The Ontario government announced on April 17, 2026, that it is providing $710,246 to Cornwall Transit through the provincial gas tax program to help support and improve local bus services.
The funding, which is part of a larger $380 million provincial investment across 107 municipalities, can be used for expanding service hours, adding new routes, purchasing vehicles, and improving accessibility. While the total amount remains the same as the previous year, the city noted that after adjusting for inflation, the funding represents a decrease of approximately $12,000 in real terms.
This financial support comes as Cornwall looks to revitalize its transit system. In 2025, ridership fell by 10 per cent to about 846,000 annual passengers, missing the city’s target of 1 million riders by 2026. Local discussions regarding the future of transit have recently centered on the potential addition of Sunday service. On April 13, 2026, city council approved $12,000 for the Watt Consulting Group to conduct a study on the possibility of starting Sunday bus operations as early as September 2026.
The decision to study Sunday service follows a failed attempt in March 2026 by Mayor Justin Towndale to use strong-mayor powers to implement the service immediately. The move was rejected by council, with many members emphasizing the need for proper cost analysis before proceeding. The city is currently undertaking a review of its transit service, and residents are invited to provide their feedback at upcoming public open houses scheduled for April 22-24, 2026.
The provincial funding was announced by MPP Nolan Quinn alongside Mayor Towndale at the transit office. As the city evaluates its transit needs, groups such as the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce continue to advocate for improvements that support the local business community and its employees.
