Smiths Falls » Questions

A great resource for local history questions is the "Smiths Falls" book by Glenn Lockwood. It is available for purchase at various locations in town, including Heritage House Museum.

Here is a little information: - The canoe club was formed in Smiths Falls at the end of the 1890's - It had a large number of male and female members - Smiths Falls had a competitive men's war canoe team that won the Dominion Championship in 1902 - A canoe clubhouse was built on the west end of Lock Island at Jones's lock that year - Within in a few years four popular men drowned on the Rideau and the canoe club went into decline - It was briefly revived in the mid-1920's when the Frost & Wood athletic club put together a war canoe team

For photograph information please contact Heritage House Museum at 613-283-8560.

Thanks for your question Ryan. Your family will be glad to know that the plane was simply taken away to be refurbished. At the last Town Council meeting (September 10, 2007), it was noted that the plane should be returning to its location along the Rideau Canal within a month.

We hope you continue to enjoy the lovely parks and sites in Smiths Falls.

Victoria Ash, Manager, Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce

Goldia

We are glad that you enjoyed your visit in 1979. Perhaps you will come and see us again.

During construction, the public will not be able to access the area under construction. Local traffic will still be permitted. The park area and foot bridge access will be maintained, however use caution and observe all signage posted as this is near an active construction site.

Activity around the New Water Treatment Plant site will commence next week (December 10th), with trailers moving into the area, additional fencing and work crews. Construction will end approximately in the Summer of 2009.

Yes, group tours, including schools, are encouraged to tour either facility (Water Treatment Plant or the Water Pollution Control Plant). Tours vary from 1 hour to 1.5 hours in length. For children under the age of 12, a supervision ratio of one adult to every 6 children is required. Please complete the Request for Tour form.

According to the Town's Noise Bylaw specified work hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.

However, the contract specifies that construction work hours will take place Monday to Friday 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Work on Sunday’s or Holidays must be approved by Smiths Falls.

With any type of construction, there will be some impact on local residents in the area. The Town of Smiths Falls & the contractor are working to ensure that any impacts are minimal.

Some impacts that local resident might see are increased truck and vechile traffic on the roads, dust & mud on the roads, and increased noise level due to construction equipment.

If you have concerns or inquiries please call the Town Hall at 613-283-4124 ext 117.

Yes, blasting will be taking place.

Once the construction area has been cleared of personal and equipment, you will hear 3 warning blasts from an air horn. The charge or shot will follow. When it is safe to return to the construction site the all clear will be given, 1 horn blast.

Blasting and rock removal will last 4 to 6 weeks.

If you wish to volunteer for the Town's FREE lead sampling program please call 613-283-4124 ext 171.

Program runs between December 15 to April 15 & June 15 to October 15.

Mr. Ross: The Lanark County Genealogical Society Genealogical Library is housed in the Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Road, Smiths Falls Open daily in the Summer from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (May to late December) Please note: Winter Hours for the Museum. They are 10:30 A.M.to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday Only. (January to late April) A $2.00 Seasonal Researcher Pass will be required to access the genealogical section in the basement.

Website: http://www.globalgenealogy.com/LCGS/

You may also find some information at the Merrickville Public Library.

If you wish to make an appointment to meet with our volunteer researcher when you visit, please contact the Heritage House Museum at hhmuseum@bellnet.ca or 613-283-8560.

Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum

Hi Tracey, This by-law is currently under review by staff. The current by-law is posted on the Town's website - however may be amended in the near future. It is the "By-law Respecting the Setting Out of Fires" http://www.smithsfalls.ca/by-laws.cfm I hope this helps. Regards

Hi Peter! Thank you for your interest in the Town of Smiths Falls! We have three community newspapers, each are weekly publications. I believe they are all free. Here are their names and phone numbers: Record News & EMC 613-283-3182 and Smiths Falls This Week 613-283-6222. The Record News, and Smiths Falls This week come out mid week, and the EMC is due out just before the weekend. Give them a call and they can mail you the latest edition. Hope this is helpful! Good luck with your move! And welcome to Smiths Falls!

Hi Kathleen: I hope the following is of some help and interest. Otherwise prehaps the Rideau Canal Museum could anwser any further questions you may have. See their contact information at the bottom.

Voyageur Canoe Ride Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:00am - 2:30pm Location: Rideau Canal Museum

Presented by the Rideau Roundtable, take a ride in a 34-foot replica voyageur canoe and learn about the history and wildlife of the Rideau River. Qualified canoe instructors will tell the story of the canal's construction from 1826-1832. Spaces are limited, so call the museum today at 613-284-0505 to book a spot! Also included: viewing a short documentary in the museum's comfortable, air-conditioned auditorium, learning about safety and paddling techniques of the Voyageur canoe, enjoying a delicious catered lunch provided by the museum, and a guided tour of the Rideau Canal Museum to learn more about North America’s oldest continuously-operating waterway.

Contact: Meredith Healey Phone: 613-284-0505 Email: rcmchin@superaje.com Website: http://www.rideau-info.com/museum

A Water Tower or Elevated Storage tank is used to store a supply of water at a height sufficient to pressurized the water distribution system. Water from the treatment plant is pumped to the distribution system, when the distribution system fills up, the water begins to back up into the tower. This storage of water acts as a hydrostatic pressure on the water distribution system. When a sudden demand occures (fire, main break, hot weather) the water tower compensates for this high demand.

Good Morning! Thank you for considering Smiths Falls! We have three community newspapers, two of which are working on launching an online website, but it is still in the works. If you would like to send me your mailing address I would gladly send you the latest editions. Or email me directly with your questions and I will do my best to get you some answers. Good luck in the upcoming months! Emily Morrison, emorrison@smithsfalls.ca Local Papers: Record News or EMC, 613-283-3182 Smiths Falls This Week, 613-283-6222

Andrew, thank you for your interest in Smiths Falls. When you arrive at the train station, there is a public phone inside. Access Taxi will take you anywhere in Smiths Falls for $7.50 at 613-283-1441. There is the Comfort Inn at 613-283-5150 and the Best Western at 613-283-0001. We hope you enjoy your stay. If you have any more questions about our Town, don't hesitate to email us. Valerie Hudson

Yes we do have the History Book available at the Town Hall in Smiths Falls. For further information, please contact the office at 613-283-4124.

Hello Mr. Mathews. I believe the cemetery that you are refering to is the Maple Vale Cemetery. I looked into the Lanark County Genealogical Reference (LCGS) library's resources in the basement of Heritage House Museum. They have a good collection of information on local cemeteries.

For Maple Vale the current caretaker is Terry Irish and his wife Charlene is the book keeper I believe. They can be reached at: 613-283-3409.

As far as I can see there is only a couple stones marking the Kempffer and/or Mathews family. They are as follows:

B9. Louise: 1884-1942 Father 1857-1926 Mother 1862-1918 Ethel F. 1890-1974, wife of J. Arthur gauthier Mathew W. Leach, born. Sept 15th, 1838, died Feb. 9th, 1913

D99. Gertrude F. Kempffer (Greer) 1884-1952

B30. Mathews Martin-George 1858-1935 his wife Caroline Mathews 1868-1951

Hope this is of some help to you. If you have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at the museum: 613-283-8560 or heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca. Otherwise I think the caretaker may be the best help to you.

Leisa A. Bell Heritage House Museum

Thank you for your question. By-law 7252-97 states that winter parking shall be in effect from December 1st. until March 31st. of each year from 12 midnight until 7 AM. There is also a notice posted on our web site each year under Town Hall/Public Notices. http://www.smithsfalls.ca/notices-th.cfm

Thank you for your question.

The Holiday Train will be in Smiths Falls at the Victoria Ave. Station on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30 from 7:15 pm to 7:45 pm. Attached is a portion of the Town map with the location of the train station marked. The station is at the end of Daniel St. and the street passing in front of the station is Victoria Ave.

I hope this helps. Thank you

Directions_TrianStation.jpg (844 KB)

Hello Barbara: We need a little more information about your family in order to track the correct people. At Heritage House Museum, we house the Lanark County Genealogical Society Reference Library. So please email us directly at heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca and we will have our geneological volunteer help you.

Carol Miller, Curator Heritage House Museum 11 Old Slys Road Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T6 613-283-8560

Hi Ms. Arnold: We have researched in the cemetery listings and have found in Maple Vale Cemetery a "Edward Arnold 1890-1971 & his wife Valeria Pratt 1884 - ". For further research you are welcome to come to the Lanark County Genealogical Society Genealogical Library is housed in the Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Road, Smiths Falls Open daily in the Summer from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (May to late December) Please note: Winter Hours for the Museum. They are 10:30 A.M.to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday Only. (January to late April) A $2.00 Seasonal Researcher Pass will be required to access the genealogical section in the basement. We can put you in touch with the LCGS Volunteer Librarian; please email us at heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca.

Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum

Hi Mr. Wilson: Sorry for the delay. The following is listed in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Smiths Falls: #903 - David Doughton born Aug. 9, 1852 - died Jan. 1, 1916; his wife Elizabeth Doughton born June 4, 1855 - died July 27, 1940. David Wm. Ellis 1891 - 1949 and his wife Mary L. Doughton 1892-1974 and daughter Gladys Ellis 1917-1918.

We also suggest that you contact the Smiths Falls Library as they hold the records of our local newspaper and ask them to check for any obituaries. smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca

Also check the Veterns Affairs Canada website Canada Remembers - www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers as a Corporal David Henry Doughton who died on Nov. 20, 1917 is listed.

We hope this helps, Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls, ON

Hello and sorry for the delay: We have checked our resources for a F.B. Phillips company or jeweller in Smiths Falls, Ont. We found not such company. Although there was a F.B. Phillips living in Smiths Falls. Upon an Goggle Search we discover a watch just as you decribe on Etsy - see www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14521368

They descibe the watch as follows:Description This elegant Zenith 17 jewel pocket watch was manufactured by Zenith for F.B. Phillips of Smith Falls, Ontario. It is in extremely fine mechanical condition. The crystal has just been replaced with a new plastic glass, but to the best of my knowledge all other parts are original. The porcelain face with tall black Roman numerals, red 24-hour Arabic counters, and sweep-second hand are stunning. The movement is in excellent shape and marked Zenith 17 jewels. The case interior has been signed by a number of watch servicemen and stamped Illinois Watch Case Company, Elgin Napoleon. The case has serial number 2067738. It shows brassing in a number of places, but this patina gives the piece character. The last pictures show the watch with crystal installed and the case just cleaned.

The winning bidder will also receive a basic wooden display stand with a metal hanger and fitted glass dome.

Please ask me questions if there is any additional information that I can give. The watch is extremely old, and I have done my best to describe its actual condition. Added on Jan 17, 2009

We hope this helps. Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls,ON

Ms. Brislan: We have checked the burial records for Smiths Falls and area and unfortunately we have not found any monuments or mention of a John Brislan - Nov. 2, 1901. We would suggest that you email the Smiths Falls Library (smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca) who have the holding of the local paper, the Record News and ask them to look for an obituary of John Brislan.

Sincerely, Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum

Hi Bonnie: The three museums of Smiths Falls can help to plan your day visit to Sensational Smiths Falls. I will have them forward you some information about our discounted packages which can includes shopping and dining.

Looking forward to hosting your group.

Carol Miller Curator, Heritage House Museum 11 Old Slys Road Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T6 cmiller@smithsfalls.ca www.smithsfalls.ca/heritagehouse

Hello Wanda: I would suggest that you ask the record department of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital or contact the Smiths Falls Library (smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca)who have the copies of the Record News on microfiche and prehaps it is mentioned in the newspaper.

Best of luck in your search. Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum

Unfortunately at this point in time the Town is not in a position to be able to share any information regarding possible use of the former Hershey building. However, we are hopeful an announcement will be forthcoming some time soon. A press release should be on the Town’s website when the announcement is made and may have some contact information that you could use to track down employment opportunities. Other possible avenues for career/job seeking are under the Townhall portion of our website (for municipal jobs) and via the following links:

EMC Help Wanted Section http://www.emcsmithsfalls.ca/classifieds/Help+Wanted

Smiths Falls This Week http://www.runge.net/?Main=/BackIssues/login.asp

Service Canada http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/srch_eng.aspx?ProvId=06&OfferpPage=50&Student=Only

We do not have such a by-law in place, but as this is a policy question/suggestion I am also sharing your question with staff/Council for their information and consideration.

Dear Francis,

I spoke with the TD National Trust and the Royal Bank and both said they would have no problem exchanging American dollars for Canadian dollars and vice versa. The TD Bank did say that if the amount was larger than $2000.00, it might take a day or two. Hope you have a wonderful visit. Valerie

Hi Anna & Dorothy, Unfortuantely we can't really help you with this situation if the individual is still living. The Heritage House Museum has the Lanark County Genealogical Reference Library within its building but the volunteers researchers have informed us that they cannot search for this person. They have a wonderful collection of family records and more but this might only be of use to you in finding relatives who are already deceased. They have suggested that you search for the individual through one of the online search databases "411". I hope this information is of help to you and I apologize that we cannot do more.

All the Best,

Leisa Purdon Bell For Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca (613) 283-8560

In Smiths Falls we have Discount Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. You can book the car on-line and they will pick you up at the Train Station or wherever and get the car to you. To book Enterprise car rentals: Enterprise.com or toll free 1 800 736-8222. For Discount Car Rentals call 613-284-0158 or online at discountcar.com. They also pick you up and drop you off.

If you need any further information, please call us or email your question. Have a great visit. Valerie Hudson

Originally built as a post office in 1894 by Thomas Fuller, this interesting 19th century sandstone building has also served as a separate school and a convent. Today, it houses a law office and residential units. The building has a clock tower, constructed around 1915. For more information on this topic try the Smiths Falls book at your local library.

Diane: We believe the Childrens Hospital School that you are referring to is the Rideau Regional Centre. Now closed, it was a provincially run facility and you will need to contact the Province through the Ministry of Social Services.

Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum

Barbara: The Smiths Falls Public Library has on microfiche - the Records News - paper.

You can contact them at Smiths Falls Public Library, 81 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls, K7A 2B9 Phone 613-283-2911 email - smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca Website - www.falls.igs.net/library

Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum Smiths Falls, Ontario

Hello Dorthy, The labour rate is approx. 6.1% for the area. We have a variety of business and services who are currently hiring. Some of these include healthcare, public service and manufacturing industries. I suggest visiting http://www.emcsmithsfalls.ca/classifieds/Help+Wanted and http://www.yoursmithsfalls.com/ plus there are other jobsites for employment oppertunities. The homes are very affordable and we have a wide variety of homes to suit every families needs. If you have any other questions please let me know.

If you have discoloured water coming out of your taps, run the cold water tap until it clears. It is normal to have discoloured water in the Spring & Fall. This is also when the water Distribution Department does its annual hydrant flushing. If it does not clear call the Town Hall as it could be an indication of a water main break.

Hi Doug, Thanks for your inquiry about our Cemetery Tour. Overall, we feel our tour was a success; we sold out all of the tour spots available, and we had an attendance of approximately 60 people. We designed our tour to incorporate history with local ghost stories, with the aide of tour guides and actors. The general comments that we received about our tour were positive. However, we think our tour was largely successful because we marketed it as being appropriate for the Halloween season. We have hosted daytime cemetery tours in the summer, and although we’ve had some people come out eager to learn about cemeteries… we only had a handful of people come out for that, a significantly smaller attendance compared to our recent evening tour.

I would also like to mention that last year we hosted a similar tour around Halloween, and we only had about half the attendance that we had this year. The weather was poor last year, which may have been a reason why the turnout was lower, but we think it is hard to pinpoint whether or not a tour will be a success. Our suggestion is to design your tour in the spirit of an appropriate theme, and that will likely increase the chances of having a successful tour.

If you have any further questions, you can contact us directly at Heritage House Museum. www.smithsfalls.ca/heritagehouse heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca 613-283-8560 Sincerely, Carol Miller, Curator, Heritage House Museum, 11 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls, ON cmiller@smithsfalls.ca

Hello, Here is the link for the Chamber of Commerce they offer a welcome package. www.smithsfallschamber.ca There are serveral spots to stay in Smiths Falls. Just on the edge of Town is Montague House http://www.rideauparadise.ca/ The Comfort Inn just had renovations to the 1st floor. There is a Best Western and two Motels. You may also want to call Cottages Unlimited as they rent cottages in the area. 613.283.8770

Garbage and recycling will be collected on the Saturday Dec 26 and Saturday January 2