A new group is hoping to spur beautification work in Cornwall’s Le Village and renaissance district.
Launched about four months ago and chaired by former city councillor Mark MacDonald, L’Association Renaissance Association is aiming to complete a slew of short-, medium-, and long-term goals in the neighbourhoods. According to MacDonald, the area has been “neglected by the city for several years.
“We’re trying to pick up where Chuck (Charlebois) left off,” said MacDonald. “Since Chuck’s been gone — and even before that really — there hasn’t been much happening. You can drive up and down the street here and see things that you would never see in Riverdale.”
Some of the goals the group is hoping to achieve include improving housing conditions, modernizing recreational facilities, and creating a comfortable community setting for its residents and visitors.
“A lot of our work is going to have to do with community outreach and working with the neighbourhood,” said MacDonald. “The city will also have to step up to the plate too, because they’re certainly not enforcing their bylaws. We’re taxed the same — we just get shortchanged.”
Charles Bray, the city’s acting chief building official, confirmed there had indeed been less proactive inspection work in the city this past year.
“Bylaw resources were redeployed to assist Cornwall Police Services, primarily ensuring a presence in the community and providing education where possible on these matters,” he said. “Officers have worked with individuals whenever possible to obtain compliance.”
Renaissance Association hopes to also transform the Chuck Charlebois Trail, which it says is in dire need of work.
“A portion of the trail which is seriously damaged and dangerous [should become a boardwalk/bump out/observation deck/gazebo to do justice to the location,” reads a report penned by MacDonald. “There needs to be regular patrol and enforcement of issues on the trail. Motorized vehicles speed constantly in the area and it’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt or even worse, if something is not done.”
Renaissance Association is also calling on the city to improve Mattice and Aime Leblanc parks through new playground equipment and maintenance work. This includes a new net at the basketball court as well as the replacing of the wooden and misspelled sign at Aime Leblanc Park.
“There’s a lot of work to be done,” said MacDonald.” I live down in that area — this is our backyard, the city’s backyard. These are issues that not only affect residents that live here, but that affect everyone in this city.”
Despite COVID-19, he said there has been an uptick in the amount of residents wanting to help.
“We are trying to get more community involvement and so far, it seems to be working,” said MacDonald.
Originally posted by Francis Racine on March 18, 2021 – https://www.standard-freeholder.com/news/local-news/new-organization-aims-to-beautify-cornwalls-le-village-renaissance-districts