Doors Open Owen Sound: City Celebration of Heritage Returns to Owen Sound This Weekend!

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

Doors Open Ontario is a province-wide heritage tourism program that has offered free public access to fascinating heritage properties across Ontario since 2002. It connects people to the province’s rich history by opening buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure, and cultural landscapes that are often closed to the public. The program aims to celebrate and preserve Ontario’s diverse heritage while ensuring accessibility for individuals and families of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

This Saturday, Doors Open Owen Sound will feature 19 local sites, starting the day at 5:30 a.m. with a Sunrise Ceremony at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden. 

The remainder of the sites open at 10 a.m..  This includes: The Billy Bishop Museum, The Georgian Bay School for the Arts, British Methodist Episcopal Church,  Community Waterfront Heritage Centre, Bayshore Broadcasting, Owen Sound Artists’ Coop, Harmony Centre, Morland Place, Mudtown Station Brewery & Restaurant, Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library, Owen Sound Cenotaph, Potter’s Field, Roselawn Bowling Club, Roxy Theatre, Tone Yoga Studio, St. George’s Anglican Church, Sydenham Campus and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Ever wondered what’s behind the doors of Owen Sound's most iconic buildings? Now’s your chance to find out!

Bring your curiosity, camera, and friends — this is your invitation to see 19 sites in a new light. Learn more, see maps, and plan your route through the online Doors Open Event page.  Site maps  are also available at City Hall, Community Services desk.

For more information, please contact Jen Wright, Events and Activation Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email jwright@owensound.ca.

Quotes:

"Through Doors Open Ontario, visitors can experience so many places and spaces in their communities that make Ontario so special, free of cost.”

-  John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust.

Quick Facts:

• Doors Open takes place in Owen Sound on Saturday, June 21 and features 19 sites.
• Doors Open Ontario is a province-wide heritage tourism program.
• Since the program began, over 93 per cent of Ontarians live in a community hosting Doors Open Ontario.
• From April to October, explore Ontario’s heritage treasures at free public events across the province.

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