Peter McKenna: A Life of Community Service
1956 — Born in Smiths Falls
Peter McKenna was born and raised in Smiths Falls. His early experiences in the community shaped a lifelong commitment to public service and helping build stronger communities.
Early 1970s —
Peter worked as a mill operator at the Hershey's chocolate factory in Smiths Falls, saving money to continue his education.
1977–1979 — Canadian Armed Forces
Peter joined the Canadian Armed Forces and served in the Royal Canadian Navy for two years.
1980s and 1990s — Health Care Leadership
Peter served with the Lanark County District Health Council for approximately 10 years, including two years as Chair. Throughout this period, he advocated for accessible and locally available health care services. He also served on boards supporting adult and children's mental health services.
Mental Health and Addictions
Regional and Community Leadership
Over the course of his career, Peter has served on numerous boards and community organizations, including the Eastern Ontario Red Cross. His work across health care, mental health, addictions, housing, food security and community services has focused on bringing organizations and partners together to respond to complex community challenges.
2018–Present — Representing Smiths Falls at Lanark County
2023 — Chair of the Board of Health
After serving as First Vice-Chair in 2022, Peter was proclaimed Chair of the Board of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit in 2023.
For the past eight years, Peter has represented Smiths Falls, alongside the Mayor, on Lanark County's Community Services and Corporate Services committees. These committees are responsible for or oversee important regional services affecting Smiths Falls, including: Housing and homelessness, Paramedic services, Child care, Long-term care, Social services, Ontario Works and Support Program services. Peter and the Mayor have worked together to advocate for Smiths Falls' needs at the County level. The Town currently identifies Mayor Shawn Pankow and Peter McKenna as its representatives in this work.
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Peter spent nine years as a middle manager in Mental Health and Addictions at Brockville General Hospital. He later served as a Director with Sandy Hill Community Health Centre for four years.
Peter at the Rideau Environmental Action League mini forest plant at Corbett Park
Early 1970s — Advocating for Social Housing
As a teenager, at approximately 15 years old, Peter became involved in advocating for social housing in Smiths Falls. He appeared before Town Council to advocate for using available federal housing programs to support the development of social housing. Later in his teen years he presented to Smiths Falls council, alongside Ray Elgersma, then Executive Director of Social Services. Peter helped gather support for a petition calling for greater investment in affordable housing. That advocacy contributed to the development of housing on Empress Avenue.
1976 — Promoting Old Home Week
At age 20, Peter took part in a 150-mile promotional journey across Eastern Ontario to help promote Smiths Falls' 1976 Old Home Week celebrations.
1981–1987 — Beginning a Career in Social Services
After completing his diploma at Algonquin College, Peter began his professional career with Lanark County Social Services, where he worked for approximately five years. During this period, Peter also began becoming involved in health care planning and governance.
Building Community Organizations
Throughout his career, Peter has helped establish and support a number of not-for-profit organizations focused on issues including: Addiction services, Adult mental health, Children's mental health, Food security, Affordable and rent-geared-to-income housing. Peter was a founding board member of a number of community organizations and initiatives, including Two Rivers Food Hub and Parkland Court rent-geared-to-income housing.
2000–2018 — Executive Director, Rideau Community Health Centre
In 2000, Peter became Executive Director of Rideau Community Health Centre, serving in the role for 18 years. During this time, Peter helped lead a community-based organization focused on accessible primary health care and integrated social and community services.
2018 — Elected to Smiths Falls Town Council
Peter was elected to Smiths Falls Town Council in 2018, bringing decades of experience in health care, social services, housing and community development to municipal government.
2022 — Re-Elected to Smiths Falls Town Council
Peter was re-elected to Smiths Falls Town Council in 2022 and continues to serve the community.
Today
Peter continues to serve Smiths Falls as a member of Town Council while bringing decades of experience in health care, social services, public health, housing and community development to his work. His journey began as a teenager advocating for social housing in his hometown. Over the decades that followed, his career has remained centred on a consistent belief: strong communities are built by investing in people and bringing organizations together to solve problems. He hopes to continue his efforts in the municipal government and become the elected mayor for the town of Smiths Falls 2026 election.
Bob, Sean, Peter, and Jennifer celebrate the opening of Alexandra Park
