Cornwall Residents Protest Tax Hikes and Church Closure

Mark A. MacDonald and other Cornwall residents expressed concerns over municipal spending and the potential closure of a local church in letters published on August 18, 2026. MacDonald criticized projected annual property tax increases of approximately six percent and water and wastewater cost increases of roughly 10 percent over the next decade.

MacDonald urged the incoming city council to establish strict spending limits for the city administration based on taxpayer affordability rather than approving larger budgets. He argued that the government should do more with existing resources rather than requesting more from taxpayers.

In a separate matter, resident Sylvie Sauvé advocated for the preservation of St. Columban church. Sauvé called on the clergy to keep the church doors open more frequently to provide spiritual support to the community, suggesting that maintaining accessibility is essential to keeping the institution open.