Gilbert Smith was the officer who secured the Mail Bag contract with Royal Canada Mail in 1919, setting up an industry at Kingston Penitentiary that would persist until late 20th century. 

Smith acted a number of times as warden at Kingston, including in 1920, 1922, 1924 and finally in 1932. During his tenure in 1932, he was known as a “fair man” to the convicts, as he attempted to reform the strict discipline of Warden Ponsford. Smith attempted to re-introduce cigarette papers in August 1932, and suggested a plan of construction and employment to meet the challenges of the Great Depression. Most of these changes were not implemented when the riot of October 1932 broke out. Smith was taken captive for a period during this event.

He was retired in December 1932.  

He lived for a time in a house on Maitland Avenue and possibly at a hotel downtown when acting warden.

At this point, it is not known whether Insp. Smith resided at any point at Cedarhedge.