On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, the province of Ontario announced a province-wide lockdown to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This lockdown will begin on Dec. 26, 2020 and remain in effect until Jan. 23, 2021.
In response to the lockdown and in accordance with provincial and public health guidelines, the Town of Smiths Falls is announcing the closure of the following municipal facilities:
- Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre (including the walking concourse)
- Smiths Falls Youth Arena
- Smiths Falls Municipal Complex (Town Hall)
- Smiths Falls Public Library
- Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum
- Seniors Centre
- Smiths Falls Child Development Centre
The Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre (including the walking concourse) and Youth Arena closed at 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 and will remain closed until Jan. 25, 2021, should provincial regulations allow for reopening at that time.
The Smiths Falls Child Development Centre will close on Dec. 24; services for pre-school children who are not registered in school will recommence on Jan. 4, 2021. Additional information about availability of daycare centre spaces for essential workers will be released at a later date.
The Smiths Falls Public Library will offer reduced services. In-person browsing and use of public computers and photocopiers will not be permitted during the lockdown. The library will be open Dec. 23 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. Curbside pick-up will be available beginning Dec. 28.
Materials can be requested from the Smiths Falls Public Library through the online catalogue at smithsfalls.insigniails.com/Library/Home, by email at
smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca, or by telephone at 613-283-2911. The book drop-off at the Elmsley St. entrance will remain open and materials can be returned at any time.
Throughout the lockdown period, Town of Smiths Falls staff and Council members will remain available and can be reached by email or telephone. A staff directory and contact information can be found on the Town of Smiths Falls’ website at smithsfalls.ca/get-in-touch.
Billing or payments to the Town, including water bills or taxes can be made using the drop box in front of Town Hall or through the online bill payment portal found at smithsfalls.ca. Building inspection and fire inspection services will continue with enhanced protocols in place.
For additional information about COVID-19 please contact the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or visit their website at healthunit.org/coronavirus.
During the lockdown period and throughout the holiday season, the Town of Smiths Falls’ council and staff remind all citizens to follow public health guidelines by avoiding close contact and maintaining a physical distance of two metres apart with those outside your household, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.
Stay safe and be well this holiday season.
