Seven things to know about Smiths Falls council’s recent meeting: Melt pit, flowers, demo and more on the agenda

Here’s what you need to know from the Aug. 26 meeting of Smiths Falls council. With three members absent, much of the agenda will be discussed at a future meeting, but here are this week’s highlights.
 
Asset Management Plan unfolds

Arun Sharma presented the town’s asset management strategy from PSD Citywide alongside Paul Dowber, the director of corporate services and treasurer. The strategy focuses on upgrading and sustaining the town’s infrastructure while adhering to provincial regulations. The town’s asset portfolio, which includes roads, bridges, and water systems, is valued at $229 million, with a total replacement cost of about $370 million.

The plan reveals a significant $52 million backlog in capital needs, particularly for the sanitary sewer system, with additional needs for bridges, roads, and stormwater management. Councillor Jay Brennan noted the substantial backlog and questioned if it was typical for a municipality of Smiths Falls’ size. Sharma acknowledged the backlog is on the higher side, largely due to a few costly issues within the sanitary sewer system. Dowber indicated that a future report will address comprehensive planning for the sewer system. The meeting, led by Councillor Peter McKenna, was shortened with many items postponed until Sept. 3.
The town’s committee moved to adopt the plan and will post it on its website.
 
New tourism and culture coordinator welcomed

Julia Crowder, the town’s manager of economic development and tourism, welcomed Jeff Murphy as the new tourism arts and culture coordinator. The resident of Smiths Falls previously managed a local business in town, Crowder noted. He was integral in helping to organize some of the town’s first Pride events, as well as the Smiths Falls Triathlon and numerous charity events. He has also sat on numerous tourism and economic development committees “and has extensive experience in finding funding, working collaboratively.”

Murphy started his new position on Aug. 28.
 
Shout-out to the flower growers

The chief administrative officer Malcolm Morris gave a shoutout to Gemmell’s Garden Centre.

“I think everyone would agree that our downtown beautification efforts with the flower and planting arrangement are second to none this year,” he said.
What inspired the kudos, Morris said, is that he’s had several people who have visited the town, be that other municipalities or visitors. “Without exception, they are entirely impressed with the look and the feel and certainly the flower arrangements and plantings contribute to that sense of place and comfort and people want to explore it.”

Morris said they’ve been working with the local flower shop for a few years now and he wanted to acknowledge the tremendous work they’ve done in the town.

“We are putting our best foot forward in downtown Smiths Falls right now.”
 
BR&E project gets unofficial nod

The town is looking to approve at its next meeting on Sept. 3, an agreement with Optimus SBR for the development of a BR&E and Investment Attraction Strategic Plan for $50,371.20 – just a little over the $50,000 targeted budget. The Town of Smiths Falls is developing a five-year Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) and Investment Attraction Plan to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones. This plan will be guided by an engagement process that includes community and stakeholder outreach. The timeline for the project is 13 weeks starting in September and finishing in December.
 
What’s a melt pit?

A budget overage was requested for a melt pit at the Smiths Falls arena. This would service both the Youth Arena and the Memorial Community Centre for $57,972. The budget was set at $40,000 for this item. 

Due to equipment failure in 2022, the melt pit used for snow removal at the arena is offline. Currently, hot municipal water is used to melt snow, which then drains into the sewer. This method is not environmentally sustainable and has increased operating costs by approximately $1,000 per month compared to when the melt pit was functional.

In her report to council, director Stephanie Clark noted because of the capital budget shortfall, an overbudget approval is necessary to proceed with the project. The additional funding will cover the difference between the approved budget and the lowest bid, ensuring the melt pit repair is completed without further delays.

Coun. Chris McGuire said he missed the era of the snow banks created outside but “that era ended with the new rinks, so if we can make it more efficient that’s great.”

Council agreed to formalize the agreement next week during a regular council meeting.
 
Teardown of Old Mill Road fire site supported

Council tentatively approved a CCDC3 Cost Plus contract with Integricon Construction Inc. for the demolition of the structures on the property located at 25 Old Mill Road. The execution of this agreement is a necessary step to fulfill the Town of Smiths Falls’ obligations as the legal owner of the property, as part of an insurance claim process managed by Intact Public Entities (IPE). The Cost Plus Contract is a standardized document of the Canadian Construction Documents Committee; the Town’s insurance brokers (Halpenny Insurance) have worked with staff and IPE to ensure that the contract reflects the Town’s interests in addition to the standardized information that is contained within.
The contract is to be signed first, then the town staff will know when demolition can start.

Council agreed with the recommendation from Clark on this file.
 
Ride the trails

Council approved a trail revision for the Rideau Lakes ATV Club for a Charity Ride on Sept. 21. The members of council supported the report from Paul McMunn asking for a resolution to approve the request for one day only.  The group needed permission for Queen Street (Hershey Drive to Old Sly’s Road) and Jasper Road (Old Sly’s Road to the southeastern town limit).

This would be part of a 100-kilometre charity ride in support of the Community Home Support for Lanark County, which is a volunteer-based agency for seniors, adults with physical disabilities and persons who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and/or palliative diagnoses. They are a client-focused, compassionate organization that promotes independence and gives peace of mind to those who use their services. They strive to provide services that help clients continue to reside in their own homes and remain a part of their community.

The loop will be revealed closer to the date. Visit the ATV Club’s website for more info.