Smiths Falls council moves to accept gifted property for future housing

Council sees Montague Street property as key to future affordable housing on Robinson Avenue

SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council has given the green light to accept a gift of land at 25 Montague St., a move staff say could help maximize the potential of a future affordable housing project on nearby Robinson Avenue.

The recommendation came forward at the Feb. 23 committee of the whole meeting, where Chief Administrative Officer Malcolm Morris outlined the history of the site and its connection to a long standing housing proposal involving Carebridge Community Support.

In September 2022, the town entered into a memorandum of understanding with Carebridge that would see the municipality donate its vacant land at 14 to 30 Robinson Ave. if funding could be secured for an affordable, not for profit housing project, Morris said. That agreement remains in place but expires in September of this year.

“That trigger point has not happened yet,” Morris told council, noting that Carebridge continues to pursue funding opportunities. “They’re still working on it. They’re trying to find funding and I’m sure they will, but it’s a matter of timing.”

The Montague Street property sits adjacent to the Robinson Avenue lands and was offered to the town by estate beneficiary Keith Johnston following the death of the former owner in 2023. The gift is being offered on an as-is basis, with the intent of supporting future affordable housing.

Morris said the lot itself is not suitable for development on its own due to its narrow frontage and limited depth, but could add value if combined with the neighbouring municipal property.

“We believe there’s value in the property to provide accessory space for the main property on Robinson,” he said, suggesting it could be used for parking, green space, or other ancillary purposes that would allow greater density on the Robinson Avenue site.

Staff acknowledged the property comes with costs. Two existing structures on the site are considered uninhabitable and would require demolition, estimated at $25,000. Additional liabilities include an outstanding mortgage and legal fees, bringing total estimated costs to about $38,000. The property was recently appraised at $33,000.

“While the liabilities slightly exceed the value of the property, we think the real value is in maximizing the footprint on the adjacent property,” Morris said.

Council members expressed confidence that the housing project will eventually proceed and voiced support for accepting the gift.

Mayor Shawn Pankow noted that Carebridge has successfully completed other housing developments after navigating multiple funding attempts, including a recent 44-unit project on Chambers Street, and said the Montague Street parcel could enable a better overall design on Robinson Avenue.

Gratitude was also extended to Johnston for offering the land to the town.

“He wanted to try and help improve outcomes for people in the community,” Pankow said. “The connectivity would hopefully make a benefit for somebody down the road.”

Council indicated strong support for the recommendation, citing alignment with the town’s housing goals and broader vision for the Robinson Avenue area. A bylaw authorizing the mayor and clerk to execute the declaration of gift is expected to come forward for adoption.

Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news.