Smiths Falls waterfront trail plans focus on accessibility and extending seasonal use
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council is moving ahead with a phased approach to waterfront development, focusing on extending seasonal use and improving accessibility rather than committing to full year-round operations.
The direction came during the April 13 committee of the whole meeting, where councillors revisited Strategic Priority 3.1, centred on placemaking and waterfront activation.
Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark brought the report forward, asking council to clarify expectations before staff proceed with a $60,000 capital allocation set aside for 2026.
“While funding’s been identified… clarification is requested… to ensure that staff proceed in a manner that aligns with your desires,” Clark told council.
Council signalled support for investing in practical improvements this year, rather than additional planning, with an emphasis on building infrastructure that could support expanded use in the future.
Discussion centred on extending the “shoulder seasons,” allowing residents to make greater use of parks in early spring and late fall, without adding the cost and staffing requirements of full winter maintenance.
Mayor Shawn Pankow supported extending the shoulder season, pointing to how residents already use waterfront spaces outside the current operating window.
“The reality is you can enjoy those parks for at least a couple more months in the fall,” he said. “There’s no reason people can’t enjoy them in early spring as well.”
Councillors also emphasized accessibility, with support for beginning work on a hard-surface trail. Lower Reach Park was identified as a starting point, with the longer-term goal of creating a loop through the area.
Clark said the available funding will only go so far.
“That $60,000 would be about a quarter of the park … depending on site conditions,” she said, noting the cost of paved trail construction remains significant.
She added staff are looking to align trail work with upcoming parking and access improvements in Lower Reach Park to maximize efficiencies.
Coun. Jay Brennan asked if the road into the park would be fixed this year.
Clark said it’s at the top of the list.
With limited funding in place, only a portion of the trail work is expected to proceed this year, with further expansion to depend on future budgets and council direction.
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