Robert Smythe: The passing of a Centretown giant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sunday November 17, 2024; Robert Smythe, the prolific Centretown historian, journalist and tireless volunteer, died Friday, November 15, at the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Centretown has lost a local hero, a giant who contributed so much to the community over so many decades. The community newspaper The Centretown BUZZ a half century ago was named for his style of haircut. Robert was a huge contributor to The BUZZ for decades, writing articles about history and urban affairs.

He was the author of the Urbsite blog and website, with 408 entries detailing the history, urban planning and architecture of Centretown, each lavishly illustrated with historical photos and maps. A journalist described Urbsite as "an absolute treasure trove."

He was a lecturer on Centretown's history.

More than anyone else, he chronicled the history of the heart of the nation's capital. He also provided astute commentary on current architecture, proposed new buildings, and urban planning. Robert worked as a staffer to Councillor Diane Holmes.

His volunteer work was widespread and profound. Besides authoring a proliferation of newspaper articles and blog entries, he volunteered with the community association and Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, the non-profit dedicated to affordable housing. The Centretown Community Association sends condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of Robert.

Through his writings, his love of Centretown will live on fulsomely. His very readable, top-quality articles on Urbsite and in The Centretown Buzz will endure as fundamental resources on Ottawa's history.

We will miss seeing Robert's smile on Elgin Street, and in the parks, shops and elsewhere around Centretown.

Robert Dekker
President, Centretown Community Association of Ottawa
210 Gloucester Street, Suite 101
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K4
vice.president@centretowncitizens.ca