Centre: The City of Cornwall, in partnership with the Agape Centre, operate an overnight warming centre from 11 pm to 7 am, 7 days a week, through March 31, 2026, regardless of temperature. In January 2026, the centre was used 110 times.

• Outreach and Direct Support: Housing services is engaged daily with those who are unhoused providing wellness checks and resources including but not limited to access to affordable housing, crisis beds, domiciliary housing, rent supplements, and income support.
• Housing Projects: The city is focused on longer-term solutions and stability, not only short-term crisis response. This includes the Parisen Manor project which is transitional housing for 30 people, Massey Commons which will support individual and families with 22 affordable apartments, and other proposed transitional and long-term housing projects.

We also want to be clear about the difficult truth of homelessness: it is complicated and not always understood. We must respect an individual’s right to utilize services and supports offered to them, or not. Homelessness is not an issue that can be solved with one action or one program. It requires constant coordination from all levels of government, sustained investment, and willing community partners.

The City of Cornwall will continue to work with unhoused community members every day with compassion and dignity. This supports the ideal that housing is a human right.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. For non-emergencies or to connect someone with support, reach out to the Housing Services Division at the City of Cornwall (613) 938-6282.