The Town of Smiths Falls is in the process of updating the Town’s Official Plan. An updated Official Plan will guide how Smiths Falls will grow and develop for the next 25 years. An Official Plan is a policy-led planning document that guides the growth and development of our community. It describes the long-term vision for our Town, identifies where and under what circumstances specific types of land use can be located, and includes policies that support environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and good quality of life for residents.

Get Involved!

The Town of Smiths Falls is hosting a special meeting of Council on Monday, June 5th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to launch the Official Plan Update and allow the public to give feedback on what the community would like to see included.

Notice of Intent - Official Plan Update

To participate in the special meeting, please contact Karl Grenke, Senior Planner, by email (opupdate@smithsfalls.ca) or by phone (613-283-4124 ext. 1116) to register.

Initial Consultation Survey

We also encourage you to complete the below survey to help us determine the main focus areas for this project. This survey will close on June 19, 2023. 

Initial Public Consultation Survey - Official Plan Update

Why is the Official Plan being updated?

Per the requirements of the Planning Act, the Official Plan is to be revised, as required, every 5 years. Periodic updates to the Official Plan ensure that we remain consistent with any changes made to any provincial policies. Additionally, an update to the Official Plan ensures that it accurately reflects the current goals and needs of the community and appropriately balances public and community interests.

The current Town of Smiths Falls Official Plan was adopted in 2014 and guides development through to 2034. A lot has happened since then, with more to come! Since our last Official Plan Update, we have approved several plans such as the Active Transportation Master Plan, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as well as several new subdivisions.  The 2014 Plan forecast that about 500 new homes would be built by 2034 but as of early this year, we have actually seen over 750 new units. 

To support a review of our Official Plan, the Town initiated a Land Needs Study, which shows we need to designate new land to accommodate the growth and development we expect to see over the next 25 years. An updated Official Plan will determine where this new development will go and how it will be done.

The Smiths Falls Official Plan update will:

• Carry forward recommendations from recent Town plans such as the Active Transportation Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan;
• Align with current provincial growth policies and legislation; 
• Be informed by an engaged community to ensure their interests and feedback is considered; and,
• Identify how and where development will occur over the next 25 years and what we want to see. 

What is the purpose? 

In understanding how much land will be required to meet the needs of the population of Smiths Falls, the Town can determine if its current land capacity will be sufficient or if the Town should expand the municipal boundary.

This project will consider all lands located within the municipal boundary of the Town, with two specific study areas identified for future development: The East End Development Reserves (~250 ha/ 620 acres) and Ferrara Drive Lands (~7.5 ha / 19 acres).