During Smiths Falls’ Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, Senior Planner Karl Grenke presented a report by the CIP (Community Improvement Plan) Evaluation Committee recommending a municipal funding grant of $1,923.75 be awarded to Patricia Krotki, owner of Sweet Scoops. Sweet Scoops will be moving up Beckwith Street to a new location on the corner of Beckwith and Russell Street. Krotki applied for municipal funding under program 3 as a building permit rebate, as there will be extensive renovations required to bring the site up to par.

Councilor Chris McGuire was enthusiastic about this. “This is a great application. That’s a corner that needs revitalization and it’s going to get it.”

The CIP Evaluation Committee commented that “the proposal would fill existing vacancies of commercial storefronts and that the business subject to the application is an existing downtown business which is outgrowing their current location. It was also recognized that the renovation will contribute to the viability of building stock within the Downtown.”

Councilor Lorraine Allen was in favour of this recommendation. “It’s heartwarming that this CIP can be given to the Krotkis because that’s going to change the downtown so beautifully; and that building already with Willow there is going to be such an added plus to our downtown. I wish them all the best.”

“This is a very welcome development in our downtown,” commented Councilor Wendy Alford. 

Council approved this recommendation.

Article by Janelle Labelle