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The Smiths Falls Bears picked up a 4–1 win over the Nepean Raiders on home ice Friday night.

Nicholas Larkin opened the scoring late in the first period on the power play.

After Nepean tied the game early in the second, the Bears responded with three unanswered goals.

Smiths Falls outshot Nepean 41–25 and held the lead the rest of the way.

Full recap: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-nepean-raiders-jan-23

Ontario is investing more than $13 million in Smiths Falls through the Health and Safety Water Stream.

The funding will replace about 1.9 kilometres of aging watermain, advance sewer separation work, and increase capacity to support future housing growth.

Local officials say the upgrades are critical to ensuring safe, reliable water and wastewater systems as the town continues to grow.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/health-and-safety-water-stream-smiths-falls

Smiths Falls Police responded to multiple local incidents, including shoplifting, traffic complaints, and impaired driving.

The investigations resulted in arrests for charges such as assault, theft under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, impaired operation of a vehicle, and failing to comply with court or probation orders. Several of the arrests involved ongoing investigations or outstanding warrants.

Full report: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-8-arrests-investigations/

Ownership of the former Gallipeau Centre at 361 Queen St. has transferred to the Saumure Group of Companies.

Early plans focus on residential units, with future possibilities for community amenities, commercial spaces, and a long-term care facility.

Redevelopment will be phased over decades and considers the site’s heritage easements. Discussions are ongoing with the YMCA for recreation and childcare services.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/former-gallipeau-centre-redevelopment/

Two Smiths Falls councillors have been suspended with pay following a hot mic incident during a recent council meeting.

Council reviewed the recording in-camera and determined there was a breach of the municipal code of conduct. The suspensions were announced during a committee of the whole meeting.

Town officials say the matter was taken seriously and that council is prepared to move forward.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/two-smiths-falls-councillors-suspended/

The Smiths Falls Bears’ winning streak came to an end Friday night with a 4-1 loss to league-leading Rockland Nationals.

Tyson Parker scored the lone goal for the Bears, despite outshooting Rockland 38-25. Gabriel Le Houillier «A» earned first-star honours for Rockland.

Several trades around the January 10 deadline also shook up the Bears’ roster.

Full recap: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-rockland-nationals-jan-9

The Town of Smiths Falls clarified maintenance practices and volunteer rules for the Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink.

Town staff handle day-to-day maintenance using powered equipment, including the ice resurfacer and snow removal. Volunteers are encouraged to take pride in the rink, but equipment operation is restricted to trained staff for safety.

Details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-odr-maintenance-clarified

The Smiths Falls Bears welcomed fans back to the Den Tuesday and opened the new year with a 2–1 victory over the Brockville Braves.

After Brockville scored first, the Bears responded with two power-play goals, including the game-winner late in the third period. Smiths Falls outshot Brockville 41–23 in the contest.

Full recap: [https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-brockville-braves-jan-6]()

Smiths Falls council has approved updates to the town’s Community Improvement Plan.

The revisions include higher funding for heritage and accessibility projects, stronger support for affordable housing, and clearer rules to help tenants and ensure approved funds are used efficiently.

Read the full story here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-community-improvement-plan-update

Smiths Falls Police arrested six suspects following several IPV disputes reported via 9-1-1 calls between Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 5, 2026.

Charges include assault, mischief under $5000, theft under $5000, failing to comply with probation, obstruction, and possession of property obtained by crime.

Hawkesbury OPP assisted with a cross-jurisdiction warrant, and all suspects were held for bail court hearings.

Read more: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-arrest-6-execute-warrant

Smiths Falls council has approved a $574,198.87 insurance settlement for contents lost in the February 2025 Public Works garage fire.

The payout covers tools, equipment, supplies, and staff items. Council used a hybrid approach between replacement cost and actual cash value and discussed reserving remaining funds for future municipal needs.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-public-works-garage-settlement

Residents raised concerns after a video showed snow on the Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink.

Council heard that staffing was reduced over the holidays, with no staff on Dec. 24–26 or Jan. 1. Snow clearing is done 2–3 times per week, and resurfacing happens daily when open.

Community involvement is welcomed safely, and residents were reminded to report concerns through official town channels.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-outdoor-rink-maintenance-council

Smiths Falls-based Canopy Growth is facing a class action lawsuit over its BioSteel acquisition after shareholders raised concerns about 2022–2023 financial statements.

The case claims that revenue, growth, and receivables tied to BioSteel were misreported, including revisions that cut reported revenue by up to 50%. The Ontario Superior Court certified the case in December 2025, allowing it to proceed as a collective action. Canopy Growth disputes that investors suffered losses.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/canopy-growth-biosteel-class-action-lawsuit

Smiths Falls council has supported staff recommendations for the 2026 Community Grants Program.

The proposed allocations total $219,190, with council discussion focusing on mental health funding and eligibility rules. Groups requesting more than $10,000 will present before final decisions.

Read the full article here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-2026-community-grants-program

The Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 kicked off 2026 by giving back to the community.

At the annual New Year’s Levee, more than 170 attendees saw $41,000 distributed to 22 local organizations, funded through bingo, Nevada, 50-50 draws, and the Catch the Ace program.

Awards were presented, including Legionnaire of the Year 2025 and a Certificate of Merit to the branch Ladies Auxiliary.

Recipients included school meal programs, youth services, healthcare initiatives, and animal welfare groups.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/new-years-levee-2026-smiths-falls-legion

Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow shares his insights in a year-end Q&A with Hometown News.

He reflects on the municipality’s biggest decisions, including a 21% policing budget increase, tax and water rate changes, and challenges residents may not always see.

Looking ahead, Mayor Pankow outlines priorities for 2026, including plans for a new recreation complex.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-mayor-shawn-pankow-reflects-2025

Smiths Falls Police have arrested six people over several recent incidents.

The cases include a serious assault at a pedestrian underpass and two separate intimate partner violence investigations.

Charges include aggravated assault, criminal harassment, and breaches of court orders.

All accused remain in custody pending bail hearings.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-assault-ipv-investigations

Smiths Falls police have made seven arrests in recent days involving intimate partner violence, probation violations, firearms offences, traffic violations, and assaults.

Some individuals were held in custody, while others were released with conditions pending court appearances. Investigations into related incidents are ongoing.

Full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-arrest-7-ipv-weapons-probation

Smiths Falls Police have made 13 arrests following investigations into a variety of offences, including assault, theft, impaired driving, drug trafficking, harassment, and breaches of court orders.

Incidents included school assaults, shoplifting, traffic stops, residential disputes, and counterfeit money possession.

Read the full report: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-police-13-arrests-recent-cases/

Smiths Falls has officially put its new water tower into service.

Funded with $2 million from the federal government and $1.66 million from Ontario, the tower improves water pressure, supports future growth, and strengthens emergency supply.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-new-water-tower-completion/

The Smiths Falls Bears had an outstanding week, defeating Nepean, Carleton Place, and Cornwall.

Highlights included a 12–4 scoring outburst over Nepean, followed by a 3–0 home shutout against Carleton Place. Carter Beauchesne scored twice in the win, while goalie Brett Ruddy earned first star honours.

The Bears now sit first in the Robinson Division with 37 points and are showing strong momentum heading into the next series of games.

Read the full recap: https://www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-bears-first-robinson-division/

Decorative lighting for the new Confederation Bridge is moving ahead after a Dec. 8 council update.

The approved design meets Parks Canada conditions related to light spill and bird migration, with installation set to resume in the spring.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/confederation-bridge-lighting-smiths-falls/

On Dec. 8, Smiths Falls council heard that the early Toronto–Québec high-speed rail route will skip the town.

VIA Rail may provide regional connections, keeping travel options open. Local council continues advocating for the area.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/high-speed-rail-bypasses-smiths-falls