LAURIE WEIR

Smiths Falls is gearing up for a major transformation of its parks and recreation spaces, as council considers a phased, multi-million-dollar plan to modernize playgrounds, expand facilities, and boost accessibility—without committing to upfront costs.

Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark has recommended that council adopt an implementation strategy for the town’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Presented at the Oct. 15 committee of the whole meeting, the plan is aimed at enhancing recreational services across the town by upgrading infrastructure, expanding facilities, and improving accessibility.

“This is an overarching series of benchmarks for the next five years,” Clark said. “This does not commit council to anything financial. It’s not a budget request … there may be some numbers that might be slightly terrifying in there.”

Clark noted that due to inflation, the estimated costs may change over time.

The document aligns with previous discussions about accessible playground plans and outlines several major projects aimed at modernizing Smiths Falls’ parks and recreational spaces. Key highlights include playground upgrades, expanded park areas, and beautification efforts to foster community pride.

For example, communication boards designed by local students will be installed at all town playgrounds by 2025, at a cost of $15,000. Upgraded signage and accessibility improvements are also planned, with Victoria Park set to receive $55,000 in enhancements next year.

Other significant projects include the phased revitalization of Lower Reach Park, estimated to cost $575,000 over several years, and the expansion of the Memorial Community Centre Complex, with up to $950,000 earmarked for a new splash pad and sensory-friendly play features. New parks in subdivisions like Bellamy Farms and Parkview Homes will also receive investments, with individual budgets ranging from $75,000 to $250,000.

No financial resources are being allocated upfront, as the implementation strategy is phased and flexible. Each project will require individual approval during the town’s annual budget process, allowing council to adjust based on community needs and fiscal realities. However, the strategy outlines estimated costs for each initiative, providing a clearer picture of the town’s long-term financial commitments.

“As the needs arise, I’ll be back to council … to seek approvals,” Clark said.

Coun. Jay Brennan estimated the overall cost of the plan at about $3.5 million, not including the Youth Arena (YA) feasibility study.

“We’ll have another talk about recreation,” Brennan said. “And that’s going to be another big piece.”

Clark said the YA feasibility study had received 700 responses and is still being worked on. Council will be consulted for input soon. She added that the study could shape the future of the town’s recreation landscape.

Brennan noted that everything in the report “provides value to the community.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure, rather than focusing solely on new developments.

Coun. Chris McGuire, however, raised concerns about the sustainability of adding new infrastructure.

“We are struggling to maintain our current parks. If we try to add all this new infrastructure, I don’t see how it’s going to be sustainable in the long run,” McGuire said. “And I don’t think every park needs every amenity.”

McGuire questioned the plan to install a new play structure at Lower Reach Park in 2026/27, while also proposing a new play structure at the Memorial Centre around the same time.

“I don’t think the Memorial Centre needs a brand-new play structure at the same time,” he said.

McGuire also voiced opposition to adding another splash pad at the Memorial Centre.

“There is nowhere suitable to swim in Smiths Falls,” he said. “To keep putting these splash pads up where we use water – they’re very water-intensive and costly to maintain – when we don’t have a place to swim that’s clean and decent.”

He argued that it’s unfair for residents to have to drive to Rideau Ferry to access a decent beach, given the town’s water resources.

McGuire also noted that the new Healing Circle was finished but not accessible, which prevented the chair of the accessibility committee from attending National Truth and Reconciliation Day events.

Clark said the town is working with Fotenn Planning + Design on a redesign of Lower Reach Park, and that there is an opportunity to partner with Parks Canada on creating a new swimming area there. She added that they are also developing a trails document to present to Parks Canada, which would help the town establish accessible trails in its parks and recreation facilities.

Coun. Jennifer Miller said she appreciated the “living document” provided by Clark.

“As we process Coun. McGuire’s comments and take in feedback from residents after it’s put out, and as we go through budget processes, I think we’ve got a great high-end approach with specific projects and rough budget numbers,” Miller said.

She expressed full support for the vision and looked forward to future updates from Clark.

Coun. Peter McKenna requested a map of the town with the parks and recreation improvements charted out.

“Hopefully that won’t be too much for your team,” he said.

Mayor Shawn Pankow said the town is trying to recover from years of underinvestment in parks and playgrounds, noting that some assets have deteriorated.

“There is always that conflict of where we’re going to spend money every year,” Pankow said. “We’ve got to leverage these assets.”

Pankow said he was pleased with the initiatives completed or nearing completion for 2024.

“Priorities may shift over the next few years, but in principle, I support what I see in front of me and look forward to continuing to enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

Clark emphasized the importance of focusing on the town’s existing infrastructure.

“We want to get rid of the things that don’t work for us anymore,” she said. “We want to focus on developing and getting better at taking care of the stuff we own. If we’re not good at that, then what are we doing building new things?”

Council will see this reflected in the budget, Clark added, “because we are taking care of things this year in a really thoughtful process.”