Question 1

How will you strengthen and grow the economy in Smiths Falls?

Accepted Answer

Economic development in Smiths Falls is both essential and complex. Regular meetings with local businesses will be a priority, along with actively seeking out ideas to strengthen our economy. I am open to new approaches and prepared to take thoughtful, calculated risks, starting small and using our limited resources wisely. Initiatives that prove successful, like Bike Night, deserve stronger municipal support.

Question 2

How will you strengthen food security in Smiths Falls?

Accepted Answer

As a farmer and sustainable agriculture advocate, food security is a top priority. Local government can make a real difference through expanding community gardens, planting fruit and nut trees, supporting local food sources, and exploring responsible fish stocking paired with sustainable practices. The goal is to position Smiths Falls as a leader in local food resilience.

Question 3

How will you help create and attract job opportunities in Smiths Falls?

Accepted Answer

Strengthening the local economy starts with making Smiths Falls easier to invest in: streamlining permits, cutting red tape, and investing in broadband and transportation infrastructure. The next mayor must also support workforce adaptation and skills development as new technologies reshape traditional jobs.

Question 4

How will you approach housing challenges in our community?

Accepted Answer

A practical approach addresses both housing supply and the challenges people face in maintaining stable housing. That means streamlining approval processes to accelerate construction, especially for affordable units, while working with regional partners to strengthen mental health and addiction supports.

Question 5

How do you plan to find efficiencies to pay for your election promises?

Accepted Answer

Clear opportunities include reducing reliance on consultants by using modern tools, supporting staff with better tools rather than continually adding positions, and phasing in performance-based budgeting for a more data-driven approach to spending.

Question 6

What political party are you?

Accepted Answer

I am not affiliated with any political party. Municipal government is non-partisan, and that allows decisions to be made based on what is best for the community, rather than party lines.

Question 7

Do you support ALTO?

Accepted Answer

I would put the broader ALTO issue in the category of issues that are important, but largely outside the direct scope of influence of a Smiths Falls mayor. My focus is on Smiths Falls issues where I can make a practical, positive difference. On whether there should be an ALTO stop in Smiths Falls: my understanding is that a stop here would be very difficult, if not technically unrealistic, for high-speed rail because of our close proximity to Ottawa, since slowing down, stopping, and accelerating again would undermine a true high-speed journey into Ottawa. I have also been critical of how much Smiths Falls spends on consultants, and hiring a consultant to build a business case for an ALTO stop would likely be money better directed toward practical local priorities, including lowering the water bill.

Nate Morris — Candidate for Mayor of Smiths Falls 2026

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Nate Morris Talks with Marie-Pier Guerin | Smiths Falls Election 2026

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Nate Morris — Candidate for Mayor of Smiths Falls 2026NateMorris