ABOUT BRIAN SMITH

Born and raised in Wasaga Beach, just four doors from Town Hall, Brian Smith has called this community home throughout his life. He and his wife, Joanne, have been married for more than 38 years, raised their family here, and continue to share a deep commitment to the community they love.

Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Brian spent 14 years serving as both a Sea Cadet and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve. He earned a Queen’s Commission and was honourably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

His military service instilled in him the values of leadership, discipline, integrity, and service above self. It also fostered a deep and lasting respect for Canada’s military personnel, veterans, their families, and the first responders who protect our communities every day.

A successful entrepreneur for more than 42 years, Brian has owned and operated businesses throughout Simcoe County and beyond, building a reputation for financial responsibility, strong leadership, customer service and getting results.

Brian served as Mayor of Wasaga Beach from 2014-2018 and again since 2022, leading one of the most transformative periods in the town’s history. Under his leadership, Council has secured control of the beachfront lands, attracted more than half a billion dollars in public and private investment, helping create approximately 1,700 new jobs, expanded healthcare services with the Walk in Clinic and 288 bed long term care home, secured 245 new affordable housing units, improved public transit and emergency services, and strengthened relationships with all levels of government to position Wasaga Beach for long-term success and the creation of Destination Wasaga in partnership with the Province of Ontario.

Brian has sat on several different boards and committees over the years and is currently a member of the County of Simcoe Council representing Wasaga Beach at the county level.At the County, he is Vice Chair of Human Services and sits on the following committees and boards.

Audit and Finance Committee
Committee of the Whole
Forest Appeal Committee
Governance Committee
Shareholder of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Inc.
Shareholder of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation
Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board

Brian is the Co-Chair of our local Ontario Provincial Police Huronia West Detachment Board.

Brian also sits on all three of our Hydro boards, including the Wasaga Distribution Board. Wasaga Resources Board and the Geo Sands Board, along with the Audit and Finance committee and the Governance and HR advisory committee.

Finally, he sits on the South Georgian Bay Mayors and CAOs Forum.

Throughout his public service, Brian has remained firmly committed to the children and families of Wasaga Beach. During his first term as Mayor in 2014, he established the High School Task Force, believing local students deserved the opportunity to attend high school in their own community, close to family and friends.

For four years, Brian and the task force worked closely with education partners and government officials to advance that vision. Although progress stalled later, he renewed the effort with the Council after returning to office in 2022.

Today, Brian is proud that years of persistence and determination have helped achieve an historic milestone for Wasaga Beach: not one, but two new high schools. These schools will ensure future generations of local students can learn, grow, and build their futures right here at home.

This achievement is about more than new school buildings—it is about investing in our youth, supporting families, strengthening our community, and ensuring that future generations can learn, grow, and succeed right here in Wasaga Beach.

Ground Breaking for Wasaga Beach's first High School

A lifelong community volunteer, Brian has served as a long-time Ambassador for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, is an Honorary Member of the Wasaga Beach Lions Club, and has supported countless local organizations throughout his life.He believes strong leadership is rooted in integrity, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. Brian remains committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Wasaga Beach for today’s residents and for generations to come.

One of his favourite quotes reflects that commitment: “The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician thinks about the next election, while a statesman thinks about the next generation.”

Having watched Wasaga Beach grow from a small community of fewer than 700 residents into one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, Brian has a deep appreciation for its history and a clear understanding of the opportunities that lie ahead.