Smiths Falls council received an update Monday, July 27 on the Lanark County and Smiths Falls Community Safety and Well-being Plan, with councillors praising the collaborative approach behind the provincially mandated strategy and expressing hope it will continue to guide future councils.
Stephanie Gray, Lanark County OPP Detachment Board support co-ordinator and Community Safety and Well-being Plan co-ordinator, presented an update on progress made during the first year of the 2025-29 plan, which focuses on affordability, health, violence prevention and support for priority populations.
The report outlined progress on housing and homelessness, transportation planning, expanded child care, mental health and addictions services, youth wellness initiatives, newcomer settlement and diversity efforts.
Mayor Shawn Pankow said it was reassuring to see the plan aligns with the priorities council has pursued over successive terms.
“What’s really reassuring is that I see the values aligned with the rest of the county,” Pankow said. “The priorities, the goals, are very consistent with what we’ve been trying to do through successive councils. Even though the challenges are probably greater, we’re still chipping away at it.”
Pankow asked whether Lanark County’s priorities reflect those of other small urban and rural municipalities across Ontario.
Gray said they do.
While every municipality develops a plan based on its own local strengths, challenges and data, she said common priorities such as housing, addictions, access to health care and community safety appear across the province and often align with provincial funding priorities.
“So you’re never reinventing things,” Gray said. “You’re building on stuff that’s already there.”
Coun. Peter McKenna, who chaired the meeting, said he hopes the plan becomes more than a document required under provincial legislation.
“I believe it’s important enough that council will consider it as a foundational document,” McKenna said, adding he would like future councils to consider it alongside their strategic plans following the municipal election.
Gray said work is already underway to improve orientation for newly elected councils and better align municipal strategic plans with Community Safety and Well-being priorities.
McKenna acknowledged it can sometimes feel as though communities are facing growing challenges, but said the report demonstrates the value of organizations working together.
“It’s easy to get discouraged and think nothing’s happening, nothing’s getting better,” he said. “Your report identifies that so many things are getting better by working together.”
McKenna also pointed to initiatives such as the Lanark Integrated Frontline Team and the HART Hub as examples of provincial investments responding to identified community needs, while noting additional resources are still needed.
Gray thanked council for its continued support, saying local collaboration allows communities to focus on practical solutions close to home.
“We can only do so much at the local level, but it’s by coming together that we’re so much stronger.”
Council received the presentation for information.
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