Perth councillor Barry Smith is retiring from municipal politics and will not seek another term in the October municipal election.
Smith was first elected to Perth Town Council in 2018, finishing fifth among the five successful council candidates with 1,253 votes. He was reelected in 2022.
During his terms, Smith served on several municipal committees and advisory groups, including the Committee of Adjustment, the Climate Change Advisory Panel and Heritage Perth Advisory Panel.
His time on council has included decisions involving development, infrastructure, municipal services, heritage and environmental issues.
As he prepares to leave municipal politics, Smith says Perth will face a number of challenges in the years ahead, including managing growth, maintaining infrastructure and services, and responding to changing community needs.
He also pointed to the continuing need for a major arterial road link between Hwy 7 and Rogers Road to help keep heavy truck traffic out of the Town’s core.
Smith reflects on his eight years on council and the work accomplished during his terms.
One of the standouts for him, was his work on the Rocky Ramp project, aimed at improving water flow through the Little Tay River through Stewart Park and into the canal.
Despite a committee struck to provide solutions, which became irrevocably split, Smith worked with council to help come up with a locally made solution.
Smith will leave Perth Town Council at the end of the current municipal term following the October 26 election. You can hear our entire conversation with Councillor Smith below.
Story by Brian Turner
