CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY

 

 

MARKING THE 240th ANNIVERSARY OF LOYALISTS’ ARRIVAL

Cornwall’s history is the history of Ontario and of Canada. The United Empire Loyalists’ founding of New Johnstown laid the foundation for the progressive, growing, diverse city we all enjoy today.

From June 7-9, we will celebrate the 240th anniversary of that founding by commemorating our history and reflecting on our shared future.

Welcome to the 240th Anniversary of Cornwall! We're delighted to have you join us in celebrating our rich history and vibrant community.

 PROCLAMATION, June 6 to 9, 2024 week of the 240th Anniversary of Cornwall
 Click here.

Three days of fun and learning

The City is proud to support the SD&G Historical Society as it hosts three days’ worth of action-packed festivities for young and old alike marking the Loyalists’ arrival.

Visit 1784.ca  

Find full details on the events of that weekend, how you can take a trip back in time at Lamoureux Park, and ways you can learn more about our history.

Cornwall Historic Walking Tour

Take a virtual tour along Cornwall, Ontario's historic waterfront, Downtown and Le Village!

Some 240 years on, we’re all part of the story of building a better community for all.

 Getting to and from

By car:

From Highway 401 (east or west bound)

Take exit 789. Head south on Brookdale Avenue South (following signs for Brookdale Avenue S/Pont-Etats-Unis/Cornwall/Centre-Ville/Downtown) for 3.6km. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Brookdale Ave heading to Downtown/Bridge to USA. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Brookdale Ave heading to Downtown/Bridge to USA. After 1.5km, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Water St W. After 1.4km, turn right onto Centre Park St. Park in the Civic Complex parking lot and make your way to the Bandshell.

From Highway 417 (east or west bound)
Take exit 58 toward Moose Creek/Monkland/Cornwall. Continue on highway 138 southbound for 33.8km. Turn right onto Cornwall Centre Rd/ON-138 S (signs for ON-401). Turn left onto Brookdale Avenue South (signs for ON-401). After 4.5km, at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Brookdale Ave heading to Downtown/Bridge to USA. After 1.5km, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Water St W. After 1.4km,  turn right onto Centre Park St. Park in the Civic Complex parking lot and make your way to the Bandshell.
From Highway 2 (Long Sault, Ingleside, Morrisburg)
Take highway 2 eastbound toward Cornwall where it becomes Vincent Massey Drive. At the Seaway Shopping Centre/Shoppers Drug Mart/Starbucks, merge right onto Brookdale Avenue South. Continue straight onto Brookdale Ave (signs for County Road 2) for 750m. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Brookdale Ave heading to Downtown/Bridge to USA. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Water StW. After1.4km,  turn right onto Centre Park St. Park in the Civic Complex parking lot and make your way to the Bandshell.

 

By bus: 

Click here to view maps & schedules of the transit routes.

- Please take the bus stop on the Riverdale route (Water Street and York Avenue, mid-block) in front of the activities located at a crosswalk light.
- Please take the Montreal route that stops at Water Street and the Civic Complex entrance.

 

Note: Police and other emergency personnel will be deployed as needed. Obey all signage and follow traffic management directions.

 

Supporting Local Businesses

Cornwall is home to thriving local businesses – including some of the best pizza you’ll find anywhere. Be sure to support local if you’re visiting from away. Whether it’s this weekend or anytime, check out Cornwall Tourism for great ideas on how to make the most of any visit.

Safety For All

Roadways are not parking lots. Cornwall Police officers will be doing their part to keep roads and highways clear of parked vehicles before and during the weekend’s events.

DISCOVERING (Y)OUR ROOTS

Learning about the Loyalists can continue long after the weekend’s events.

Taking an interest in local history is easier than ever, with a visit to the Cornwall Community Museum, the Cornwall Public Library, or the online SD&G Archives.

 The UEL Story

 Learn more about their contributions to Cornwall, Ontario and Canada here.

 Genetically Linked?

An estimated 1/10 Canadians can trace their roots to the United Empire Loyalists. Are you one? Check out this directory.

 Feast Like A Loyalist

Try out the 150 recipes curated by the St. Lawrence Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada in Loyalists At The Table.

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