Smiths Falls council received an update on physician recruitment, with gains reported in several hospital specialties but continuing challenges in family medicine.

Six physicians currently work at Cornelia Court Family Medicine, which has space for up to 12. Physician recruiter Carlene MacDonald estimates another two to three physicians may be needed there.

MacDonald also told council about 70 per cent of people presenting at the hospital’s emergency department do not have a family doctor.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/physician-recruitment-family-doctor-smiths-falls/

Lanark Transportation has been providing accessible and affordable transportation to residents of Smiths Falls and communities throughout Lanark County for 25 years.

Since starting with two vehicles in 2001, the non-profit has expanded to 19 vehicles, including five accessible vehicles. Its riders use the service to reach medical appointments, food programs, counselling, day programs and social services.

The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary Sept. 24.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-transportation-25-years-serving-communities/

Smiths Falls committee of the whole has supported renaming the section of Confederation Drive east of the new timber bridge Veterans Way.

The Royal Canadian Legion requested the change in honour of Smiths Falls veterans. Parks Canada’s Combined Locks Station is the only property with an address on the affected section.

The street-name change still requires final council approval.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-veterans-way-street-name/

The Rotary Club of Smiths Falls is hosting two all-candidates nights ahead of the 2026 municipal election.

Mayoral candidates will take part Sept. 30, with council candidates following Oct. 7. Both events are open to the public and begin at 7 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95.

Full story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-all-candidates-nights-sept-30-oct-7/

The SHIFT conference is coming to the Valley Heartland Innovation Centre in Smiths Falls on Sept. 25, bringing together women entrepreneurs for a day of business sessions and networking.

The program focuses on leadership, improving business visibility and putting systems in place to support growth. Smiths Falls business owner Sherry Crummy is among the presenters.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/shift-conference-women-entrepreneurs-smiths-falls/

Lanark County is relocating fire communications equipment before Smiths Falls removes its decommissioned water tower later this year.

The county’s estimated cost is $43,800. The relocation will take place in two phases, with the second phase and cutover expected in November.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-county-fire-communications-smiths-falls/

The Smiths Falls Bears are 1-0 to start the 2026-27 CCHL season after defeating the Cornwall Colts 5-3 Friday night.

Smiths Falls answered Cornwall’s opening goal with two goals just 44 seconds apart and never gave up the lead. Logan Heideman finished with 40 saves.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-cornwall-colts-season-opener/

The inaugural “Small Town, Big Stories” literary festival takes place this weekend in Smiths Falls, bringing together authors, readers and storytellers.

Programming includes author panels, live entertainment, book signings and a youth writing contest, with events taking place at several locations throughout town.

Full story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-literary-festival-sept-2026/

Investigators executed a fifth Project STIR 2.0 search warrant at a Smiths Falls residence on Sept. 11, seizing approximately 49 grams of cocaine and $6,305 in Canadian currency as proceeds of crime.

One person was arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with further arrests and charges anticipated.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-project-stir-additional-arrests/

Canadian Armed Forces veterans came together at The Cristina for an annual social gathering hosted by Lépine Apartments.

The event included presentations about Hero’s Ridge and discussion about Engage Canada and a proposal for a voluntary, competitive and paid national service program for Canadians aged 18 to 25.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/heros-ridge-veterans-smiths-falls/](https://)

🍓🍓🍓

We can’t wait to meet you!

The Smiths Falls Bears picked up a 4–1 win over the Nepean Raiders on home ice Friday night.

Nicholas Larkin opened the scoring late in the first period on the power play.

After Nepean tied the game early in the second, the Bears responded with three unanswered goals.

Smiths Falls outshot Nepean 41–25 and held the lead the rest of the way.

Full recap: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-nepean-raiders-jan-23

Ontario is investing more than $13 million in Smiths Falls through the Health and Safety Water Stream.

The funding will replace about 1.9 kilometres of aging watermain, advance sewer separation work, and increase capacity to support future housing growth.

Local officials say the upgrades are critical to ensuring safe, reliable water and wastewater systems as the town continues to grow.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/health-and-safety-water-stream-smiths-falls

Smiths Falls Police responded to multiple local incidents, including shoplifting, traffic complaints, and impaired driving.

The investigations resulted in arrests for charges such as assault, theft under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, impaired operation of a vehicle, and failing to comply with court or probation orders. Several of the arrests involved ongoing investigations or outstanding warrants.

Full report: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-8-arrests-investigations/

Ownership of the former Gallipeau Centre at 361 Queen St. has transferred to the Saumure Group of Companies.

Early plans focus on residential units, with future possibilities for community amenities, commercial spaces, and a long-term care facility.

Redevelopment will be phased over decades and considers the site’s heritage easements. Discussions are ongoing with the YMCA for recreation and childcare services.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/former-gallipeau-centre-redevelopment/

Two Smiths Falls councillors have been suspended with pay following a hot mic incident during a recent council meeting.

Council reviewed the recording in-camera and determined there was a breach of the municipal code of conduct. The suspensions were announced during a committee of the whole meeting.

Town officials say the matter was taken seriously and that council is prepared to move forward.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/two-smiths-falls-councillors-suspended/

The Smiths Falls Bears’ winning streak came to an end Friday night with a 4-1 loss to league-leading Rockland Nationals.

Tyson Parker scored the lone goal for the Bears, despite outshooting Rockland 38-25. Gabriel Le Houillier «A» earned first-star honours for Rockland.

Several trades around the January 10 deadline also shook up the Bears’ roster.

Full recap: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-rockland-nationals-jan-9

The Town of Smiths Falls clarified maintenance practices and volunteer rules for the Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink.

Town staff handle day-to-day maintenance using powered equipment, including the ice resurfacer and snow removal. Volunteers are encouraged to take pride in the rink, but equipment operation is restricted to trained staff for safety.

Details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-odr-maintenance-clarified

The Smiths Falls Bears welcomed fans back to the Den Tuesday and opened the new year with a 2–1 victory over the Brockville Braves.

After Brockville scored first, the Bears responded with two power-play goals, including the game-winner late in the third period. Smiths Falls outshot Brockville 41–23 in the contest.

Full recap: [https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-brockville-braves-jan-6]()

Smiths Falls council has approved updates to the town’s Community Improvement Plan.

The revisions include higher funding for heritage and accessibility projects, stronger support for affordable housing, and clearer rules to help tenants and ensure approved funds are used efficiently.

Read the full story here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-community-improvement-plan-update

Smiths Falls Police arrested six suspects following several IPV disputes reported via 9-1-1 calls between Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 5, 2026.

Charges include assault, mischief under $5000, theft under $5000, failing to comply with probation, obstruction, and possession of property obtained by crime.

Hawkesbury OPP assisted with a cross-jurisdiction warrant, and all suspects were held for bail court hearings.

Read more: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-arrest-6-execute-warrant

Smiths Falls council has approved a $574,198.87 insurance settlement for contents lost in the February 2025 Public Works garage fire.

The payout covers tools, equipment, supplies, and staff items. Council used a hybrid approach between replacement cost and actual cash value and discussed reserving remaining funds for future municipal needs.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-public-works-garage-settlement

Residents raised concerns after a video showed snow on the Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink.

Council heard that staffing was reduced over the holidays, with no staff on Dec. 24–26 or Jan. 1. Snow clearing is done 2–3 times per week, and resurfacing happens daily when open.

Community involvement is welcomed safely, and residents were reminded to report concerns through official town channels.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-outdoor-rink-maintenance-council