Smiths Falls council got a look at the site and floor plan of the new public works garage on Air Care Drive after the 2025 fire.
Since the fire, Public Works staff have been operating from the warehouse portion of the original building and a temporary site trailer that serves as office, change room and break space.
The Town retained Integrated Design Engineering Architecture (IDEA) to develop plans for a purpose-built facility that will accommodate both operations and administrative functions.
Director of Public Works Paul McMunn explained some of the features.
Council expressed interest in including electric vehicle charging stations and other green initiatives for when the project moves to tender.
The floor plan includes a large central service garage designed to accommodate and maintain municipal vehicles and equipment. The administrative wing features 10 offices, a boardroom, kitchen, lunchroom, storage space, and an accessible washroom.
Staff facilities include male and female change rooms, showers, laundry facilities, a second lunchroom, a mechanic’s office, and workstation space.
The operations area also contains dedicated wash bay and repair areas for fleet maintenance. Mechanical service rooms, tool storage areas, and multiple entrances are incorporated throughout the building.
Councillor Chris McGuire highlighted a number of what he called red flags, which he says will likely elevate costs when the shovels go in the ground.
Staff’s plan is to build the garage with future growth in mind and while McGuire understands that, the cost comes with it.
The town’s put aside just under $10.5 million in the capital budget for the building, and is set for tender in July with occupancy anticipated for summer 2027.
Story by Grant Deme
