Media Release: Smiths Falls Seeks Nominations for Citizen of the Year Award

The Town of Smiths Falls in partnership with the Civitan Club and Lions Den, is looking for the 2025 Citizen of the Year!

The Dr. T.O. Ashwell Memorial Award (Citizen of the Year Award) is given to an individual (or couple) who has demonstrated significant contribution within the Town of Smiths Falls through outstanding dedication, service and involvement. This award recognizes a local resident who is a community builder, contributing to the enrichment of the social, cultural or civic life that has a positive impact on his/her fellow citizens and the community.

In 2006, the Smiths Falls Citizen of the Year Award was officially changed to the Dr. T.O. Ashwell Memorial Award in recognition of Mayor Ashwell’s leadership, initiative and many contributions of the Town during his service of Mayor.

“Smiths Falls is made stronger by the quiet generosity, compassion, and dedication of those who choose to give back to their community. Our Citizen of the Year embodies the very best of us—someone who leads with kindness, shows up for others without hesitation, and gives their time and energy selflessly to make a difference. These individuals inspire those around them, often without seeking recognition, and it is both an honour and a privilege to celebrate their impact and express our deepest gratitude.”
said Mayor Shawn Pankow.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a person that meets the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of the Town of Smiths Falls or Rural Smiths Falls.
- Contributions to the Town may be extended for a number of years but not necessary to post year.
- Cannot be a current elected official or a resident running for municipal council or be staff of the Town of        Smiths Falls.

We invite you to submit nominations for an individual who has made a significant contribution to our community and meets the criteria for the award category. Nominations must be received by Tuesday, April 28th at 4:00 pm.

Members of the community are being asked to submit nominations for a local individual who has made significant contributions to the Smiths Falls Community. The fillable nomination form can be accessed online at www.smithsfalls.ca/COTY_Nomination.

Printed copies may be picked up at the Administration office at the Memorial Community Centre arena at 71 Cornelia St. W.

Co-Hosted this year by the Civitan Club and Smiths Falls Lions, the award ceremony and gala event will take place at the Civitan Club on Monday, June 1st starting at 6:00 pm, with dinner happening at 7:00 pm and award presentation to follow.

Be sure to purchase your ticket for the Awards Ceremony and Gala. Tickets are $35 per person and include a delicious Chicken Kiev Dinner with all the fixings.

Tickets can be purchased (cash only) at Town Hall Reception, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 – Smiths Falls (Office) at 7 Main St. E. or the Administration office at the Memorial Community Centre (Cash, credit card, or debit Visa/Mastercard) located at 71 Cornelia St. W.

The cut off for ticket sales is Friday, May 15th at 4:00 pm.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca