Who is running for town council in Cornwall

Five of Cornwall's six incumbent councilllors are reoffering in this election along with two others vying for a seat. 

Cornwall has an open-ward electoral system, meaning people will vote for up to six candidates of their choice among a list of all candidates running across the town. The six candidates with the most votes will form council.

There are about 4,170 voters in Cornwall, although that figure is fluid with people moving in and out of communities, according to Elections P.E.I.

Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. running for town council in Cornwall for the 2022 election on Nov. 7, listed alphabetically by first name.

Incumbent town councillor Shane McGuigan is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Corey Frizzell

1. Why are you running for council?

My family has very deep roots in Cornwall dating back at least to the 1800s, and I was raised in here as well. I attended Cornwall areas schools and now my wife and I are raising our two children here. I have a deep sense of pride and love for Cornwall and its citizens, we are stoic and resilient community, so it is an honour and privilege to serve our residents. I take this civic responsibility seriously and approach it with a sense of compassion, integrity and hard work.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

With Cornwall being the 14th fastest growing municipality in Canada and the fastest growing town in the province, the effective management of this unprecedented growth and development is of the utmost importance. With that ensuring a mix of housing options along with the corresponding services of water, sewer, public and active transportation. Following the above, is the proper management of amenities such as recreational facilities, programs, services and green spaces are also a major concern.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Planning and managing a mix of housing options for current and future citizens of the town. With that comes issues related to traffic safety and the necessary expansions in public and active transportation as well as the enhancement of recreation programs and green spaces. All of these issues have to be maintained with ensuring municipal fees and rates remain as inexpensive as possible.

Cory Stevenson

1. Why are you running for council?

Cornwall is a fast growing community and I want to help foster this growth properly and to ensure our community remains as safe as possible. It is important to me to help others in need and that is what I have tried to do as deputy mayor for the past four years.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Safety. Residents are concerned about speeding in their neighbourhoods as increased traffic has led to issues. That said, the new RCMP barracks coming to Cornwall will immensely add to the safety measures in our growing town.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Fostering growth. With the town rapidly growing I want to ensure we find the right balance of programs offered, infrastructure capacity, and maintain low taxes. We need to continually foster this growth to grow as a community yet maintain our special uniqueness. I want to help ensure that Cornwall remains one of the best communities to live, work, and play.

Elaine Barnes

1. Why are you running for council?

Having lived in Cornwall for over 30 years, I have a genuine interest in continuing to help make our community a better and safer place to live. Cornwall residents are deserving of great services and opportunities and they deserve to have leadership who are committed to working for the residents.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Speaking with residents, speeding and safety concerns continue to come up. It's important to make informed decisions that help improve the quality of life for our children, youth and seniors. There is a continuous need for improved pedestrian safety as our community continues to grow.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Further expansion of the active transportation route is needed, and reduced speeds in high traffic areas. Investment into infrastructure in undeveloped areas will encourage development to help address the lack of available housing and attract more commercial development. Future planning enabled Cornwall to meet water and sewer needs during the recent power outage. Climate change requires continued investment into emergency planning to meet the needs of residents.

Glen 'Barney' Fullerton

Glen 'Barney' Fullerton has declined to do the candidate questionnaire. 

Jill MacIsaac

1. Why are you running for council?

I enjoy serving and advocating for my community and believe that it is my civic responsibility to participate in the process. Our legacy of service must leave the community better than we found it.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Ensuring that development continues in a manner that does not betray the values of what Cornwall means to us as residents. Cornwall is a great place to call home and is the perfect balance of urban and rural. I believe that sustainable, responsible growth is achievable.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

People can't afford gas.They are trying to choose between oil and groceries. Having food on your table and a roof over your head shouldn't be luxuries. Unfortunately, this is a reality I'm hearing about every day from residents. I know we can do better to serve the needs of our community and I'm committed to seeing this happen.

Judy Herlihy

1. Why are you running for council?

I am currently a councillor with the Town of Cornwall, and am running again because the past seventeen months have been very rewarding. From helping to navigate speed bump applications, to bringing forward initiatives such as the Green Lawn Rebate, it all matters to making Cornwall an even better place for all of us to live. However, there is still much work to be done with and for our residents and I want to be a part of that path forward.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

According to the 2021 census data, Cornwall was the 14th fastest growing community in Canada with a population over 5,000. The primary concern I have for Cornwall, given that level of growth, is our infrastructure and the environmental impact of this growth. We need to ensure we have the services in place to accommodate everyone now and in the future. This includes water and sewer, active transportation trails, retail and commercial development, public transportation and our sports facilities.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

One issue that consistently comes up when speaking with residents is community safety. It's an extremely important issue and we need to be diligent in working with the RCMP to address speeding. We need to continue working with the Department of Transportation on crosswalks, road shoulders, streetlights and making problem intersections safer. As a town, we need to review and budget for additional sidewalks and active transportation trails annually, and maintain them throughout the year.

Steve Campbell

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for town council to bring safety, economic development and a common sense approach to the decision-making process at the municipal level.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

As a past firefighter and first responder for 16 years, my number one concern in my area, and all of the town, is safety. Some examples are old playgrounds, pedestrian traffic in need of sidewalks, supporting our first responders such as our fire service, so they are better equipped to deal with emergencies. I also want to be involved in reviewing the Town of Cornwall Emergency Preparedness plan in light of Hurricane Fiona.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Business oriented economic development. I would like to see such businesses open within the town limits such as a walk-in health clinic, a hardware store, bank, grocery/convenient store, a dollar store, restaurants and a hotel — all to support tourism and sustainability.