Inquiry bill nears $8 million

Cornwall Standard Freeholder 

Local News - Monday, January 29, 2007 Updated @ 6:45:46 PM 

Terri Saunders 

The bill for the Cornwall Public Inquiry has hit nearly $8 million, and that’s not including most of the lawyers’ fees. 

Peter Engelmann, lead counsel for the commission, said Monday the inquiry cost $2.6 million during the fiscal year 2005-2006, which began April 1, 2005 and ended March 31, 2006.

Since April 1, 2006, the commission has cost $5 million and it’s expected that number will increase by the end of March, bringing the grand total to close to $8 million. 

The costs are associated with the renovations to the inquiry site at The Weave Shed as well as administrative and staff fees.

On Monday, Comm. Normand Glaude said the inquiry will continue at least through early 2008. It’s expected costs for the coming year will mirror the previous 12 months.

“The total does not include the lawyers’ fees for those public institutions which received funding,” said Engelmann. “Those fees are in line with standard counsel fees.”