LAURIE WEIR

Smiths Falls councillors voiced concerns over the 2025-2030 Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) and Investment Attraction Strategic Plan, calling for revisions during a special committee of the whole meeting on March 17.

The plan, presented by Julia Crowder, manager of economic development and tourism, is intended to guide the town’s economic growth over the next five years. However, some councillors criticized it for lacking tangible action items.

The 44-page document outlines four key goals: creating a high-functioning business support ecosystem, engaging youth in trades, building stronger entrepreneurs, and attracting new investments. Despite these objectives, council members argued that the plan was too vague.

“We need more than just broad goals,” said Coun. Chris McGuire. “We need specific strategies and concrete steps to address the challenges facing our businesses and downtown core. The bulk of the content in this report does not align with what I see as priorities for economic development.”

A major concern was the number of vacant downtown properties. Councillors emphasized the need for clear strategies to attract higher-end businesses and fill empty storefronts. The role of existing organizations like the Downtown Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce was also debated, with some questioning the need for a new economic development committee.

On the issue of youth in trades, McGuire suggested the school board, not the municipality, should take the lead.

Tourism, a key economic driver for Smiths Falls, was another area of concern. While the plan acknowledged its importance, Coun. Steve Robinson felt it did not go far enough. “I’m disappointed there wasn’t a stronger focus on tourism in this document, as it’s vital to our community,” he said. Crowder noted that a separate destination strategy focusing on tourism, arts, and culture is in development.

Coun. Dawn Quinn suggested implementing a tax on vacant properties, with exceptions for buildings under renovation or between tenants. “But there are buildings downtown that have been empty for a long period of time… let’s give them, not just a nudge, but a darn good push.”

Quinn expressed that while she was generally okay with the report, she didn’t think it had enough “teeth” to move things forward. “If we can’t get people to stop and take notice of downtown now, they won’t be here in two years.”

Quinn also stressed the need to promote the town more actively, saying it can’t all be done online. “People need pamphlets and brochures in their hands,” she said. “We can do this, but it’s going to take some work… now.”

McGuire stated he would accept the plan for information but added, “I think we need a bigger conversation about what we’re trying to accomplish with our economic development strategy and how much we’re going to expand on that next year.”

Mayor Shawn Pankow raised the issue of attracting high-quality employment opportunities to the town. “Over half of our businesses are either retail or a combination of food services,” he noted. “The challenge is that these are often minimum-wage jobs, and they don’t generate the kind of economic impact needed for long-term growth.”

Pankow emphasized the need for a long-term vision to change the employment dynamic. “We’re not there yet, especially with the current situation globally, like the tariff war with the U.S.,” he said. “We need to act now, not five years down the road.”

Coun. Peter McKenna suggested shifting the focus to regional development and attracting factories over the next three to five years. “If Perth gets a factory, we win. If Smiths Falls gets a factory, Perth wins,” he said. McKenna still sees value in the long-term plan but suggested revisiting it as the world climate evolves. “There’s a lot of information here that can help guide us.”

Following the discussion, councillors directed Crowder to revise the plan based on their feedback. They requested a stronger focus on tourism, clear strategies to address vacancies, tangible actions to support businesses, and defined metrics to measure success.

“We appreciate the work that has gone into this plan,” said Mayor Pankow. “However, we need a clear, actionable roadmap for the town’s economic future.”

Coun. Jennifer Miller, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of including tourism in the action plan. “It’s in the report, but not in the action plan,” she said. “Smiths Falls is the heart of the Rideau Canal. It’s a tourism opportunity waiting to explode.”

Pankow also stressed the need for measurable metrics. “I think I’d like to see some metrics in here,” he said, suggesting indicators such as the unemployment rate, average wage, and key milestones. “How do we know we’re making progress?”

The revised plan is expected to be presented at a future council meeting.