Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow says 2025 tested council, but also showed just how strong and connected the community has become.
In a year-end interview, Pankow said the biggest challenge facing council was the municipal budget.
Rising costs, policing pressures and a new collective agreement led to a five-per-cent tax increase, a level residents had not seen in recent years.
Despite the strain, Pankow said Smiths Falls remains in good financial shape, helped by long-term debt control, growth in assessment and careful planning. He said the town’s asset management plan is a critical tool in protecting infrastructure and preparing for future needs.
One of the year’s biggest milestones was the completion of the new water tower, replacing a 101-year-old structure and dramatically improving storage, pressure and fire protection.
The mayor told LanarkLeedsToday.ca they’re almost ready for the next phase of the project.
Beyond infrastructure, Pankow said 2025 will be remembered for its community spirit. Old Home Week filled the town with events, visitors and celebrations, drawing former residents back home and energizing the downtown.
Pankow also pointed to the opening of the HART Hub as a deeply meaningful moment, providing publicly funded addiction treatment close to home.
Looking back, he said the year was defined by care, connection and pride — proof that Smiths Falls continues to grow while holding tightly to its small-town heart.
