Five questions with Rob Smith, mayoral candidate for Elizabethtown-Kitley in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Brockvilleist will be asking the same five questions of all Elizabethtown-Kitley council candidates in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 21, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from mayoral candidate Rob Smith. You can view a full roundup of all our Elizabethtown-Kitley municipal coverage here.

1. Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for mayor?

I am Rob Smith, born and raised in the Lyn area. I attended Lyn-Tincap Public School and graduated from Thousand Islands Secondary School. I continued my education attending Sir Sanford Fleming college in Peterborough, receiving a recreation leadership diploma, and St. Lawrence College in Kingston and Brockville, receiving a facility management diploma.

I’m married to Sylvia and we live in Lyn; I have three stepchildren and six grandchildren.

I was an employee with the Upper Canada District School Board for 18 years as a head custodian, 17 years with Assurant Solutions in Kingston as the facility and maintenance manager, seven years as facilities manager with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville; then, I chose to retire.

I have volunteered for 40 years with various organizations; I am past president of the Lyn & District Softball Association and chair of the Lyn Days Summer Festivals. I volunteer at the Lyn Public School Fall Fair, was chair of the Village of Lyn 225th celebrations, chair of Village of Lyn Santa Claus parades, past president of the Kinsmen Club of Brockville and co-chair the Canada 150th celebrations in Lyn. I coached the Brockville Blazers Girls Basketball, was chair of the TISS school reunion, and the Brockville and District Shrine Club.

I was named Lyn’s Citizen of the Year in 1997 for many years of community service, and I was inducted into the Brockville and Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 for my years of involvement with Lyn & District Softball Association, the Brockville Braves Jr “A” Hockey Club and the Brockville Blazers girls’ basketball. I also coached a blind athlete in track & field.

I have 31 years of municipal government experience, including as Village of Lyn Trustee (1987–2001) and Elizabethtown-Kitley Councillor (2010–2026). Throughout my municipal career, I have served on numerous committees and boards, including as chair of Public Works, Finance, and Recreation. I have also contributed to other committees, including Economic Development, Planning Advisory, Library, Heritage, Fire and Emergency Services, Bellamy Park Management, Waste Management and the Joint Liaison Committee with the City of Brockville.

After 31 years of municipal government service and 40 years of community involvement, I feel it’s time to step up and run for mayor. As mayor I will bring greater focus and effectiveness to council discussions, encouraging full engagement from all members and creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and considered. I am committed to ensuring decisions are made through open, fair and respectful debate, and making thoughtful decisions for everyone. And I am committed to fostering a strong, respectful and productive relationship between council, staff, residents and business owners.

2. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

I am not a member of any political party. I support the person who I feel will work for our community.

3. What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

The three most common issues that voters bring up while campaigning are: roads (township road maintenance standards and county road infrastructure and speeding); tax increases and services; and job creation and housing development.

4. What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

The three issues that are most important in Elizabethtown-Kitley are roads, job creation and fair tax increase.

Road infrastructure is one of Elizabethtown-Kitley’s most pressing issues. With over half of our 350 kilometres of municipal roads still gravel, I would champion a responsible 15–20-year plan to apply surface treatment application to improve road conditions, extending lifespan, reducing maintenance demands and making strategic use of taxpayer dollars. As the mayor, I will advocate for increased investment in County road infrastructure and improvements to County Roads 7, 27, 28, 29 and 46.

I want to continue the development of the North Augusta Road property as a future business park. The Economic Development Committee and staff are working to complete the necessary studies to have the property re-zoned into industrial commercial to encourage businesses to locate in Elizabethtown-Kitley for job creation.

With the rising cost of food, fuel and essential products to residents, and in order to provide municipal services, as Mayor I will advocate for our fair share of provincial and federal funding, pursue available infrastructure, housing and recreation grants and work collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities to share resources to reduce duplication and make every tax dollar go further.

5. What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I have been involved in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley for 40 years; I’ve served as a volunteer, and been elected trustee and councillor. I’m also a former municipal employee with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

I have a broad wealth of knowledge and experience as I have been a member of all Township boards and committees; working together proves positive results.

I am a team player, a leader with clear communication, transparency, honesty, respect. I am genuine and sincere. I’m approachable and will listen to residents’ concerns with an open mind and provide assistance and solutions to their concerns.

Having municipal government financial experience is very important. I have chaired the Township finance committee, and have been a councillor for 16 years working on township operating and capital budgets; and as a former municipal employee, I was responsible for the facilities and maintenance operation and capital budget at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.