Doug Smith, founder of Manitoulin Transport and a member of the Order of Canada, has died. He was 93. Smith passed away on Aug. 2, in his 94th year, according to the company and Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Doug Smith (1933–2026), visionary founder of Manitoulin Transport, member of the Order of Canada and a true pioneer of the Canadian trucking industry,” the company said in a social media post. Smith founded Manitoulin Transport, which grew into one of Canada’s largest trucking firms, while maintaining its head office in his hometown of Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island. The company said operations would continue without interruption. “True to Doug’s spirit, it is business as usual,” the company’s statement read. “Manitoulin remains fully committed to serving our customers and communities with the same integrity and dedication that defined his leadership.” Lifelong commitment to Gore Bay Smith’s connection to Gore Bay ran deep and his philanthropy reshaped the community over decades. Current Mayor Ron Lane, who described Smith as a good friend, said the two worked together on numerous town projects beginning when Lane joined council in 2008 and later became mayor in 2010. Those initiatives included the modernization of the town marina, construction of a 300-metre breakwall, an outdoor pavilion, public washroom and a new recreation area with tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and a splash pad. Most recently, the Doug Smith Family Foundation supported a $3-million downtown revitalization project featuring new sidewalks, boulevards, curbs, paving, street lighting and tree planting. “Without the support of Doug and his family along with significant funding provided by the Doug Smith Family Foundation, this new care facility that will serve all of western Manitoulin Island for many years in the future would not have been possible,” Lane wrote in an email to CTV News, referring to a new 64-bed long-term care home currently under construction on property Smith owned overlooking Gore Bay. The facility, being built by St. Joseph’s Health Care from Sudbury, is expected to open late next year. Lane said Smith had discussed the need for a new home for years, as the existing facility dating back to the 1970s had become outdated. Order of Canada, lasting legacy Smith received the Order of Canada in 2008. “In 2008, Doug received the Order of Canada in recognition of his supporting the economy of northern Ontario, job creation and for his giving back to Manitoulin Island and particularly his hometown of Gore Bay,” Lane said. Beyond business, Smith was an avid musician who performed publicly at no charge with the Manitoulin Swing Band. He also loved boating, spending his spare time cruising the North Channel and other parts of northern Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. “Doug’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication reshaped transportation across the country,” the company wrote. “Even into his 90s, his passion for the business, love for his hometown of Gore Bay, Ontario, and lifelong loyalty to the Manitoulin family remained as strong as ever.” The company said Smith’s impact extended far beyond those who knew him personally. Lane said the island has lost one of its foremost citizens. “As a result of his passing, Manitoulin Island has lost one of its premier citizens and he will be missed by many,” he wrote. With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Angela Gemmill
