ECONOMY:
Growth and Opportunity in Town
VITALITY
SUPPORT LOCAL ENTERPRISE
Celebrating our current businesses while fostering new opportunities remains the core of a thriving and active downtown core.
DOWNTOWN ENGAGEMENT
Successes like Bike Nights brought thousands of visitors into our streets, generating nearly $100,000 in direct sales for local merchants.
BEYOND THE MAIN STREET
Developing employment lands and supporting major partners like Hershey.
A VISION FOR RETAIL
With roughly 140 downtown businesses, we are building on a base of high investment.
Targeting vacant storefronts for revitalization is key.
ECONOMIC GOALS
BUSINESS RETENTION IS A PRIORITY
We are committed to listening to owners and removing growth barriers to help them succeed.
ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENT
Focusing on infrastructure and partnerships to welcome diverse new employers here.
CONNECTED DEVELOPMENT
Linking tourism, housing, and transit to create a robust local economy.
A RESILIENT AND PROSPEROUS SMITHS FALLS FUTURE
Our economic strength enables us to invest back into the community, ensuring Smith Falls remains a sustainable home for all families.
Priority 6. Enhance Our Vibrant Local Economy
A thriving downtown is more than just a place to shop; it is the heartbeat of our town. When I look at the local businesses that line our streets, I am reminded that behind every sign is a dedicated entrepreneur and a hard-working team. Recognizing their contribution is essential to understanding the life and spirit of Smiths Falls.
OUR DOWNTOWN SUCCESS. From longstanding community staples like Gemmell's Flowers and Arlie's Books to fresh additions like The Book’s Better, our core is defined by variety. In 2025, the Downtown Business Association tracked 140 businesses that drive our local pulse, proving that our independent commerce is a significant force.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES. While we celebrate these wins, we cannot ignore the vacant storefronts or the real hurdles some owners face. However, we must not let empty spaces define us. We owe it to those who have invested their lives here to highlight what is working while we actively work to fill the gaps through revitalize efforts.
STRENGHTENING BUSINESS ROOTS. By collaborating with the Economic Development and Tourism Department, the Chamber, and the DBA, I will focus on Business Retention and Expansion. This means actively listening to our local leaders, removing bureaucratic barriers, and creating a fertile ground where new startups can take root and thrive.
INDUSTRIAL AND MAJOR EMPLOYERS. Our economic horizon stretches beyond the downtown core. I am committed to developing additional employment lands and securing responsible investment. We remain focused on supporting major pillars of our industry, including Hershey's, as they prepare for their upcoming operations in our community. By ensuring our infrastructure and planning are forward-thinking, we position Smiths Falls to welcome the next generation of large-scale employers while giving our current ones the stability they need to grow.
The synergy between tourism and recreation is vital. Improvements to our waterfront and commercial corridors create a magnet for visitors and investors alike. When we make our public spaces beautiful and accessible, we aren't just decorating; we are building an economic engine that encourages people to spend time and capital here.
A ROBUST TAX BASE. A flourishing local economy is the foundation for everything else we want to achieve. It creates the jobs that support our families and provides the tax base necessary to fund our parks, roads, and community services. It is all connected: safe neighbourhoods, reliable transit, and a welcoming downtown attract the growth we need.
Moving forward, we have much to celebrate and even more to build upon. A thriving town isn't one without difficulties; it is one where people and opportunities are valued enough to warrant continuous investment. Together, we will ensure Smiths Falls remains a place where entrepreneurs can dream big and residents can enjoy a high quality of life.