LAURIE WEIR

After a year marked by significant residential growth, Smiths Falls is turning its focus to meeting the needs of an expanding community.

“Much of the work undertaken in 2024 related to our need to meet the needs of a growing community,” said Mayor Shawn Pankow in his year-end address. Town council’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and housing affordability highlighted the year, with major investments and new partnerships driving progress, the mayor noted.

Highlights

Infrastructure investments
Town council allocated over $13.3 million to its capital budget last February, focusing on critical projects such as the construction of a new water tower and the first phase of George Street’s redevelopment.

“With the growing cost of infrastructure work, we had to prioritize key projects while preparing for future demands,” Pankow said.

Affordable housing projects
Two major developments in 2024 addressed housing affordability. A 34-unit deeply affordable housing project at 44 Chambers St., spearheaded by Carebridge Community Support, opened in June.

“This project was made possible thanks to a $500,000 donation from St. John the Baptist Anglican Church as well as funding from Lanark County and the Government of Canada,” Pankow said. “Rent supplements from Lanark County have enabled 28 of the units to have rents geared to the income of the tenants. The other six have rents that are deeply affordable to their tenants. This is a great example of what can happen when every possible partner comes to the table committed to results.”

“The second major development on the housing front was the creation of Bridge House at the former Willowdale Retirement Residence,” Pankow continued. “This partnership between Lanark County and Lanark County Mental Health created 13 new Housing First units for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

“Although this initiative was initially met with some angst and concern from the community, six months in I am very pleased to share that this has been a real success, with all rooms occupied and 13 people previously living precariously in vehicles, sheds, hotels or couch-surfing now having a dignified place to call home.

“The town contributes to the cost of this Bridge House and will add an additional $20,653 to support the approved plan to expand this to 21 rooms in 2025. The Housing First model has a track record of proven success and, having had the opportunity to meet several of the people living there, I know it is already making an incredible difference despite only being open since mid-year.”

Rewriting the Official Plan
The town invested in planning efforts, including rewriting its Official Plan and reimagining Lower Reach Park.

“This type of investment is critical to help council prepare for and manage growth,” Pankow noted, emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking strategies.

Population growth
Smiths Falls continued to grow, with more than 700 housing units added in the past five years.

“Our expanding tax base and new residents are fueling our ability to invest in the community,” Pankow said.

The year ahead

Looking ahead, major developments are on the horizon. The new water tower will come online, phase two of George Street’s redevelopment will be completed, and Confederation Bridge will rise above the Rideau River by mid-year.

“By spring, we should also have a plan in place for the Youth Arena redevelopment,” said Pankow. “This type of investment is critical to help council prepare for and manage growth, and ensure we have the best information and understanding when facing multi-million dollar investments in the next few years.”

In June, the town will have the opportunity to immerse itself in the customs, traditions and practices of the broader Indigenous community.

“We are welcoming back the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow, and in August, we are all looking forward to the return of Old Home Week and celebrating our town’s history and culture with friends old and new,” Pankow said.

Despite these successes, the town faces challenges, including a potential 10 per cent property tax increase in the first draft of the 2025 budget.

“I am confident the tax increase council eventually approves will be less,” Pankow assured residents, noting that the upcoming budget will feature historically high capital spending.

From infrastructure renewal to innovative housing solutions, Smiths Falls is striving to balance growth with community needs.

“These investments are not just about today,” Pankow said. “They’re about ensuring a strong future for all of us.”