Smiths Falls public meetings in 2024
31 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review a draft 2025 budget, approve contracts for the Beckwith Street Bridges, and consider funding for the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
- Award of RFP 24-PW-016 for Beckwith Street Bridges
- First Draft - 2025 Budget
- Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario Funding Request
- Network Refresh Report 2024-139
- Letter regarding equitable funding for municipal policing
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Town Council will meet to discuss several administrative items and potential motions. Two specific items may be added to the agenda based on the outcome of the Committee of the Whole meeting.
- Award of RFP 24-PW-016 Beckwith Street Bridges
- Pre-Budget Approval for Network Refresh
- Adoption of Consent Report 14-2024
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the first draft of the 2025 Budget and several priority reports. The session includes a closed meeting to discuss personal matters regarding an identifiable individual.
- First Draft - 2025 Budget
- Approval of Heritage Conservation District Study Report 2024-138
- Pre-Budget Approval for Network Refresh Report 2024-139
- Appointments to the LGLDHU's Board of Health and the New South East Health Unit
- Auto Aid Termination Letter and Agreement from Fire Chief Gene Richardson
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will discuss the October 2024 Budget Monitor Report and the December 2024 Strategic Plan Monitoring Program report. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss labour relations and employee negotiations.
- October 2024 Budget Monitor Report 2024-136
- Strategic Plan Monitoring Program - Dec 2024 Report 2024-137
- Closed session regarding labour relations and employee negotiations
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Council meeting focuses on procedural items, including the approval of minutes from November 18 and 25, and a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the November 4, 18, and 25 Council meetings. A labour relations by-law is noted as dependent on a Special Committee of the Whole outcome.
- Approval of November 18 and 25 Council minutes
- By-law to confirm proceedings of November 4, 18, and 25 Council meetings
- Labour relations by-law (outcome dependent on Special Committee of the Whole)
- Consent Report 13-2024 items
- Council reports, presentations, and proclamations
Committee of the Whole-2 In Camera
The Committee of the Whole will discuss a development agreement for 18 Elm Street East and consider housekeeping amendments to the zoning by-law. The meeting will also include a closed session to discuss personal matters and litigation updates.
- 18 Elm Street East Development Agreement Report 2024-134
- Adoption of Housekeeping Amendments to Zoning By-law Report 2024-133
- Closed session to discuss personal matter (K Costello)
- Closed session to discuss litigation updates
- Hospice Hub Update by Anne Janssen
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Council meeting will approve the agenda, review reports, and discuss two resolutions: one to endorse a funding application for Lower Reach Park and another supporting the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. Both resolutions depend on the outcome of the Special Committee of the Whole.
- Funding Application Endorsement – Lower Reach Park (resolution wording pending Special Committee outcome)
- Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (resolution wording pending Special Committee outcome)
- Approval of agenda and minutes
- Consent agenda items
- By‑laws and confirmatory by‑law considerations
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will open with a land acknowledgement, approve the agenda, and review the 2023 audit presentation. It will consider priority reports including a funding endorsement for Lower Reach Park, delegation requests for the 2025 ROMA conference, and a homelessness and housing problem briefing. A closed session will be held to discuss a potential litigation matter and a proposed acquisition or disposition of land.
- 2023 audit presentation and draft financial statements
- Funding Application Endorsement for Lower Reach Park
- 2025 ROMA Conference delegation requests
- Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness briefing on homelessness and housing
- Closed‑session discussion of potential litigation
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Town Council will consider and vote on several items, including adopting a by‑law to implement the 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The meeting also includes routine approvals of the agenda, minutes from the October 7 and October 28, 2024 meetings, and the consent agenda items in Report 12‑2024. Additional by‑law motions will confirm the October council proceedings.
- By‑law to adopt an Implementation Strategy for the 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- Consent Report 12‑2024 items to be received and adopted
- By‑law to Confirm the Proceedings of Council on October 7 and October 28, 2024
- Approval of the November 4, 2024 agenda as circulated
- Approval of minutes from the October 7 and October 28, 2024 council meetings
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council meeting will address routine items such as a land acknowledgement, call to order, agenda approval, and reports. The primary decision is a motion to grant a second one‑year extension for the draft approval of Subdivision File No. SD-19-01 (734230 Ontario Ltd, c/o Campbell’s Trucking), extending the deadline to November 2, 2025 under the Planning Act. Additional agenda sections include a consent agenda, other motions, and by‑law considerations.
- Maple Ridge Subdivision Draft Approval Extension – one‑year extension to Nov 2 2025 (Subdivision File No. SD-19-01, 734230 Ontario Ltd)
- Land Acknowledgement of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation
- Consent agenda covering routine approvals
- General motions and by‑law items
Committee of the Whole-2 In Camera
The Committee of the Whole will consider reports on extending the Le Boat Dock lease, a pre‑budget approval for community beautification (flowers), an extension of the Maple Ridge Subdivision draft approval, and the 2025 Budget Guidelines. It will also hold closed‑session discussions on a personal matter and potential litigation. Motions will be moved to approve the agenda, minutes, and to adjourn the meeting.
- Le Boat Dock Lease Agreement Extension Report 2024-128
- Pre‑budget approval for community beautification (flowers) Report 2024-125
- Maple Ridge Subdivision Draft Approval Extension Report 2024-129
- 2025 Budget Guidelines Report 2024-130
- Closed‑session discussion of potential litigation (Item 13.1)
Committee of the Whole-2 In Camera
The Committee of the Whole will review the August 2024 Budget Monitor, consider the operationalization of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and decide on the cancellation of the Memorial Community Centre liquor licence. Separate closed‑session segments will address a personal matter and potential litigation. The meeting also includes standard reports and procedural items.
- Resolution of Cancellation – Memorial Community Centre Liquor Licence (Report 2024-118)
- Strategic Initiative 6.3 – Operationalize the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Report 2024-115)
- August 2024 Budget Monitor Report (Report 2024-127)
- Closed‑session to discuss potential litigation (Item 13.1)
- Closed‑session to discuss a personal matter (Item 9.1)
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will consider a series of priority reports, including the award of a design‑build contract for the Confederation Bridge and updates on local projects such as Bellamy Farm Phase 3, a heritage easement at the Gallipeau Centre, and the community improvement plan for 17‑23 Beckwith Street North. Additional reports cover filming in Smiths Falls, a draft encampment protocol, and the community grants program. The meeting also includes standard agenda approval, minutes approval, and a closed‑session item.
- Confederation Bridge – Award of Design‑Build Contract (Report 2024‑121)
- Bellamy Farm Phase 3 – Pre‑servicing Agreement (Report 2024‑124)
- Heritage Easement – Gallipeau Centre (Report 2024‑123)
- Smiths Falls Community Improvement Plan – 17‑23 Beckwith St N (Report 2024‑122)
- Draft Encampment Protocol (Report 2024‑119)
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Town Council is meeting to discuss several by-laws and project updates. Items include a community grants policy, a filming production guide, and infrastructure agreements.
- Funding agreement for $10,000.00 for 17-23 Beckwith Street North under the Community Improvement Plan
- Pre-Servicing Agreement with 1686994 Ontario Inc (Parkview Homes) for sitework and infrastructure
- Bylaw to adopt a Community Grants Policy
- Bylaw to adopt a new Guide to Filming and Application Process
- Confederation Bridge Project update regarding the Timber Structure Option
Committee of the Whole-2 In Camera
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing reports on zoning amendments, climate action, and municipal election modernization. The meeting includes delegations regarding hospital updates, a safer crossing on Old Slys Road, and downtown business activities.
- Bellamy Farms Phase 3 Modification Zoning Amendment (ZA-24-01)
- Safer Crossing Area on Old Slys Road proposal
- Multi-Regional Trail Network Partnership Agreement
- Climate Action Plan – Milestone 1 Completion Report
- Municipal Elections Act (MEA) Modernization Report
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Town Council will consider three bylaws: one authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute an amended memorandum of understanding with Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization for a multi‑regional trail system; one adopting a new Guide to Filming and Application Process; and one amending the Zoning By‑law to rezone lands in Phase 3 of the Bellamy Farm Subdivision. Each bylaw will be read three times before final approval. The meeting also includes standard items such as land acknowledgement, approvals, and reports.
- Bylaw to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an amended MOU with Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO RTO 11) for a multi‑regional trail system (Bylaw No. 10581‑2024)
- Bylaw to adopt the new Guide to Filming and Application Process for filming production activities in Smiths Falls (Bylaw No. 10582‑2024)
- Zoning By‑law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act to rezone certain lands within Phase 3 of the Bellamy Farm Subdivision (Bylaw No. 10583‑2024)
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will first approve its agenda and hear several reports, including the July 2024 Budget Monitor (Report No. 2024-111), the New 2024 Building By‑law (Report No. 2024-095), and a Housing and Homelessness Report Card. After the public items, the council will move to a closed session to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land. No motions have been voted on yet.
- Approval of the September 9, 2024 Committee of the Whole agenda
- July 2024 Budget Monitor Report (Report No. 2024-111)
- New Building By‑law Report (Report No. 2024-095)
- Housing and Homelessness Report Card
- Closed session to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Town Council will vote on several by-laws regarding road safety and administrative appointments. The meeting includes decisions on new stop signs, a school safety zone, and the adoption of a parking policy.
- By-law to adopt the Cash-in-lieu of Parking Policy
- Installation of a 4-way stop at Thurber Street and McGill Street South
- Installation of a Community Safety Zone with 40 km/hr speed limit near Duncan J. Schoular Public School
- Installation of a 3-way stop at Davidson Street East, Florence Street, and Beech Street
- Appointment of Jonathan Proulx as a Town Building Inspector
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole is discussing several policy updates and administrative reports. The meeting includes reviews of traffic bylaws, zoning amendments, and a public arts master plan.
- Traffic Bylaw Amendments Report 2024-108
- Zoning By-law Housekeeping Amendments Report 2024-097
- Business Licenses – Issues and Options Report 2024-100
- Cash-in-lieu of Parking Policy Report 2024-101
- Public Arts Master Plan Report 2024-83
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review a series of reports, including the 2024 Asset Management Plan, community grants policy update, and several contract award reports. Members will consider the award of a contract and over‑budget authorization for the arena melt pit repair, as well as other contract and policy items. The meeting also includes a resolution on the Lasalle Causeway closure and a street‑naming proposal for Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3.
- Award of contract and overbudget authorization for Arena Melt Pit repair (Report 2024-105)
- Award of contract for BR&E Investment Attraction Strategy (Report 2024-98)
- Cost‑plus contract execution for 25 Old Mill Road (Report 2024-106)
- Street naming for Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3 (Report 2024-093)
- Lasalle Causeway closure resolution (Report 10.10)
Regular Council Meeting
The council will vote on a by‑law authorizing a two‑year $463,332 funding transfer from the provincial government to support the Smiths Falls, Lanark County and Leeds and Grenville Small Business Advisory Centre. Additional by‑laws will approve a memorandum of understanding with the Downtown Business Association, rename the association, appoint a by‑law enforcement officer on a six‑month contract, and adopt a programming/event plan for the Town Square. The meeting also includes a consent agenda, informational reports on urban tree canopy and building conditions, and a confirmatory by‑law for July council proceedings.
- By‑law authorizing $463,332 provincial funding transfer for the Small Business Advisory Centre
- By‑law to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Downtown Business Association
- By‑law to rename the Downtown Business Association to Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association
- By‑law appointing Daisy Serson as a By‑law Enforcement Officer on a 6‑month contract
- By‑law adopting the Programming/Event Plan and associated policy for the Town Square
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss a revised provincial funding agreement for the Small Business Centre, an MOU with the Downtown Business Association, and the appointment of a municipal by-law enforcement officer. The agenda also includes reports on the Town Square programming, an asset retirement obligation policy, and the urban tree canopy assessment.
- Revised Provincial Funding Agreement for Small Business Centre
- Downtown Business Association MOU
- Appointment of a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer
- Programming plan for the new Town Square
- Asset Retirement Obligation Policy
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will consider five priority reports: the 2024‑83 Public Arts Master Plan, the Street Naming By‑Law and Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3 (2024‑084), the Programming/Event Plan for the New Town Square (2024‑52), the Old Home Week Drone Show (2024‑079), and the Pre‑Budget Approval for the 2025 Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow (2024‑082). The meeting also includes updates from neighboring municipalities and closed‑session personal matters.
- Public Arts Master Plan Report 2024‑83
- Street Naming By‑Law & Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3 Report 2024‑084
- Programming/Event Plan for the New Town Square Report 2024‑52
- Old Home Week Drone Show Report 2024‑079
- Pre‑Budget Approval, Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow 2025 Report 2024‑082
Regular Council Meeting
Council will conduct its regular meeting, including a land acknowledgement, approval of the agenda and minutes, and reports. The council will consider two motions—one for an Old Home Week Drone Show and another to appoint a committee—both pending the outcome of the July 22 Committee of the Whole. Additional items include a consent agenda, by‑law considerations, and a confirmatory by‑law.
- Motion: Old Home Week Drone Show (wording dependent on Committee of Whole outcome)
- Motion: Committee appointment (wording dependent on Committee of Whole outcome)
- Consent agenda (items not specified)
- By‑law item (unspecified)
- Confirmatory by‑law (unspecified)
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Council is reviewing several infrastructure contracts during this meeting. Items include awards for road rehabilitation, pipe maintenance, and a portable traffic counter. Some agenda items may be updated following the Committee of the Whole discussion.
- Contract award for portable traffic counter to The Get Go Inc. ($9,682.67)
- Bylaw for asphalt milling and paving by Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited
- Bylaw for Trenchless Cure In Place Pipe Program with Insituform Technologies Limited
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review several infrastructure contract awards, including asphalt milling and a trenchless pipe program. The agenda also includes a presentation on backyard hen survey results and an asset management update.
- Contract 24-PW-011: Asphalt milling, grading, and paving
- Contract 24-PW-009: Trenchless Cure In Place Pipe Program
- Contract 24-PW-019: Supply and delivery of a portable traffic counter
- Backyard Hen Survey Results Report
- Asset Management Update Presentation
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will discuss the Centre Street Revitalization Master Plan and a revised Community Improvement Plan application for 17-23 Beckwith St. N. Members will also review street naming for Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3. A closed session is scheduled to discuss labour relations or employee negotiations.
- Centre Street Revitalization Master Plan Report 2024-67
- Street naming for Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3
- Revised Community Improvement Plan application for 17-23 Beckwith St. N
- Closed session regarding labour relations or employee negotiations
- 2023 Annual Year in Review report
Regular Council Meeting
The Smiths Falls Council is meeting to finalize the adoption of the Centre Street Revitalization Master Plan. The agenda also includes approving street names for Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3 and authorizing a $10,000 funding agreement for property on Beckwith Street North.
- Adoption of the Centre Street Revitalization Master Plan
- Approval of Mansfield Terrace and Harrison Drive street names in Bellamy Farm Subdivision Phase 3
- $10,000 funding agreement for 17-23 Beckwith Street North under the Community Improvement Plan
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review a report regarding the Station Theatre Facility lease renewal. The committee will also discuss the appointment of a Deputy Treasurer and updates to banking resolutions.
- Station Theatre Facility lease renewal report (2024-064)
- Appointment of Deputy Treasurer and banking resolution update (2024-072)
Regular Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing the demolition of four buildings at 25 Old Mill Road, subject to conditions for salvaging heritage masonry and stone elements. The agenda also includes appointing a new Deputy Treasurer and authorizing a lease with the Smiths Falls Community Theatre Foundation.
- Conditional demolition of four buildings at 25 Old Mill Road
- Appointment of Christian Illman as Deputy Treasurer
- Lease agreement with Smiths Falls Community Theatre Foundation
- Authorization of new banking signing officers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review a tender award for a youth arena feasibility study and a change order for water tower inspection services. The agenda also includes updates on 25 Old Mill Road and presentations regarding local theatre and intimate partner violence support.
- Award of Tender: Youth Arena Feasibility Study Report
- Water Tower Contract Administration and Inspection Services change order
- Heritage Act Authorization update for 25 Old Mill Road
- Presentation on The Station Theatre update
- Presentation regarding Shelter Movers Ottawa and intimate partner violence support