By: Bob Peters

“Seaway Express is a growing company that continues to express its confidence and commitment to Cornwall’s future,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “I congratulate Bob Gauthier and his staff for their continued success.”

Seaway Express already owns two facilities in the Cornwall Business Park. This new purchase will create a third location for the company.

“We continue to grow and our current facilities are at capacity,” said Bob Gauthier, owner of Seaway Express. “This new land acquisition will give us the room to expand, and at the same time explore new business opportunities.”

“The real estate transaction is due to close in the spring,” commented Mark Boileau, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Cornwall. “The property is located at the corner of SCM Way and the new north-south road the City is building in the Park.”

Beginning as a one truck operation in 1990, Seaway Express is quickly earning a reputation as one of Canada’s fastest growing and best managed transport companies. The award-winning company has been singled out for operational excellence by both the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

The company has grown over the years to its present fleet of over sixty five units. It provides reliable and efficient transport service between Eastern Ontario and Québec. Employment has increased to deal with a 12% increase in freight traffic.

Two of Seaway Express’s trailers carry a promotional message for the City, done in partnership with Team Cornwall. Full colour murals on the trailers feature the Mayor of Cornwall, along with other community leaders, urging people to “Choose Cornwall”. The trailers are attracting attention wherever they travel in Canada.

The Cornwall Business Park is located in the Eastern portion of the City along Canada’s busiest expressway, Highway 401. Canada’s main rail line and fibre optic network bisect the park, which is home to over 50 companies employing approximately 5,000 people. Over 800 acres have been set aside for future development by the City, with an asking price of $20,000 per serviced acre.

Cornwall’s Business Park is home to a number of logistics and distribution companies, the most notable of which is the 1.4 million sq.ft. SCM distribution centre that services Wal-Mart stores in Eastern Canada. In December, the City of Cornwall announced the construction of a 500,000 sq.ft. distribution centre to service Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores. The new facility will begin construction in spring 2009.

Cornwall is a city of 47,000 people, situated along the St. Lawrence River and Highway 401. One of Canada’s most historical settlements (established 1784), Cornwall today is a progressive, family oriented centre, sustained by a growing, multi-faceted economy that features affordable housing and a diversity of commercial businesses and industries.