During Monday evening’s town council meeting in Smiths Falls, various councilors shared several community updates.  

Councilor Lorraine Allen noted that the Friends of the Library are having their annual book sale to fund literacy-promoting efforts in our community. Stop by Victoria Park on Sasturday June 18 between 9am-1pm to visit the book sale and support the library. Ahead of the sale, they are welcoming book donations at the library (please no encyclopedias, textbooks, or damaged books). 

Councilor Allen also shared that Friends of the Cataraquai Trail  recently installed a bench at the entrance to the new Parkview development, which is being widely enjoyed. They also installed a large garbage container to deal with the amount of dog poop bags being left along the trail, and are asking the public to put their garbage bags in the bin. 

Due to the Beckwith Street construction, the community flagpole will be moved to the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre. The Shriner’s flag will be flown from this pole in honour of their 150th anniversary and Shriner International Awareness Day. “They do a lot of good in the community, so I’m happy people are going to see that flag. Due to construction, this is the best place for it.” 

Councilor Wendy Alford announced that two rainbow crosswalks will be installed at the intersection of Church Street and Beckwith Street. This is in response to a request by Trinity United Church, Alford said, and “demonstrates that our town is committed to inclusion and diversity.”

Article by Janelle Labelle