Doug Smith, Ontario trucking pioneer and Manitoulin Transport founder, dies at 93
· Toronto Sun
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Doug Smith, an Ontario trucking industry pioneer who founded Manitoulin Transport more than 65 years ago, has died at the age of 93.
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The company announced his passing Tuesday on social media.
“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 firm shared on LinkedIn .
“Doug’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication reshaped transportation across the country. 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.”
Ships freight across Canada and U.S.
The company, based in Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island, launched in 1960 after Smith acquired Hills Transport to provide delivery services to the local community. It now ships freight across Canada and the United States and operates 85 Canadian terminals, while also having access to 300 U.S. service centres.
Among his ideas adopted by the trucking industry was the “super truck” in the early 1980s, which featured a specialized cargo compartment behind the cab to transport temperature-sensitive products. He also designed trailer kits with removable sides that allowed products to be transported north into Canada and raw materials such as lumber and steel south to the U.S.
Smith was honoured by the Ontario Trucking Association in 2007 with the Service to the Industry Award and, a year later, became a member of the Order of Canada.
“As founder of Manitoulin Transport, he provided stable employment and created spin-off economic benefits for the residents of Manitoulin Island by maintaining his national trucking company’s head office in this rural region,” the Governor General’s website stated in a short bio at the time of the honour.
“He is also a generous philanthropist who has ensured that health care, sporting, cultural and charitable groups can continue to offer services and programs to those living in northern communities.”
Smith also received Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Family foundation gives back
In May 2024, the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation established the first “named” school at Cambrian College.
“The Cambrian community is deeply saddened with news of the passing of Doug Smith, founder of Manitoulin Transport, member of the Order of Canada, well-known philanthropist, and the individual for whom Cambrian’s School of Business is named,” the college said in a Facebook post .
“Our thoughts and condolences are extended to the Smith family and many friends, as well as Doug’s colleagues at the Manitoulin Group of Companies and across the trucking industry.”
Despite his passing, the company said it will continue to carry on his transport vision.
“We honour Doug’s legacy and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him, as well as countless others whose lives he touched through his philanthropy,” the company said.