Fall intake for project applications open until Sept. 1
LAURIE WEIR
SMITHS FALLS – Town council has voted against extending the fall intake deadline for the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), holding firm to the Sept. 1, 2025 cut-off despite a late infusion of funds back into the program.
The move came after a $10,000 grant was returned to the reserve earlier this month when council declined to amend a funding agreement for a Beckwith Street project that did not meet CIP design standards. Combined with $3,600 left unallocated from the spring intake, the total available for this fall’s applications now sits at $13,600.
Chief administrative officer Malcolm Morris confirmed the figure following the Aug. 25 meeting. “We have $13,600 remaining in the approved budget so this figure will be the funding envelope for the autumn intake,” he said.
The CIP applies to properties within the downtown Heritage Conservation District and designated project areas along the waterfront, supporting improvements such as façades, signage, accessibility upgrades and building restorations.
Staff had recommended a one-time extension of the intake deadline to Sept. 30, saying the extra time would give the town a chance to promote the program, consult with property owners, and attract new applications. Morris told council the balance could support “a couple small projects or one medium-sized project.”
Coun. Chris McGuire opposed the extension, pointing to recent challenges with the program. He described the last round as “the worst we’ve had in 10 years,” noting that one approved project had to be rescinded after failing to meet program standards. McGuire said he wants to see revisions to the policy before any additional funds are committed.
Coun. Steve Robinson and Coun. Peter McKenna echoed McGuire’s concerns, agreeing that while the program itself remains valuable, the timeline should not be altered this year.
Mayor Shawn Pankow, on the other hand, supported the staff recommendation, arguing that even a modest amount of funding could benefit property owners. “It’s an opportunity to do something good with this,” he said, adding that the program has been a key part of the town’s revitalization efforts.
Two councillors were absent from the meeting, Jay Brennan and Jennifer Miller. Dawn Quinn chaired the meeting and with three votes against the extension, the request from staff was denied.
Morris emphasized that the application process would continue under the existing timeline. He also noted that while the fall intake bumps up against colder weather, some projects, particularly interior work, could still proceed this year or be positioned to begin early in the spring.
With the Sept. 1 deadline now firm, property owners interested in applying will need to move quickly. Applications will be reviewed in the fall, with recommendations expected to come forward to council in October.
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