One of Cornwall’s better known business leaders has opened the doors to a new downtown office, helping breathe new life into one of Cornwall’s more distinguished addresses. Gilles Latour, President of the Latour Financial Group, purchased the century-old, two-storey, red-brick building at 42 Second Street East earlier this year.

“This building has a lot of history yet it is also perfectly suited for the future growth of our business,” said Gilles Latour. “Our offices are all on the ground floor, with ample free parking, and that makes it easier for our clients to visit.”

Latour Financial Group encompasses the separate businesses of Latour Wealth Management, a financial services company, and Mortgage Brokers Cornwall, an independent mortgage brokerage. Previously located in leased premises on Water Street, the move to the Second Street office has given the company an opportunity to expand. Joining Latour Financial Group is Kim Ariagno, who will focus on Life and Group Insurance, while Stephanie MacKay joins Mortgage Brokers Cornwall as a mortgage specialist.

“We are very fortunate to welcome two very bright and accomplished individuals to the team,” said Mr. Latour. “We all have great confidence in Cornwall’s future and these moves help position the firm to meet the needs of what we see as a growing market.”

“This is very positive news for Cornwall on many different levels,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “First, the new office is another milestone in the revitalization of our downtown, while the addition of new financial professionals gives local residents even more home-town expertise to help them succeed in their investments. I wish Mr. Latour and his team the very best in their new venture.”

Mr. Latour purchased the circa 1910 building in May of this year from the Cornwall Club, a long standing social club in the city. He hired architect Shawn Lawrence and designer Bob Pregent to help bring the building to current-day building codes as the social club will continue on as tenant on the second floor.  Extensive renovations to the 3,800 square foot building were undertaken by local contractors Ray-Jans construction over the next six-months.

“We wanted to maintain as many heritage elements of the building as possible, yet still create a welcoming, comfortable environment that people expect of a modern office,” said Mr. Latour. “The City’s Heart of the City community improvement program gave us the incentive to invest in an older building rather than build from scratch.”

“I cannot imagine a better place to locate our offices. We are surrounded by fantastic restaurants and stores, and the waterfront is just two blocks away,” said Mr. Latour. “We look forward to adding to the area’s rich cultural and commercial history.”

About Latour Financial Group

Latour Financial Group Inc. was created in 2011 and encompasses the separate businesses of Latour Wealth Management (1999) and Cornwall Mortgage Brokers (2009). Latour Financial Group is owned by Gilles Latour, who is assisted by Kim Villeneuve. Donna Aitken joined the firm in 2010 as a financial associate and leading Mortgage Brokers Cornwall as a Mortgage Agent.  Staff are members of Team Cornwall and the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce. More information can be found at www.GillesLatour.ca

About The Cornwall Club

The Cornwall Club was founded in 1886 as a social club for Cornwall business leaders. It has operated continually since that time.