During Monday evening’s council meeting in Smiths Falls, Mayor Shawn Pankow recognized Wednesday March 8 as International Women’s Day. 

“The theme this year is ‘embrace equity,’” Pankow said, “True belonging and inclusion require equitable action.”

Councilor Jay Brennan announced that the Heritage House Museum recently displayed an exhibit featuring 28 women who have impacted Smiths Falls. In honour of International Women’s Day, the museum has partnered with the Downtown Business Association to render this into a traveling exhibit on display throughout the community. Remarkable Women of Smiths Falls information panels have been delivered to businesses all over town. 

These can be found at Settlers Ridge, C’est Tout, Salon Aurora, Bone Appetit, Gemmell’s Flowers, Modern Thymes, Strand’s Special Greetings, Elizabeth Interiors, Full Figure Boutique, The Craft Witch, The Cozy Cottage gift shop, Willow & Co, Yarns Aplenty, Michele’s Doorway to Splendour, Blue Door Spa, Arlie’s Books, The Arts Hub, and Buck or Two Plus.

Councilor Brennan has a particular soft spot for this exhibit as his mother is featured among the remarkable women of Smiths Falls. He added that this list is not comprehensive and will be expanding again in the future. 

“They’re accepting more nominations for a future exhibit. So if you know a remarkable woman in Smiths Falls, please contact the Heritage House,” he added.

Brennan thanked the DBA for partnering with Heritage House in this effort. The traveling exhibit will be on display in Smiths Falls until the end of March.

Article by Janelle Labelle