SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council is considering a salary increase for the next term after a staff report showed the town pays below average compared with similar municipalities in Ontario.
During the Nov. 10 committee of the whole meeting, Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Paul Dowber presented updated remuneration comparisons. The data showed the mayor currently earns $37,743 per year, while councillors receive $19,001. The average among comparable municipalities is $43,315 for a mayor and $22,891 for councillors.
Dowber said the new analysis followed direction given in July to look beyond the previous survey and include small urban and single tier municipalities with similar workloads.
“We came back with comparators that would lead to a better comparison of the workloads,” Dowber said. “This survey also shows that mayor and council salaries are under those comparators.”
Per diem rates in Smiths Falls are slightly higher than average. Full-day per diems are $135 and half-day per diems are $68. Mileage will also remain unchanged.
Staff recommend increasing the mayor’s salary by $5,572 per year and councillor salaries by $3,890 per year, bringing them in line with the average. The increase would take effect at the start of the next council term on Nov. 15, 2026, and salaries would be indexed annually to the Ottawa–Gatineau consumer price index.
The estimated budget impact is $4,200 in 2026 and $32,000 in 2027.
Coun. Steve Robinson supported the recommendation.
“It is time to move forward. An increase is long overdue,” Robinson said.
Councillors discussed whether higher pay might encourage more people to run in the 2026 election.
Mayor Shawn Pankow said compensation is rarely the motivation for seeking office.
“None of us are here because it is financially lucrative to do so,” Pankow said. He added that many residents who would consider running work full time and do not have the flexibility required for the role. “An increase is not going to change that unless it enables someone to leave their job.”
Smiths Falls council also asked whether the province’s strong mayor powers may affect compensation in other municipalities.
Dowber said workloads could increase under the legislation, but there has been no provincial guidance.
“There has not been any documentation or communication at the treasurer level. I will keep council updated,” he said.
A bylaw amendment reflecting the proposed salary change will return to council for approval. Benefit impacts, including OMERS, dental and health, will be reviewed during budget discussions.
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