Town councillors in Smiths Falls, Ontario have allocated $400,000 for the demolition of a decommissioned water tower that has been a prominent fixture in the downtown area for over a century.

The decision to set aside the funds was made during a council meeting on Monday, as confirmed by Coun. Jay Brennan. Council members were informed earlier this year that town staff recommended demolishing the tower due to the high maintenance costs and potential liability risks associated with keeping it standing.

Mayor Shawn Pankow acknowledged that while there was some sentimentality attached to the tower, the majority of council members voted in favor of demolition citing the exorbitant expenses involved in its preservation, estimated at $2.4 million by 2024.

The water tower, located on Old Mill Road near the Rideau Canal, has been an iconic structure adorned with the town’s green and gold logo since 1924. However, with the opening of a new tower last year, the decision to demolish the old one was seen as an opportunity to enhance the surrounding park area and highlight a historic dam in close proximity.

Previously, the tower featured the Hershey chocolate company logo, showcasing Smiths Falls as “the chocolate capital of Ontario” until 2010, following the closure of the chocolate plant two years earlier.

The demolition of the water tower is expected to pave the way for new developments in the area while preserving the town’s historical significance and embracing future opportunities for growth.