News and Public Notices

Discover Owen Sound’s rich history and plan a day trip to explore heritage sites as part of Doors Open Ontario. This annual program of the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the City of Owen Sound, will take place this year on Saturday, June 21.

The City of Owen Sound is seeking host sites to open their doors to visitors on June 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. To take part, please contact Jen Wright, Events and Activation Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email jwright@owensound.ca.  Past Doors Open Owen Sound sites have included museums, places of worship, art studios, sports clubs, gardens, cemeteries and more.

Many communities face a challenge with the proper disposal of sharps in public places. With the arrival of warmer weather, more sharps and needles may be discovered, exposed by the melting snow. To address this issue, a community-based approach is required. The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents of how they can be a part of the solution to ensure proper disposal of sharps.  

The City of Owen Sound is saddened to share the passing of Darcy Wise, a valued member of our arenas team. Darcy played an essential role in keeping the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre clean and welcoming after Owen Sound Attack games. 

Known for his reliability, he never missed a shift and was respected by all who had the pleasure of working with him. His positive attitude and dedication will be deeply missed by colleagues and the community alike.

Flags will be lowered to half-mast beginning on March 20 at City facilities in his honour.

The City of Owen Sound regrets to announce that the 2025 Arts and Culture Awards ceremony, initially scheduled for Thursday, April 24, has been cancelled due to insufficient nominations.

The Volunteer of the Year, Senior of the Year, and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards will be presented at Owen Sound City Council on Monday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers.

Please be advised that publication of the agenda for the March 24, 2025 meeting of Owen Sound City Council has been delayed due to technical difficulties beyond the City’s control. Staff are working with the external service provider responsible for agenda management software to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Staff apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for patience from the public at this time.

Further notice will be provided once the agenda is available for review on the Council and Committee page on the City’s website.

For more information, please contact Allison Penner, Deputy Clerk at 519-376-4440 ext. 1235 or email to apenner@owensound.ca.

The Owen Sound River District is excited to announce the launch of a new local initiative as part of the nationwide movement: Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local. This campaign encourages our community to embrace a local-first mindset and recognize the importance of supporting Main Street businesses that serve as the economic and cultural heartbeat of our City.

As spring approaches, Owen Sound residents can look forward to the maple sap running. Unfortunately, the best conditions for maple syrup making are the worst for roads! Freeze-thaw cycles due to daytime positive temperatures and nighttime lows are the best recipe for potholes. Staff are ready for them and are repairing damage in priority areas across the city.  In the meantime, drivers should use caution and report any areas of concern.

City staff have temporarily closed the following trails in Harrison Park due to flooding and flooding damage:

• Freedom Trail - 2nd Ave East to Restaurant Parking Lot
• Mile Drive Trail (entire trail)
• Harrison Park Campground Roads and Trails (all)
• Harrison Park Island (all traversing trails including playground)
• Harrison Park Pool Roads (entry and exit)

With temperatures gradually rising and moisture being released from the accumulated snow, residents should double-check their homes to minimize the risk of water leaks and other damage.

As the snow melts, it will collect in natural and manmade collection systems such as storm sewers, ditches and creeks. Always be cautious of open water, as it may be deeper or more unstable than it appears.