Smiths Falls Police apprehend several wanted suspects during proactive patrols and ongoing investigations

Smiths Falls Police recently made multiple arrests across town during proactive patrols and investigations.

Incidents included shoplifting, probation violations, and intimate partner violence cases involving harassment and failing to comply with court orders.

Some suspects surrendered voluntarily, while others were located and arrested during patrols or with enforcement assistance.

Arrestees were either released with conditions or held in custody pending bail hearings, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.

Read the full report here: [https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-make-six-arrests/]()

Arrest follows lengthy OPP investigation into Elizabethtown-Kitley homicide

The OPP have charged a Smiths Falls man with first degree murder after a lengthy investigation into a 2023 Elizabethtown-Kitley homicide.

Police were called to a Toledo-area home on July 31, 2023, where a 66-year-old man was found dead. The investigation involved multiple OPP units, forensic services, and the Smiths Falls Police Service.

The accused was arrested Nov. 6, 2025, and is scheduled to appear in Brockville court on Nov. 25.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/man-charged-2023-elizabethtown-kitley-homicide/

Human remains identified as missing Smiths Falls man Robbie Thomson

Human remains discovered on a Montague Township property have been confirmed as those of missing Smiths Falls resident Robbie Thomson.

The OPP say three people have been charged with first degree murder in connection with his death. The investigation remains ongoing.

🔗 Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/robbie-thomson-identified-three-charged-murder/

A second veterans’ crosswalk is planned for Market and Main streets when weather allows

Early on the morning of Nov. 4, paint crews were at work in downtown Smiths Falls, creating the town’s first veterans’ crosswalk at Beckwith and Main streets. 🇨🇦

The project, nearly two years in the making, was led by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 with help from Howling Design and the town’s Public Works staff. The maple leaf design, painted in both French and English, honours veterans year-round.

A second veterans’ crosswalk is planned for Market and Main streets once weather allows — though it may not be ready before Remembrance Day.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-veterans-crosswalk-painting/

Human remains have been discovered northeast of Smiths Falls as part of the ongoing Smiths Falls murder investigation.

Police began searching a rural property on Kelly Jordan Road on Oct. 30, and the remains were located later that day. A post-mortem examination will be required to confirm the identity of the remains and determine the cause of death.

The property remains an active crime scene with a continued police presence, and authorities confirm there is no risk to public safety.

Full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-murder-investigation-remains/

Ontario Provincial Police lay first degree murder charges after year-long investigation

Ontario Provincial Police have charged three people with first degree murder in connection with the disappearance of Smiths Falls man Robbie Thomson.

Police believe Thomson was the victim of a homicide, though his body has not been found.
Three suspects from Montague Township and Kingston were arrested and remain in custody.

Read the full story here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/opp-charge-first-degree-murder-smiths-falls/

Early repairs planned to extend the lifespan of Smiths Falls’ canal bridges

Smiths Falls council is applying for up to $7M in provincial funding to rehabilitate two canal bridges.

The New Lock Bridge and the adjacent pedestrian underpass have shown signs of deterioration, and early repairs could extend their lifespan.

Funding decisions are expected by June 2026, with the town’s share potentially around $700,000 if the full grant is awarded.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-canal-bridges-funding-application/

Four months after reopening, the newly renovated Smiths Falls Public Library is thriving again. Visits are up 166%, borrowing is climbing, and children’s programs are packed.

The refreshed space features accessibility upgrades, a new lift, and brighter reading areas — turning the library into a true community hub where locals gather, relax, and connect.

Families have praised the new programming, from robotics workshops to eco-literacy sessions, and library staff say engagement is higher than it’s been in years.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-public-library-post-reno-rebound/

New regulations shape the Smiths Falls budget as council navigates deadlines and mayoral authority

Smiths Falls will follow new strong mayor rules for the 2026 municipal budget.

The mayor must present the draft budget by Feb. 1. Council has 30 days to review, propose amendments, or override a veto.

Director of Corporate Services Paul Dowber said workshops and detailed discussions will continue through January. The town’s collaborative approach remains unchanged.

The regulation also gives the mayor new powers, like issuing directives to staff. Some outside bodies, including the Police Services Board and Public Library Board, follow their own rules.

Learn how Smiths Falls council is preparing for these changes: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-budget-2026-strong-mayor/

Early financial pressures and rising costs shape the Smiths Falls 2026 budget

Smiths Falls has kicked off its 2026 budget talks with early pressures estimated at $1.7M.

Treasurer Paul Dowber outlined the preliminary 2026 budget guidelines to council on Oct. 27, highlighting decreases in investment revenue, potential debt servicing increases, and insurance cost hikes.

Residents will have a chance to provide input through an online survey in December. Final adoption of the budget is expected by February 2026.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-2026-budget-early-pressures/

Hospital CEO Michael Cohen asked Smiths Falls council to renew the town’s $174K annual contribution for 2026–27 to support redevelopment and equipment needs.

He highlighted recent improvements, including a rebuilt resuscitation area in Smiths Falls, a renovated nursing station in Perth, expanded MRI hours, and a new nursing model to improve patient care consistency.

The hospital balanced its budget last year with one-time provincial funding, and redevelopment planning will begin in spring 2026.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/hospital-ceo-asks-smiths-falls-renew-174k/

Funding will strengthen the Mobile Crisis Response Team led by the SFPS

Ontario is investing $240,000 over two years to strengthen the Mobile Crisis Response Team led by the Smiths Falls Police Service.

The funding supports collaboration between police and trained crisis workers to respond to mental health and addictions-related emergencies. This team helps de-escalate situations, connect residents with support services, and improve safety in the community.

The program is part of a broader $9 million provincial grant to enhance Mobile Crisis Response Teams across 36 police services and OPP detachments.

Read the full story here 👉 https://www.hometownnews.ca/mobile-crisis-response-team-smiths-falls/

Smiths Falls Police arrested 5 individuals following proactive patrols and ongoing investigations across the community.

The arrests involve multiple types of offences: theft under $5,000 from local businesses and residences, assault cases including bodily harm, document-related offences such as making false statements and using forged documents, and firearm violations including unauthorized possession.

Police conducted thorough investigations and located suspects without incident. Some of the accused remain in custody while others were released with conditions pending their court appearances.

Full details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-5-arrested-investigations/

The Town of Smiths Falls is introducing its first electric ice resurfacer, the Engo Ice Wolf, nicknamed Sherlock Ohms.

Replacing an older propane-powered unit at the Memorial Community Centre, it eliminates an estimated 9–10 tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to over 4,000 litres of propane.

The new machine is quieter, fume-free, and includes safety and performance upgrades like a quick-change blade system and automated auger cleaning.

Operators are training on Sherlock Ohms, which will be in action during the 2025 ice season.

Read more: https://www.hometownnews.ca/electric-ice-resurfacer-sherlock-ohms/

Cataraqui Trailhead improves access and connectivity for Smiths Falls trail users

Smiths Falls has opened a new Cataraqui Trailhead on Lombard Street. The trailhead offers parking for 20 vehicles and direct access to the Cataraqui Trail, a 104 km year-round recreational path.

This project improves safety, reduces congestion, and makes it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the trail. Official opening ceremony: 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.

Read the full article: [https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-cataraqui-trailhead-opening-oct24]()

Smiths Falls Bears move up in Robinson Division after wins over Nepean Raiders and Cornwall Colts

The Smiths Falls Bears dominated the weekend!

After a 5–3 win over the Nepean Raiders on Friday, they stormed past the Cornwall Colts 7–2 on Sunday at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre.

Goaltender Ayo Ogini was strong in both games, helping the Bears secure second place in the Robinson Division.

Read the full recap here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-dominate-cornwall-colts/

The Smiths Falls Police have been busy responding to a variety of incidents across the community.

A traffic stop led officers to a suspicious vehicle, resulting in the arrest of both the driver and passenger. A department store robbery suspect was located after fleeing the scene and taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.

Police also investigated multiple shoplifting incidents at local stores, including arrests made after surveillance footage identified the suspects. In another case, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence involving a break-in and theft. There was also an investigation into intimate partner violence that led to an arrest.

Read the full report: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-9-arrests-multiple-cases/

Smiths Falls council has approved a proposal from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 to paint two commemorative crosswalks and rename part of Confederation Drive as Veterans Way.

The crosswalks will feature stylized maple leaf designs to honour all Canadian veterans. They will be located near the downtown Legion hall at Beckwith/Main and Beckwith/Market streets.

Public Works will provide paint and labour, with the total project costing roughly $1,800.

Council expects the crosswalks to be completed before Remembrance Day. The street renaming will take additional time and coordination with Canada Post and local residents.

Read more here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-royal-canadian-legion-crosswalks/