Dennis Staples
Former Mayor, Smiths Falls, Ontario
Dennis Staples is one of the longest continuously serving mayors in eastern Ontario who knows the value of serving others. Over his career, he has served as a member of a variety of community organizations ranging from the Rotary Club to minor hockey.
Staples, an accountant and administrator by profession, was born and raised in Smiths Falls where he attended elementary and secondary school before moving on to post-secondary education at Carleton University.
He served as a town councillor in Smiths Falls for three terms, from 1985 to 1994, before being elected as mayor in 1994. He served nine terms until October 2014.
Staples retired from the Ontario public sector in 1999, after 27 years of service in financial administration with the Ministry of Community and Social Services. He finished his career as acting administrator of the Rideau Regional Centre. He was previously employed in financial management positions at RCA Records, the Ottawa Civic Hospital and Johnson-Weldon Company Public Accountants.
He has been active with the Smiths Falls Rotary Club since 1984. He is a member of the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario and is an honorary life member. He is a past chair of the United Way of Lanark County, and a past president of the Smiths Falls Minor Hockey Association.
In his spare time he is a musician who has played at area weddings and other special events for area residents. He has been an active member of the American Federation of Musicians since 1964.
Staples is an avid supporter of the Upper Canada District School Board Champions for Kids Foundation because he believes that providing youth with the funding they need for extracurricular activities can provide joy in childhood, expand connections and help build a sense of belonging and community among our youth.