Waterfront Revitalization Opportunity
Along the canal side of the St. Lawrence Seaway
About
The LOCK18 Master Plan proposes to transform 75 acres of prime waterfront land in Cornwall, Ontario into a highly desirable mixed-use community integrated into a vibrant waterfront.
Over time, the former Domtar Lands will be transformed to provide public access to sections of the Cornwall Canal that have remained closed off for generations.
This master plan document has been prepared to guide and direct the next chapter of the site’s history. Included within it is a discussion of the design principles which have informed the Master Plan and descriptions of each of the districts and places that make up the LOCK 18 Master Plan. The Master Plan document also includes high-level guidelines for the design and development of the public realm, buildings, and site infrastructure.
An important first step, this master plan document is intended to guide a long-term investment and implementation process that may take decades to complete.
Flexible Development
Understanding Cornwall’s shifting economy, the Master Plan is intended to provide flexible design and policy guidance which can adapt to changing market conditions.
Public Realm
A network of well-designed gathering spaces and informal plazas, walkways, and pedestrian oriented development aims to open up the waterfront for public use.
Mix of Uses
As a ‘Mixed-Use’ designation, the development will use built-form and open space to accommodate and encourage an active and diverse community that supports activity throughout the day and evening in a safe, secure and comfortable manner.
Form and Scale
The Master Plan has considered the appropriate scale for the local development context in Cornwall. The built form aims to frame the Cornwall Canal, while cutting out various public and open spaces. Surface parking has been considered so that retail tenants would be able to thrive in the district.
Ease of Movement
A fine-grained pattern of streets and blocks will encourage walking and cycling, and facilitate ease of movement in and around the site. Eyes on the street, parks and walkways reinforced by the new mix of uses will make the site more comfortable for pedestrians.
Sustainability
The Master Plan aims to transform the brownfield site into a mixed-use community by planning for development suited for the current soil conditions. Our vision is to create a neighbourhood which is accessible by sustainable modes of transportation.
Want to learn more?
Download our master plan for an extensive view of this opportunity
History
LOCK18 fronts onto the edge of the Cornwall Canal, which once created a link to the St. Lawrence River. The River was used by explorers, fur traders, loggers, and fishermen to navigate into the heart of the continent. After the American Revolution, soldiers and civilians settled in the area and built Johnstown, later renamed Cornwall and, over the next century, it became one of Canada’s preeminent industrial centres.
Construction of the Cornwall Canal began in 1834 and provided transportation and water power for the numerous mills and later textile plants which located along the waterfront. The industrial expansion that occurred on the waterfront from 1870 to 1880, at a time when the rest of the country was experiencing severe recession, resulted in a doubling of the town’s population, from 2,033 in 1871 to 4,468 in 1881. A major industry that had a significant influence on the City’s economy was built during this period, namely
the Toronto Paper Company, which later become Domtar. The Domtar mill closed down in 2006 and Paris Holdings purchased the site in order to demolish the high-level bridge in 2015 and now are considering the redevelopment of the vacant site.
Given the importance of the Canal to Cornwall’s development, the development will be named ‘LOCK18’ after one of the locks which gave access to the lands connected to the site.
Location
The site is located minutes from Cornwall’s downtown centre, abutting the Cornwall Canal and St. Lawrence River. To the south of the site is Cornwall Island which houses the Akwesasne Reserve. As shown, the site is generally in close proximity to a variety of amenities and cultural resources including shops, grocery stores, sports centres, universities, hotels and government services.
The addition of a mix of uses at LOCK18 will enhance the experience of the Cornwall waterfront, and provide a new vibrant, walkable community.
Cornwall, ON
Commercial Opportunities
Well-designed retail buildings have the capacity to frame and animate the street, accommodate flagship and anchor tenants, and reinforce walkable destinations within the neighbourhood. Careful design can ensure that stand-alone retail uses integrate seamlessly into their surroundings, and contribute positively to the character of the neighbourhood.
Residential Opportunities
Between walk-up apartment buildings, townhouses and semi-detached dwellings, there are plenty of opportunities for residential development in the LOCK 18 neighbourhood. A good design will leverage the canal side of the St. Lawrence Seaway, incorporate parks, open spaces, and trendy boulevards to gather and socialize.
Interested in learning more?
Call us directly at: (613) 938-9881
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