While backyard hens and community food cupboards dominated discussion, (see separate stories) Smiths Falls committee of the whole also recommended awarding more than $4.4 million in contracts for fire services, roads and infrastructure projects during its July 13 meeting. The recommendations will be forwarded to council for endorsement.
New fire tanker carries $820,000 price tag
An $820,000 fire tanker is one step closer to joining the Smiths Falls Fire Department after committee supported awarding the manufacturing contract to Fort Garry Fire Trucks. The recommendation allows the town to secure a $30,000 price reduction if approved within 30 days of the tender closing date. Delivery is expected within 360 to 480 days.
In the meantime, staff will return with a report on renovations to the fire station needed to accommodate the new vehicle. Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough said that report was removed from the agenda, but renovations are expected to cost about $200,000.
Cancer-prevention equipment supported for firefighters
Firefighter health and safety would also receive a boost under a recommendation to purchase a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) decontamination washer for $41,838, plus HST. The equipment is intended to strengthen the department’s firefighter cancer-prevention program and is partially funded through the province’s Firefighter Cancer Prevention Grant.
Watermain project worth $2.67 million moves ahead
A $2.67-million investment in Smiths Falls’ water infrastructure also received committee support. The recommendation includes awarding a $2.5-million construction contract to Ingimundson Construction Ltd. for Phase 1 of the town’s new trunk watermain and sewer separation project, along with a $171,445 contract to EVB Engineering for contract administration and inspection services. The combined value of the recommendations is $2,671,131.83, excluding HST, and will be forwarded to council for endorsement.
The multi-year project will construct a new 16-inch trunk watermain linking the town’s elevated water tower on Air Care Drive to the existing watermain network while also reconstructing Lorne Street, installing a new distribution watermain, completing sanitary sewer repairs and building a multi-use pathway. Construction is expected to begin in early August, with sewer work substantially complete by Aug. 31 and the remaining work by Dec. 1.
The project is supported by the province’s Health and Safety Water Stream, which will fund up to 73 per cent of eligible project costs, representing as much as $13.3 million over the life of the broader multi-year initiative.
Nearly $867,000 road rehabilitation program announced
Road improvements valued at $866,544.12 are also set to proceed after committee backed the town’s 2026 asphalt, concrete, milling and paving program. The contract has been recommended for award to D Rock Paving and now heads to council for endorsement.
The work includes major rehabilitation on Percy Street between Pearl Street and Broadview Avenue, resurfacing on Canal Street between Beckwith Street and the Timber Bridge, new sidewalks on Union Street and Ferrara Drive, localized paving repairs on Beckwith Street North and James Street, curb repairs on Aberdeen Avenue and the replacement of a sidewalk on Old Mill Road that was removed following a fire.
Canal Street work is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 28 to avoid conflicts with the separate Beckwith Street bridge project. The remaining work is expected to wrap up by the end of September.
Building inspection agreement gives backup coverage
Building inspection services could soon have built-in backup through a proposed shared services agreement with Tay Valley Township. The agreement would provide Smiths Falls with additional inspection coverage during staff absences and periods of increased workload, subject to council endorsement.
Under the proposed agreement, Tay Valley Chief Building Official Troy Merriman would be appointed as a building inspector for the Town of Smiths Falls, allowing him to carry out inspections and other duties on an as-needed basis. The arrangement mirrors an agreement approved last year under which Smiths Falls provided building inspection services to Tay Valley during a staffing transition. The township will be compensated on an hourly basis for services provided.
Pedestrian bridge added to municipal lighting policy
The town’s timber pedestrian bridge leading to Centennial Park could soon join the list of municipal assets eligible for commemorative lighting after committee endorsed an update to the Lighting of Municipal Assets Policy.
The lighting policy, adopted in 2024, currently applies to the bandstand in Town Square and the Municipal Complex on Beckwith Street North. With construction of the pedestrian bridge complete and permanent lighting installed, requests to illuminate the bridge can now be accommodated under the policy. The amendment carries no financial implications.
Replacement fireworks display planned after Canada Day mix-up
Smiths Falls residents will get a second chance to enjoy a Canada Day fireworks display after the town’s fireworks provider agreed to stage a replacement show at no additional cost.
The July 1 display was cancelled because of severe weather and public safety concerns, but the fireworks were set off anyway after the cancellation announcement, leaving many residents and visitors confused and disappointed. Following discussions with the provider, the matter has been resolved, with the company agreeing to supply a replacement display free of charge.
Committee members discussed possible dates for the new show, including the Civic Holiday weekend in August, and directed staff to return with a recommendation for council’s consideration.
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Chambers Street Subway needs infrastructure money !!!