LAURIE WEIR
The Town of Smiths Falls approved the 2025 Community Grant allocations during a special committee-of-the-whole meeting on March 3.
The revised recommendations, totalling $208,378.50, reflect changes to the original funding proposal following the withdrawal of the PEP Seniors Therapeutic Centre, which had requested just over $10,500.
Julia Crowder, the town’s manager of economic development and tourism, said PEP programming would not be coming to Smiths Falls after all, freeing up some of the grant funding.
“That’s really unfortunate, but on a more positive note, that leaves us with a little more money to reallocate to some of the applicants that didn’t receive funding because we didn’t have enough in the fund,” she said.
The updated distribution includes grants to a variety of community organizations, supporting projects in arts and culture, social services, and recreation. Notably, three previously ineligible applicants—Smiths Falls Horticultural Society ($1,130), Davidson Courtyard Shops ($4,665), and Gordon Pipe Band ($5,000)—are now set to receive funding.
The Community Grant Program has consistently supported local initiatives since its inception in 2018, with nearly $1 million allocated to 38 organizations, events and services that enhance residents’ quality of life, Crowder’s report indicates.
With 19 applications approved for 2025, the funding is crucial to sustaining programs that serve the community, she noted. Most requests this year received 100 per cent of their ask, except for the Gordon Pipe Band, which received partial funding because “there was not enough money left in the pot.”
Council approved the allocations and authorized a bylaw to formalize the funding. The grant totals align with the 2025 budget, representing about one per cent of anticipated property tax revenue.
FUNDING APPROVED
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, $22,333
- Rideau Environmental Action League (REAL), $7,500
- Hospice Hub, $10,000
- Porchfest 2025, $7,675
- Cornerstone Landing Youth Services, $20,000
- Rideau Round Table (Paddlefest), $5,612.50
- Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association, $25,000
- Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion, $2,600
- Smiths Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, $13,775
- The Table Community Food Centre/Falls Hub, $25,000
- Rural RASD Support Network, $25,000
- Smiths Falls Pickleball Group, $1,510
- Smiths Falls Open Air Market, $2,500
- Smiths Falls Car Cruisers (car show), $850
- Cycling Without Age, $5,500
- Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club, $22,728
