Jeff Banks during a May 2025 Rideau Lakes meeting.
Rideau Lakes councillor Jeff Banks is retiring from municipal politics after 16 years on council, including 11 years previously serving on Smiths Falls council.
Banks announced his retirement Friday, saying he will remain in office and serve out the remainder of his term until the municipal election in October.
In a statement, Banks reflected on his years in municipal politics and said he has tried to help residents he believes have been pushed around by municipal policies and bylaws.
He said serving as a councillor has been gratifying and rewarding, particularly the opportunity to work with fellow councillors, municipal staff and residents with differing opinions.
Banks thanked residents, staff and council colleagues for allowing him to bring his perspective forward over the years.
He also encouraged others to consider getting involved in municipal politics.
“It is time for others to step up and I hope lots do,” Banks wrote.
Banks also addressed his wife Paula’s decision to run for mayor of Rideau Lakes. The couple have served together on council for the past four years.
Banks said he fully supports her campaign and praised her work in municipal politics.
He is also making opposition to ALTO a major part of his endorsement.
Banks said he believes the proposed ALTO highway project would divide Rideau Lakes and negatively affect the municipality’s way of life.
He said Paula has been working with municipalities across the region in opposition to the project and believes she should be elected mayor to continue that work.
Banks said taxes and infrastructure have traditionally been key priorities for the municipality, but argued ALTO has become an important issue for the community.
He ended his announcement by thanking the people who have supported him throughout his years in municipal politics.
Banks will continue serving as a Rideau Lakes councillor until the October municipal election
