Joanne Parker

Background

I’ve lived in Cornwall my entire life. My family goes back to the flooding of the St. Lawrence Seaway. I’ve endured the closure of Domtar and Courtalds and witnessed how the city supported so many in tough times. I graduated from St. Joes and attended St. Lawrence College’s accounting program. I’ve worked in an office at a local construction company for over 16 plus years and I feel my financial background would be an asset to council.

Top Priorities

Finances: Being a taxpaying citizen myself, I would like to see more accountability with where our money is going. Every dollar needs to be accounted for. Transparency is very important Infrastructure and Transportation: Cornwall will be welcoming many tourists in the next few years, and we need to adopt and stick to a plan for the maintenance of our city road/sidewalks. Homelessness: Starting with strong partnerships in the community is something I will work for to help as many people as possible get the assistance they need to get back on their feet. Additional affordable and transitional housing, possible homeless shelter and mental health support are where we can begin.

1. The 2026 Budget & Property Taxes: The 2026 municipal budget passed with a 5.41% increase to the property tax levy, bringing the "average" residential property tax bill to nearly $3,270. As a City Councillor, how will you approach future budget deliberations to balance the necessity of maintaining essential city services while ensuring the commercial tax rate remains competitive enough to attract new investment?

I would approach future budget deliberations with a NEED vs WANT aspect. Needs should take precedence over wants in decision making and resource allocation. Prioritizing needs ensures that the most important issues are dealt with first and managing wants can still improve life without weakening essential resources.

2. Red Tape & Business Licensing: The City has been working to modernize its Business Licensing By-law to consolidate decades-old regulations and reduce licensing categories. If elected to Council, what specific steps will you champion to further streamline the permitting, zoning, and licensing processes and reduce the administrative burden on small business owners?

To help further streamline the process, I would support a review process. We need to ask the public and businesses what exactly they see as an opportunity and work to fix these issues. The city should support positive business relationships by listening to concerns and ensuring that the problem areas are addressed.

3. Infrastructure Prioritization: The City's Asset Management Plan indicates a significant backlog of infrastructure renewal projects. Which specific municipal infrastructure investments (e.g., road maintenance, transit expansion, water/wastewater upgrades) will you advocate for as an immediate priority over the next four years to support local industry and residents?

Road Maintenance is an immediate priority, one of my top three. In the coming years, with projects coming down the pipeline (i.e Great Wolf Lodge), Cornwall needs to keep up with the projected number of new visitors to the city. Roads/sidewalks need to be in proper condition and fit for use. I am a supporter of the Road Safety Master Plan and that in the next 10 years the safety of our city streets will improve.

4. The Port Lands Development: The 16-acre Port Lands, jointly owned by the municipality and the Akwesasne First Nation, is a major waterfront asset. What is your vision for the future development of this parcel, and how will you work within Council to ensure the partnership fosters mutually beneficial economic growth for the region?

Waterfront property is an extremely valuable asset, and I feel we can develop the Port Lands using different ideas that will foster a strong relationship between the two communities. I support the cultural heritage of the area, including both Cornwall and Akwesasne in the process. Some street art could really brighten it up. Paintings and murals depicting the two communities as one, created by local artists. I envision a park for children to play, more houses for people to live in and some street vendors with local food and crafts to entice tourists to visit. The possibilities are endless.

5. Housing Supply & Affordability: Cornwall is facing a critical housing shortage across all income brackets. What specific municipal actions will you advocate for at the Council table (e.g., zoning amendments, targeted development incentives, utilizing city-owned land) to accelerate residential development and ensure a mix of affordable options?

Houses need to be built, in all income brackets. There are many city owned properties that are vacant, that could be used to build new homes or apartment buildings. City should assess which properties are underused and work with the private sector to support construction. A leasing system could also be examined to help gain revenue. I recently travelled to a city that does this. Land was owned by the city and they lease to developments to build homes, essentially meeting two needs with one action.

6. Addressing Homelessness: Complex social issues like homelessness affect vulnerable individuals and impact the downtown business community. As a Councillor, what is your strategy for ensuring the municipality effectively supports collaborative community initiatives (like The Stepping Stone project), and what specific city resources or policies will you commit to reducing the number of unhoused individuals?

I support Cornwall’s 10 year housing and homelessness plan. The plan focuses on creating a concept of new housing, balanced with affordability and practicality. Cornwall requires approximately 1000 homes to be build in the next 10 years and I strive to aid in this process; however possible. I also support the THRIVE program; providing financial support for utility arrears, rent, medical expenses or other circumstances. This program is designed to support individuals and families hold and keep long term housing rather than force them out on the street.

7. Youth Retention & Workforce Development: A common challenge for local businesses is attracting and retaining skilled talent. How will you use your position on Council to work with local institutions like St. Lawrence College and the business community to encourage youth to build their careers in Cornwall rather than relocating to larger urban centers?

Young highly skilled workers are often the cutting edge of innovation, which promotes productivity and can help local businesses remain competitive in a global market. Cornwall needs to retain young skilled workers whenever possible. Working with St. Lawrence College, we can look at possibilities of getting students into the field as soon as possible with options like co op programs and internships, giving them the opportunity to be hired after graduation. Ultimately, well-trained, committed, and content youth workers provide high-quality services, resulting in more positive outcomes for the young people they serve.

8. Industrial Expansion & Logistics: Cornwall has a strong history as a logistics and industrial hub, recently seeing investments like the Michelin Distribution Centre, but the city must remain competitive. How will you support the transportation sector and advocate for infrastructure improvements that meet the evolving needs of local industry?

Transportation and infrastructure go hand in hand. Both enable goods and services to move from one location to another. Understanding the current situation is something I will make every effort to research. We should gather feedback from local businesses and community members to develop consensus. Fundamentally, infrastructure improvements reduce pollution, increase safety and improve access to resources.

9. Tourism, Events, & Local Initiatives: Tourism is a significant economic driver for our local hospitality and retail sectors. How can City Council better support local events, festivals, and community initiatives to drive tourism, and what municipal resources or support do you believe should be provided to ensure their success?

To ensure tourism success, Cornwall needs to help in any way possible. Providing accessible event spaces and offering grants can aid in tourism advancement. Advertising upcoming events and festivals on City websites/social media, newspapers, both online and in print, and signage can put the word out to the public. How do people attend these celebrations? I would look at offering free public transportation to and from events, free parking in areas, and making sure waste management and crowds are controlled. Success of festivals and events are based on the proper planning and coordination of details. Cornwall needs to be a city that benefits both residents and visitors.

10. Council Dynamics & Community Voice: The 2026 municipal budget was passed utilizing provincial "Strong Mayor" powers. Regardless of your stance on those specific powers, how will you ensure that as a City Councillor, you effectively represent the voice of the public and the business community in major municipal decisions, ensuring accountability and transparency at City Hall?

I want to make every effort to listen to the public. My decisions should be based on their feedback and not just my own opinions. I would like to start an online survey site that posts pertinent questions so I can get the answers I need to formulate a response at meetings. With the option of keeping things anonymous, I want to make sure all residents/businesses are comfortable to come forward with their voice. I also vow to answer all questions and concerns within 24hours. If more time and research is required, I will make sure to reply accordingly. All citizens/businesses deserve the right to be heard, and I want to make that the easiest as possible.

11. Maintaining Decorum and Handling Misinformation: City Councillors are increasingly subject to intense public scrutiny and are often the target of misinformation or disinformation spread across social media. Additionally, this scrutiny can sometimes escalate into harassment or abusive language. The City’s Code of Conduct requires Councillors to treat everyone with respect and maintain professional decorum, even when facing hostile or factually incorrect public discourse. How will you personally handle the pressures of social media, combat local misinformation without escalating conflicts, and ensure that your interactions—both online and offline—foster a respectful, constructive environment that upholds the integrity of City Council?

Councillors have three main rolls: a representative, a policymaker, and a steward and sometimes these rolls collide. Local leaders and community members can work together to combat misinformation. Educating the public on “fake news” is important, teaching people to not believe everything they see. I am a big “Fact Checker” and I’m a firm believer of not formulating opinions until I’ve done the necessary research for an educated decision. Remaining calm in conflict situations is very important. Actively listening to all perspectives can foster a constructive environment. Most importantly, I will not use social media for any council affairs. Period.