Brian Smith

Born and raised in Wasaga Beach and growing up just four doors away from Town Hall, Brian Smith has proudly called this community home his entire life. He and his wife, Joanne, have been married for more than 38 years, raised their family here, and remain deeply committed to serving the community they love.

Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Brian spent 14 years as both a Sea Cadet and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve and holds a Queens Commission, honourably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. His military service instilled in him the values of leadership, discipline, integrity and service above self, while fostering a deep appreciation and unwavering 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 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 steadfast in his commitment to the children and families of Wasaga Beach. In 2014, during his first term as Mayor, he established the High School Task Force because he believed our students deserved the opportunity to attend high school in their own community, close to their families and friends. For four years, Brian and the task force worked tirelessly with our education partners and government officials to advance that vision. Although progress stalled in the years that followed, Brian made it a priority upon returning to office in 2022 to renew that effort with this Council. Today, he is very proud that his persistence and determination have helped deliver an historic achievement for Wasaga Beach—not just one, but two new high schools, ensuring future generations of local students will have educational opportunities 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.

A lifelong community volunteer, Brian is a long-time Ambassador for the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation Camps, an Honorary Member of the Wasaga Beach Lions Club, and a proud supporter of Hospice Georgian Triangle at Campbell House, a cause that is especially close to his heart. Throughout his life, he has supported countless local organizations and community initiatives. He believes leadership is built on integrity, fiscal responsibility, collaboration and a clear vision for the future.

Brian remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Wasaga Beach for today's residents and for generations to come.

One of his favourite quotes is "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." Sir Winston Churchill.

Having watched Wasaga Beach grow from a small community of fewer than 700 residents into one of Ontario's fastest-growing municipalities, Brian understands both its rich history and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Born and raised in Wasaga Beach, Brian has spent a lifetime rooted in this community — from 14 years of service as a Sea Cadet and Canadian Armed Forces reservist to more than four decades as a local entrepreneur, and now representing Wasaga Beach on Simcoe County Council and a range of regional, policing, housing, economic and utility boards and committees.