Photo: Google Maps
Downtown Smiths Falls has officially been designated a Heritage Conservation District after council passed a new bylaw earlier this month.
Council adopted By-law 10666-2026 on Feb. 2, approving the district boundary along with a conservation plan and development guidelines prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. The move marks the first time the town has created an area-based heritage district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.
The designation shifts protection from individual buildings to the overall character of the downtown, including streetscapes and groups of properties.
Before final approval, council made several wording and technical amendments. These included standardizing references to three storeys for average building height and clarifying language around how new development should relate to existing buildings.
The plan sets out rules for alterations, additions, demolition and new construction. Some work will require heritage permits, while minor changes may be exempt.
An appeal period is open until March 13, 2026. The plan will be reviewed after one year.