Smiths Falls Mayor reflects on biggest decisions of 2025

Mayor Shawn Pankow discusses council decisions, unseen challenges and priorities heading into 2026

As 2026 is now upon us, Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow looked back on a year shaped by difficult budget decisions, policing pressures and long-term planning that will extend well beyond his current term.

In a year-end Q&A with Hometown News, Pankow reflects on what Smiths Falls council got right, where the municipality fell short, and the challenges residents do not always see. He also outlines the most urgent issue facing council in 2026 and responds to the question many residents are already asking as the next municipal election approaches.

What was the single most important decision you made this year, and why?

My most important decision in 2025 came as chairperson of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board and related to support for a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community. Understanding that, with a number of officers off work due to medical reasons, staff were regularly being called in on days off and even holidays to fill front-line operations, the Police Services Board and council decided to invest in increasing the number of uniformed personnel to ensure the provision of adequate and effective policing. This 21 per cent budgetary increase resulted in a big savings on the overtime budget and contributed to the health, wellness and morale of staff.

What was the hardest part of the job in 2025 that residents may not see?

The hardest part of the job that residents do not generally see is the ever-present concern for the people of our community who face great challenges to their security and quality of life. Whether it is someone who is homeless or facing a wrongful eviction, a family seeking help for a loved one impaired by addiction, or the volume of people struggling with food insecurity, I am all too often left unable to help.

Is there a decision or moment you would handle differently now?

I cannot think of anything at the moment.

What issue took up more time and energy than you expected?

The new Community Safety and Policing Act has led to a much greater workload for members of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board. This, along with the increased responsibilities of the chair, took far more time and energy in 2025 than in previous years.

What do you believe council or staff got right this year?

Council made dozens of important decisions throughout the year. Although unanimous support was common, there were also many times when votes were split, and very close. That is democracy. Raising taxes and water rates is never popular but is necessary. Despite significant growth delivering almost $1.2 million in taxation from new assessment hitting the roll in 2025, council’s decision to approve a tax increase of 5.1 per cent was the right choice.

Where do you think the municipality fell short?

Council has consistently been reluctant to reduce the amount of subsidy taxation is being used to support water and wastewater rates. In fact, the amount of taxation used to mitigate increases in water and wastewater rates continues to grow and was over $900,000 in 2025. This level of subsidization is not common across the province and I would like to see this corrected. This will mean relief on the tax side but significant increases in water and wastewater rates.

How do you respond to residents who feel unheard or frustrated?

I appreciate that there are times when residents feel unheard or frustrated. At times, this comes down to a difference of opinion and vision, such as the decision for the Confederation Bridge replacement, but other times it could be frustration with a months-long noisy and disruptive construction project. I know my fellow councillors and I do our best to listen and respond to citizen inquiries and concerns, but we must also weigh all factors when making decisions.

What is the most urgent issue heading into 2026?

Heading into 2026, one of the biggest decisions council will make is moving ahead with detailed design work for the proposed new recreation complex. Council has already agreed in principle on its preferred option for a new youth arena and field house. The 2026 draft capital budget includes $250,000 to move the project closer to shovel-ready. The current Memorial Community Centre and Youth Arena is a regional facility, and the new complex must be supported by our municipal partners to be viable. Obtaining federal and provincial grants will be key, and experience tells us we must make the investment now if we are going to be successful with these funding applications.

How do you define success in this role?

As mayor, I do not see any single definition of success. Managing the municipality in a financially responsible manner, consistent and meaningful investment in infrastructure renewal, and having a respectful, functional council that continually works together toward common goals are some measures of success. Quality-of-life improvements, a growing population and tax base, and overall citizen satisfaction with our work are also important measures.

When your term is over, what do you hope people remember about your leadership?

When I ran for council in 2010, I had zero ambition of ever running for mayor. Four years later, I decided to risk a seat on council for an opportunity to play a bigger role. I believed we needed to leave some past challenges behind, envision a future of growth and renewed prosperity, and work diligently toward creating a community more people would want to call home. The town was financially constrained 10 years ago and had little capacity to make needed investments. I am proud to have been mayor of successive councils that followed this vision and got a lot done. At the same time, we have been fiscally responsible, with tax increases below the rate of inflation during my term. Every decision I have made has been driven by a desire to enhance quality of life and long-term sustainability. I hope I have made a difference.

Will you run in the 2026 municipal election? If not, who would you endorse?

Sorry … no decision at this point.

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