At the February 10, 2026, Regular Meeting, Council approved the 2026 Strategic Projects List, identifying priority initiatives for the year ahead, as well as a multi-year Strategic Priorities Project List.

The Town of Smithers’ Strategic Priorities guide how Council and staff plan, invest, and deliver services to the community. These priorities help ensure that resources are aligned with community needs, infrastructure is maintained, and support long-term planning.

Strategic Projects are initiatives that advance Council’s key objectives and require coordinated planning, resources, and timelines across departments.

They help the Town:

  • Focus staff time and funding on top priorities.
  • Improve transparency and accountability.
  • Align assets, workforce, and budgets with long-term needs.
  • Support continuity through election cycles.
  • Deliver consistent, high-quality services.

Key Focus Areas for 2026

  1. Infrastructure & Utilities: Water system upgrades, paving, riverbank stabilization, Natural Asset Inventory, and airport-area servicing.
  2. Public Safety & Emergency Services: Fire training facility relocation, NEXT GEN 911 upgrades, cold response planning, Fire Department Core review, and emergency power upgrades.
  3. Housing & Land Development: Alfred Avenue supportive housing project, Crown Land acquisition, Long-term care facility land transfer, and the Land Needs Assessment project.
  4. Organizational Improvements: Updates to our Purchasing Policy, development of Airport Master Plan, and Governance Review.
  5. Community & Economic Development: Host the Minerals North Conference, airport lands planning, Indigenous engagement, transportation planning, and advance the New Smithers Library.

Long-Term Strategic Priorities

Beyond 2026, the Strategic Priorities List includes major community-shaping initiatives such as:

  • New Smithers Public Library (expected 2027)
  • Watermain Replacement Plan
  • Development of an Asset Management Plan
  • Childcare Facility Development
  • Active Transportation Plan Update
  • Housing Needs Report Update
  • Parks & Recreation Master Plan (phased)
  • Developing a Long-Term Financial Plan
  • New Water Treatment Plant
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Downtown Smithers Aerial