Smith and Associates Insurance Ltd. - About Us / Company History

60 Years of Service in Thunder Bay and Region

Smith and Associates Insurance traces its history back half a century to 1946. Eileen and E. Lorne A. Smith opened their first office shortly after Lorne returned from his four years of service with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. The E.L.A. Smith Agency represented Wawanesa Insurance Company, providing reliable insurance coverage for Fort William and region. Over the years the company grew and eventually became an insurance brokerage to better serve its clients of Northwestern Ontario. E.L.A. Smith Brokers built its success on a reputation for outstanding service, comprehensive insurance plans and extensive industry knowledge.

In 1978, Lorne and Eileen's son Douglas joined the firm after completing his Honours Bachelor's of Commerce degree from Lakehead University. Doug became president of the company in 1992, and continued to expand. In 1997, E.L.A. Smith Brokers purchased Landfair Insurance, and then Boshcoff and Associates Insurance in 2000. The new company moved its offices from the original May Street location to the centrally located building on Tungsten Street, known as Balmoral Park Place.

Douglas L.A. Smith retired in November, 2008. Mary Ann Chicorli and Greg Jarvis, jointly with Equisure Financial Network have taken ownership of this firm.

Today Smith and Associates Insurance is one of the largest and most-trusted brokers in Northwestern Ontario. The company has 12 brokers in both personal (home and auto) and commercial insurance, with over 300 combined years of industry experience.

Equisure Financial Network Inc., an affiliate of Intact Insurance, has a direct ownership in our brokerage. Equisure and Intact Insurance have provided interest-bearing financing at market rates to our brokerage.

Smith and Associates Insurance continues the tradition started over 60 years ago, ensuring that our clients in Thunder Bay and across the region get the best coverage and best service available.