The town of Smiths Falls is located approximately an hour southwest of downtown Ottawa. It has become a popular place for home owners because of its affordability and somewhat quick commute to Ottawa, particularly the surrounding areas of Ottawa such as Richmond, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte and more. Read on to find out why!
History
The Town’s name comes from the original owner of the land, Thomas Smyth, and the once-magnificent falls that were diverted in order to create the Rideau Canal and the three lock stations.
The history of Smiths Falls dates back to the American Revolutionary War between the Americans and the British when land grants were issued to United Empire Loyalists who lost the lands they owned in the United States as punishment for supporting the crown. The area now known as Smiths Falls was granted to Lieutenant Thomas Smyth in 1786. Rights to his land and mill were contested in 1824, and Smyth lost his land for having defaulted on mortgage payments. The area was then purchased by Abel Russell Ward, a self-proclaimed United Empire Loyalist, in 1825.
When Lieutenant-Colonel John By, a member of the Royal Engineering Corp., was charged with constructing a navigable canal linking Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River; he included the Rideau River running through Smiths Falls. The opening of the canal in 1832 is seen as a milestone for the area since it allowed for economic growth.
The true economic boom came after 1884 when the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed part of its line through the area. This provided a direct trade route to Montreal and its shipping lines. The population of the region increased rapidly.
Due to those early ventures, Smiths Falls has a diverse history of important industries, such as the Frost and Wood Co. Ltd., Coca-Cola, RCA Victor Ltd., and Hershey’s Canada Inc.
Amenities & Location
The town of Smiths Falls is growing rapidly with the influx of residents. It has a charming downtown core with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. However, with the town growing quickly, many big box stores are also finding their way into the town such as Walmart and major grocery stores. There are a diverse number of arts & cultural centres highlighting the areas history as well as numerous trails and recreation spots, many highlighting the water that is so readily nearby. If you choose to live in Smiths Falls, you will have what you need close by including shopping, medical including a major hospital, community resources, schools, restaurants, recreation, sports, salons, fitness centres and more.
Schools in the Area
- Duncan J. Schoular PS
- Chimo Elementary School
- Smiths Falls District Collegiate
- St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
- St. Luke High School
- St. James Catholic Education Centre
- Montague Public School
Demographics & Statistics
Approximately 20,000 people living in the community of Smiths Falls. The majority of residents are between the ages of 30 and 65, with twenty somethings coming up close behind them as housing affordability brings younger families into the area. The majority of homes were built prior to 1960, particularly closer to the center of the town. There are some newer neighbourhoods in the surrounding areas. There is a diverse selection of housing ranging from apartments to single family homes to semi-detached. There are not many townhomes, if any at all. The average household income is $89,523 with the dominant profession being in Sales & Service, and secondly in Trades, Transport and Operators. There is not a lot of cultural diversity in the town at the moment though that may change as the area grows. Ownership of homes comes up behind rentals in the town of Smiths Falls making this a great place for investors to purchase and rent.
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