zimmytws / Depositphotos.com
The Town of Smiths Falls is asking residents to weigh in on the first draft of its new Official Plan, a 25-year roadmap for growth and development. This week’s focus is sustainability—how the town can grow responsibly while cutting emissions and preparing for extreme weather.
Residents are encouraged to read the draft at smithsfalls.ca/opupdates and comment on priorities such as energy efficiency, green buildings (Sec. 4.3.1, p. 34), green infrastructure, natural heritage, waste diversion and reduction (p. 38), and overall climate resilience. The plan’s sustainability policies are high-level to give Council flexibility, while Section 4.3 (pp. 35–36) outlines measurable environmental goals that balance mitigation—reducing greenhouse gases—and adaptation to climate impacts.
Feedback will help determine whether the plan strikes the right balance for Smiths Falls and which areas should be strengthened.
To be included in the public record, comments must be emailed to kgrenke@smithsfalls.ca by today, November 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Residents are urged to participate and help shape a greener future.
