Christopher Cummings for Mayor

07/18/2026

A Look Back...I recently came across this newspaper clipping from the completion of Phase One of the Smiths Falls Heritage Trail project, and it brought back a lot of great memories.
As a member of the Municipal Heritage Committee at the time, I was proud to be involved in a project that helped tell the stories of our community. The vision was simple: create permanent, accessible displays that would help residents and visitors alike learn about the people, places, and events that shaped Smiths Falls.
It was a true community effort involving Heritage House Museum staff, volunteers, municipal staff, and committee members who all shared a passion for preserving our local history.
One of the things I've always believed is that a strong community knows where it came from. Investing in our heritage isn't just about preserving the past—it's about strengthening community pride and leaving something meaningful for future generations.
Looking back, I'm grateful to have played a small part in a project that people can still enjoy today.

07/16/2026

I am so proud of the work I have been able to do as a volunteer with The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). I have learned so much as a member of the Grant Team. A number of Smiths Falls non-profits have been able to bring so many valuable projects to our community through their applications to OTF.

More than $658,000 in Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital grant funding is coming to seven organizations and municipalities across Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.

MPP John Jordan announced the funding July 15.

The grants will support accessibility upgrades at the Carleton Place Arena and North Lanark Agricultural Society Agricultural Hall, a roof replacement at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario and boiler replacements at the Perth & District Indoor Pool.

Other projects include trail improvements, facility upgrades and improvements supporting community programs through recipients including BGC South East and the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. Link in comments for the full list of recipients and project details.

07/16/2026

Throwback to a truly unforgettable moment in our town's history!

Smiths Falls Public Library uncovers historical treasures.

Looking back at this article from July 2002, I’m reminded of just how much history, character, and hidden beauty is woven into the fabric of Smiths Falls. Standing inside our historic Carnegie library during renovations and pulling back those old walls to uncover long-lost treasures—like the incredible dragon relief and an original photo signed by Andrew Carnegie himself—was an absolute thrill.
I said it then and I’ll say it now: our community has deep roots worth preserving, celebrating, and protecting. Restoring that beautiful building wasn't just about preserving the past; it was about ensuring we created a vibrant, accessible, and historically accurate space for future generations to learn and connect.
Bringing people together to get big projects across the finish line has always been a passion of mine.
Who else remembers when these hidden dragons were uncovered? What is your favorite memory or favourite corner of our historic library? Let’s keep moving Smiths Falls, forward together while always honouring where we came from!

07/14/2026

Discover all that Christopher Cummings has to offer on our website!

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07/13/2026

Community is built in many ways. Sometimes it's built one conversation, one decision, and one act of service at a time.
One of the greatest privileges I've had over the past several years has been serving on the Board of Directors of Rideau Community Health Services.
When I joined the Board, I knew I wanted to give back to an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of people across our region. Since then, I've had the opportunity to serve in several leadership roles, including Treasurer, Vice Chair and Board Chair. Those experiences have deepened my appreciation for the incredible work being done every day by our staff, physicians, volunteers and community partners.
Rideau Community Health Services provides far more than primary health care. It supports individuals and families through programs that promote physical health, mental wellness and healthier communities. For thousands of people across our region, it's a trusted place to receive care, support and compassion.
Serving on the Board has reminded me that good governance isn't about making headlines. It's about asking thoughtful questions, being accountable, managing resources responsibly, planning for the future and always keeping the people you serve at the centre of every decision.
Those are lessons I've carried with me throughout my career and my years of community involvement, and they continue to shape how I approach leadership today.
I'm grateful to have worked alongside such a dedicated Board, an exceptional leadership team and staff whose commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities inspires me every day.
Thank you for everything you do.

07/11/2026

A fun memory from the Settlers Days celebrations! I came across this newspaper clipping from around 1996, when I was organizing a series of children's concerts as part of Settlers Days.
Over the course of three summers, the Kinsmen brought a variety of children's entertainers to Smiths Falls, giving local families a chance to enjoy live shows right here in our community. One of the most memorable was Polkaroo, and judging by the smiles in this photo, I think the kids were just as excited as we were!
As a member of the Kinsmen Club, I always believed that community events should be about bringing families together and creating memories for our youngest residents. Working with the Record News on contests like this one was a great way to build excitement and give the lucky winners of the colouring contest the chance to meet one of their favourite TV characters.
Looking back, it's amazing how many volunteers, local businesses, service clubs, and community partners came together to make events like these happen. That's what has always made Smiths Falls special—people willing to work together to create something everyone could enjoy.
I still smile when I think about those Settlers Days weekends. They weren't just events; they were opportunities to build community, one family at a time.

…..and yes that’s me on the left 🤪

07/10/2026

When I made the decision to run for Mayor, I also made another decision that was just as important: I wasn’t going to start by telling people what I thought our priorities should be. I wanted to start by listening.
I felt it would be arrogant and presumptuous to claim I already knew exactly what was working, what wasn’t, and what needed to change before taking the time to hear directly from the people who live and work here every day.
So instead of launching with a platform, I committed to knocking on doors, sitting down with residents, talking with business owners, and meeting with as many community organizations as possible. Since municipal campaigns don’t traditionally get into full swing until mid to late September, I knew I had the opportunity to spend these summer months listening instead of talking.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve already had conversations with more than 200 people. Every discussion has given me a better understanding of our community—what we’re doing well, where we’re falling short, and where people see opportunities for the future.
Those conversations are shaping my platform. I believe that’s the responsible way to lead. My role as Mayor won’t be to impose my own ideas—it will be to understand our community, and work with my Council when elected, to move Smiths Falls forward in a way that reflects the priorities of the people who call it home.

07/10/2026

A little trip down memory lane...I came across this old newspaper photo recently, and it brought back a lot of great memories from my time with the Smiths Falls Kinsmen Club.
One evening, a group of us locked ourselves inside the Rideau Canal Museum with paint brushes, rollers, and plenty of enthusiasm. By the time we finished, we'd painted all three floors of the museum!
It wasn't glamorous work, but that's what service clubs have always been about—rolling up your sleeves and helping where help is needed.
The Kinsmen has a long history of supporting our local museums and heritage organizations. Sometimes that meant presenting a cheque to help fund a project, and other times it meant donating our time and energy to tackle jobs like this one. Looking back, those events were about much more than painting walls. They were about camaraderie, giving back, and taking pride in our community.
Some of my favourite memories from my years with Kinsmen aren't from meetings —they're from working alongside good friends on projects that made a real difference for Smiths Falls.
It's a reminder that strong communities are built by people who are willing to pitch in, volunteer, and support one another. That's something I've always believed in, and it's a value I continue to carry with me today.