Before Cornwall Square – History of Lower Pitt St.

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Museum Blog - March 2017

The 70’s and 80’s marked a period of intense transformation in Cornwall. Progress and renewal often result in saying some ‘good byes’.

Cornwall Square, the city’s only remaining indoor mall, opened for business in 1979, but only after a City decision to demolish the better part of two city blocks as part of its much-needed urban renewal effort. If the creation of the mall didn’t directly necessitate the removal of a building in that area, the coming of the Lionel Chevrier building to its east would.

Collectively the two projects wiped off the map all of the businesses on the east side of Pitt Street between Water and First Street East, as well as structures on the north side of Water Street East from Pitt to Amelia Street, most of the Horovitz Park (formerly Central Park) including that section of Amelia Street, and the south side of First Street East from Pitt to Amelia Street. Part of the project was the re-alignment of Sydney Street between Water Street East and First Street East and the removal of structures on that street as well.

Snowy street scene with "KASTNERS" menswear sign and large snow pile. A yellow fire hydrant is visible. Buildings and additional signs in the background.
This photo is taken travelling down Pitt Street from north to south. We see a parking lot on the s.e. corner of Pitt at First Street East. East of the lot, the side of the Paradise Restaurant is visible.

 

 

After the lot were two adjacent buildings; the first was then home to Western Tire (a great place to buy used hockey equipment) and the other building housed many businesses. The image below is a panorama of three photos stitched together. The section painted bright yellow was home to Herbie’s Sub Shop and an arcade. Some of the other businesses were Sylves Boutique, D’Esthetik, City Carpets, a printer, and a hair salon.

Street view of a retro row of brick shops with vintage cars parked along the sidewalk. The scene has a nostalgic, small-town feel on a cloudy day.

 

After another lot we see Martelle’s Used Furniture and New Hardware store, another storefront operation as well as the series of buildings which collectively formed the Lloyd George Hotel. Thanks are offered to Dr. Margaret Macaulay, who allowed us to scan these photos from her cherished photo album. What history is in your closet waiting to be shared? If you have Cornwall photos to share, please contact us @info@cornwallcommunitymuseum.ca.

A row of vintage brick buildings line a snowy street, featuring a furniture and hardware store, parked cars, and a hotel sign. The scene feels nostalgic.