Smiths Falls council’s committee of the whole is recommending a $5,000 increase in funding for the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, bringing the annual commitment to $50,000 for visitor services.
The proposed agreement supports tourism services, including assistance for boaters arriving at the Smiths Falls basin. The recommendation is set to go before council for final approval.
During the committee discussion, councillors raised questions about whether the town is getting enough value from its tourism spending and whether it needs two visitor centres, one at the basin and another at town hall.
Councillor Chris McGuire questioned approving the agreement before receiving the full 2026 service delivery report, and raised raised concerns about the economics of offering free boat pump-outs to visitors.
The Chamber’s Executive Director Leslie Richardson told council in August the free pump-out offer is a huge reason the marina has seen a record setting season.
Other councillors supported moving ahead, saying the Chamber needs certainty as it plans for next year’s tourism season.
Councillor Jennifer Miller says this increase is on-par with the rising costs of services.
Staff say they will work with the Chamber to improve the program and track its economic benefits. Councillors also suggested reviewing whether the town hall visitor centre needs to operate separately from the basin location.
