SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council moved through a wide-ranging agenda March 23, releasing annual figures on council pay and expenses, approving a budget fix for new permitting software, advancing key Official Plan decisions, reviewing a draft climate action strategy, and confirming the town’s drinking water system remained fully compliant in 2025.
Smiths Falls council pay and expenses released for 2025
Council has received its annual statement detailing remuneration and expenses paid to elected officials and appointed board members in 2025.
The report was received for information as required under the Municipal Act, which mandates municipalities publicly disclose payments made in the previous year.
According to the statement, Mayor Shawn Pankow received $38,640.96 in remuneration and $3,986.38 in expenses. Councillors were each paid about $19,452.72, with expenses varying depending on travel, training and meeting-related costs.
Councillor Peter McKenna reported the highest expenses at $4,526.91, while Councillor Dawn Quinn reported $12 in expenses for the year. Other members fell within a typical range tied to conference attendance and municipal duties.
The report also includes payments related to service on external boards and committees, as well as local bodies such as the police services board and public library board. All amounts were approved through existing municipal bylaws and funded within the 2025 budget.
Council approves $12K increase for building permit software
Council has approved an additional $12,000 for a new building permit software system, bringing the total project cost to $34,500.
The increase addresses an oversight in the 2026 capital budget, where the software licence cost had not been included. Treasurer Paul Dowber told council the omission was his responsibility.
The new platform is intended to move much of the permitting process online, allowing residents and builders to apply, pay, track and receive updates digitally, while reducing in-person visits and manual processing. The added funding will come from the town’s Building Reserve Fund and will not impact the 2026 tax levy.
Downtown boundary and development lands shape Official Plan work
Council provided direction on two key planning issues as work continues on the new Official Plan.
A report focused on refining the boundary between the downtown core and a proposed downtown fringe designation, as well as setting policy direction for town-owned lands at Ferguson and Ferrara drives.
Staff recommended aligning the downtown core boundary more closely with the existing heritage conservation district, while allowing surrounding areas to support more mixed-use and residential development to boost population and activity near the core.
The report outlined a flexible planning approach for the Ferguson and Ferrara lands, encouraging a mix of residential and commercial uses, including opportunities for higher-density and affordable housing, while preserving green space and trail connections.
Council agreed with the boundary alignment and indicated future councils should have flexibility to guide development.
Draft climate action plan sets emissions targets
A draft Climate Action Plan was presented, outlining a long-term roadmap to reduce emissions and strengthen community resilience, with public consultation expected next.
The plan sets targets to cut emissions 20 per cent below 2021 levels by 2031, 45 per cent by 2036 and reach net-zero by 2050. It focuses on key areas including transportation, buildings, waste and natural assets.
The draft proposes a mix of municipal and community-led actions, supported by annual reporting, five-year reviews and a cost-impact framework to help prioritize projects.
Staff emphasized the plan does not commit the town to specific projects or spending at this stage. Council is being asked to provide feedback before the document moves to a public open house and 30-day comment period.
Council also questioned the timing of the plan ahead of the next municipal election, with staff indicating it could be ready by mid-spring.
Drinking water system meets standards in 2025 report
Council also received the 2025 Drinking Water System Summary Report, which showed the town remained fully compliant with provincial regulations.
A Ministry inspection conducted in October 2025 found no instances of non-compliance, with the system receiving a 100 per cent rating.
The report notes two adverse water quality incidents in 2025, down from five the previous year, though details were not included in the summary.
Water production remained within approved limits, with more than 1.45 million cubic metres of treated water delivered to the system.
The report also highlights system upgrades, including the commissioning of a new elevated water storage tower in December, aimed at improving capacity and reliability.
While overall performance remained strong, internal and third-party audits identified areas for improvement in documentation, training and procedures, with corrective actions underway.
The report was received for information as part of annual provincial reporting requirements.
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