Jennifer Miller for Smiths Falls Council

Town Committees have vacancies. Consider getting involved!

Are you passionate and interested in being an advocate for matters related to:
Child Development Services, the Heritage House Museum, the Smiths Falls Public Library, Racism & Discrimination and Accessibility in Smiths Falls? The Town of Smiths Falls is seeking community members who would like to join Committees and Boards that advocate and drive the causes and services of these community programs. The committees and Boards are included below 👇

We were sworn in last night and the work will begin immediately. I am so proud to be serving my community in this way.

Smiths Falls, I am humbled.

Thank you for putting your trust in me and voting to make me a new councillor for the Town of Smiths Falls. I couldn't be more proud and excited to serve this beautiful town.

A very special thank you to Dan and Catherine and my parents for their love, support and hard work through this process. Thank you also to the many people who provided guidance and support, put up signs, signed my nomination papers and generally were part of 'Team Miller'. You know who you are, and there are too many to list, but all of the help was so appreciated.

I'm looking forward to working with such a strong and committed group around the horseshoe and many congratulations go to each of the new councillors and our returning Mayor. A special mention for those who ran but were unsuccessful. It takes great courage to put your name forward and I commend each of you for working to make Smiths Falls a better place.

Now, lets get to work!

We're getting there, Smiths Falls. As of this morning we are at 28% of eligible voters having voted. Voting is open until 8pm tonight. Vote online or over the phone using the PIN you received in the mail. No PIN? Head on down to Town Hall with your ID and they can give you one. No internet? They have computers ready for your use. And don't worry, they have staff on site to assist if you need it.

49% of Smiths Falls residents voted in the 2018 election. As of this morning, we are only at 24% with just a day and a half to go. The municipal level of government has the biggest impact on our day to day lives, so having a say on who is making decisions is really important. Pull out that letter with your PIN and take two minutes to cast your vote today before you go out to enjoy the sunshine. It really matters. (Please share!)

It was a spooky fun night at Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum last night! A special thank you to the staff and volunteers for putting on such a fun event.

Voting is open until Monday at 8:00 p.m. Still deciding who to vote for? Here is a little bit about me. Feel free to share.

Born and raised in Lombardy, I have always loved being part of this amazing community. Some of my background includes being the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County before moving to Manager of Economic Development & Tourism for Smiths Falls. There, I worked hard to support small businesses and economic development. While my career has been varied, my passion for Smiths Falls has remained the same.

I want to make a difference in my community. It’s fulfilling to give back to the community you live in and support the people you see every day. By serving on Council, I plan to continue to give back, and serve those I’ve worked and lived among for most of my life.

My focus is on:
Continued economic growth – It is important to support new business development and encourage continued growth. Small businesses create jobs.
Food security and housing – Rising food and rent prices are driving people into poverty, and I want to ensure programs and services that address these issues can flourish in Smiths Falls.
Key infrastructure projects – We have several large projects on the horizon that will require Council
support, including a new water tower, the old water treatment plant, and confederation bridge.

Haven't voted yet? Didn't get a PIN in the mail? Not sure how to use the system or don't have internet at home? Town Hall will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 12 noon with staff on hand to assist you. They are also open on Monday, October 24th until 8pm when voting closes. There is lots of parking behind town hall and signs will point you in the right direction. Be sure to have your say and vote today!

A special thank you to the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce and the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario for a great networking event tonight. We were lucky enough to sit in the dining car, sipping cocktails by The Post Office Cocktail Bar and enjoying high tea treats by Two Guys For Lunch - Smiths Falls. Thank you to Tony, Graeme, and the other volunteers who work so hard to make this museum such a gem for Smiths Falls and our visitors.

If we missed your house with my rack card deliveries and you need more information as you prepare to vote, here is a bit of background that might assist.

I served as Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County for 11 years. During that time, I grew the agency from two employees to 14, and from 51 kids served to 800 kids served. I will return to this role next month.

In my role with the agency, I also assisted the mentoring movement in Canada. I was a National Accreditor, a founding member of the Ontario Mentoring Coalition, and was awarded the Team Building Award for my efforts to more closely align with regional neighbours. I was also honoured with a Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for my efforts to help local children and youth through our mentoring programs.

In 2018 I moved on to the Town of Smiths Falls where I served for nearly three years as the Manager of Economic Development & Tourism. In this position I utilized my skills in project management, budget monitoring and fiscal oversight, building strong business relationships, coupled with my passion for this community.
I was recognized for the economic support programs that we launched for our business community during the pandemic and our team was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence and the Community Economic Development Award in a Rural setting.

Throughout my career I have demonstrated my capabilities as a seasoned and well-respected community builder with a proven track record.

I feel a deep connection to Smiths Falls and I am excited about the prospect of working for the Smiths Falls’ taxpayers as a Councillor. I am eager to serve the people and businesses in our community.

Did you receive your voting PIN in the mail? Check out the video below for a 'how to' lesson on internet voting. That said, if you can manage facebook, you can manage this site - it's so easy! If you didn't get a PIN, please go to Town hall with your ID this week to get one.

How to Cast a Ballot using the Internet with Date of Birth & PIN - MS This video provides a sample internet voting session

More and more, the term 'food insecurity' comes up. It is hard for us here in Canada to understand that some of our neighbours go to bed hungry. And the problem is growing. On a municipal level, there are things we can do - support urban agriculture, encourage edible landscaping, create a space for a farmers market, and much more. This is a straightforward, easy to read article that helps explain this growing crisis. I want to ensure we work together to do all we can to address this issue.

Canadian food insecurity by the numbers - Macleans.ca A look at some of the staggering statistics behind the national crisis

I received an email recently that addressed a concern that there is very limited palliative care services in the region among other health care concerns. While health care is a provincial mandate not municipal, there is a role for all of us to play in physician recruitment and advocating for more local services. And from some of the questions asked at the All Candidates Meeting, I know support of our local hospital is important to all of us. The email included a link to this article and it is well worth a read!

OMA proposes three immediate solutions for Ontario’s health-care system Ontario’s doctors have recommended to government three timely solutions for some of the most pressing issues in health care.

I was speaking with some business owners today who asked about eligibility for voting in Smiths Falls. Here is the eligibility list from the Town's website;

You can vote in the Smiths Falls municipal election if you are:

a Canadian Citizen; and
at least 18 years old; and
a resident in the Town of Smiths Falls; or
a non-resident of the Town of Smiths Falls but you or your spouse own or rent property in the Town; and
are not prohibited from voting under any law.
You may only vote once in the Town’s municipal election regardless of how many properties you own or rent in the town.

An owner or tenant of non-residential property, or his or her spouse, is not eligible to vote for School Board Trustee.

You can register to vote at Town Hall, and voting opened today.

Voting for Council and Mayor roles for the Town of Smiths Falls begins today and runs through October 24th. You should have received an envelope in the mail with your PIN in it, and you can use it to vote on line or over the phone. If you did NOT receive a PIN, please call or visit Town Hall to register. If you need assistance with voting or do not have access to a phone or the internet, there are computers set up at town hall that you can use. Have questions? Drop me a message or give me a call at 613-812-5896.

A little something that brightened a rainy day! (Btw, voting starts tomorrow - do you have your PIN?)

I feel strongly that Smiths Falls is one of the most welcoming communities in Ontario. We have historically welcomed people from every ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation, and have been doing so for many years.

In my role as Councillor, I will prioritize ensuring marginalized communities continue to find Smiths Falls a safe community to live and work in. As Councillor, my focus will be on creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to voice their opinion and I will endeavour to amplify the voices of marginalized groups.

We must all work together to keep our community’s unique and welcoming culture alive.

Happy small business month! It is critical that we actively support our local business community if we want them to continue to be strong and viable for years to come.

Did you know that in my time working in Economic Development our team was recognized for the economic support programs that we launched for our business community during the pandemic? We were awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence and the Community Economic Development Award in a Rural setting.

How have you supported a small business this week?

It's Small Business Month! This month we will be sharing small business information as reminders of all the ways you can support small business and access amazing products and services at the same time. Remember to this month!

Hats off to Yourtv Smiths Falls for providing coverage for the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Meeting last week. Here is a link to the event if you were unable to attend.

Your Vote Smiths Falls Municipal Election 2022 All candidates night for the town of Smiths Falls held on October 5th, 2022. Event hosted by the Smiths Falls Chamber of Commerce

Don't forget about the meet and greet tomorrow at Boomtown. Please share.

Come see me on Tuesday October 11th from 2pm to 3:30pm at Boomtown Fusion on Beckwith Street in Smiths Falls. Drop by to say hello, ask questions, or just to check out this great restaurant! A special thank you to Udaya for hosting this event.

Come see me on Tuesday October 11th from 2pm to 3:30pm at Boomtown Fusion on Beckwith Street in Smiths Falls. Drop by to say hello, ask questions, or just to check out this great restaurant! A special thank you to Udaya for hosting this event.

A special thank you this morning to Paul Howard (Howard Kelford & DuBois LLP in Smiths Falls, the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, Yourtv Smiths Falls and my fellow candidates for a great all candidates meeting last night. I appreciated the great turn out, the variety of questions, and people's interest and passion for Smiths Falls.

Great information from the Town of Smiths Falls about the help they can provide for the Municipal Election. Voting is electronic/by phone this year, which makes it easier than ever to cast your vote.

Municipal Election 2022 Information for Voters VOTING PERIOD Voting period begins October 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. through to October 24, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Election Day is October 24, 2022 and voting period ends at 8:00 p.m. WHO CAN VOTE You can vote in the Smiths Falls municipal election if you

Who said municipalities cannot have an impact on affordable housing? Not only will we be working with Carebridge Community Support on a multi residential property on Chamber Street, we will now be working with them to try to develop a property on Robinson Avenue as well. Hats off to the Town's Housing Task Force, Town staff and our current Council members for working so hard to ensure safe and affordable housing in Smiths Falls.