Five questions with Jennifer Miller, candidate for Smiths Falls council in the 2026 municipal election
Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Lanarkist will be asking the same five questions of all council candidates in Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Perth and Mississippi Mills in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 4, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from Smiths Falls candidate Jennifer Miller. You can view a roundup of all our Smiths Falls municipal coverage and links to all completed profiles here.
1) Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?
My name is Jennifer Miller and I am running for re-election as a councillor for the Town of Smiths Falls. I was first elected in 2022. I have spent the last 20 years leading a local not for profit, taking a few years in the middle to work directly for the Town of Smiths Falls as the manager of economic development and tourism. I found that work inspiring in that I could see that council was making decisions that not only affected residents on a day to day basis, but were also creating and implementing a vision for the town for the long term.
I am a seasoned and well-respected community builder with a proven track record in business development, project management, fiscal oversight, human resources and leadership.
2) How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?
Municipal politics is the level of government that affects people the most in their day-to-day lives. Whether it is taking care of roads and bridges, ensuring clean drinking water, or simply picking up garbage each week, we are all touched by municipal government decisions on a day-to-day basis. With this in mind, choosing elected officials that are committed to ‘doing the right thing’ and making solid financial decisions is far more important that voting for someone based on their political affiliations.
3) What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?
Voters are concerned about affordability, aging infrastructure and quality of life. The work we have done over the last four years touches on some of that, including new parks at Lee Avenue and Alexander, a new water tower, redevelopments at George and Catherine Streets, renovating the library, supporting new affordable housing, creating a new town square with a gazebo and so much more.
4) What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?
There is still much to do and I am seeking re-election because our roads, bridges, sewers, parks and public facilities require long-term sustainable investment.
Affordability has become a crisis in Canada and Smiths Falls is unfortunately no different. Municipal governments have a role to play in encouraging developers to build accessible and affordable housing. We can also support food programs and keep fees and dues in check wherever possible.
Maintaining infrastructure is such a challenge in every municipality. We have critically aging infrastructure and we cannot risk putting off upgrades and replacements. Applying for grants from other levels of government has helped us with projects like the water tower, and these applications must continue.
Park space and tree canopies are not a ‘nice to have.’ Families live, work and play in Smiths Falls and having warm and welcoming spaces in our community is an investment in economic growth and quality of life. New parks like the one on Lee Avenue, renewed parks like the one at Alexander Street and the vision for an upgrade to Lower Reach Park are all important steps. Renovating the children’s department at the library also invests in quality of life. Municipal government plays a key role in all of this.
5) What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?
My vision is a welcoming, affordable and growing Smiths Falls, with reliable infrastructure, vibrant neighbourhoods and a strong and beautiful downtown where people are proud to live, work and invest.
I have a deep connection to Smiths Falls and am excited about the prospect of continuing my work for Smiths Falls’ taxpayers as Town councillor.
For more information, please visit my website at jennifermillerforcouncil.com, email me at jmillersf2026@gmail.com or visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JenniferMillerforSFCouncil