Your Future Neighbours | City of Owen Sound

From the desk of Mayor Boddy

Our city is at the forefront of an innovation revolution.

We are home to a cluster of companies and supply chain networks pioneering the products and technologies that will lead Canada into its clean energy era.

From lifesaving medical isotopes to electrified heavy machinery to prototyping new ideas, we have the space, the people, and the resources to support entrepreneurs looking to grow their impact and work toward a sustainable future.

Owen Sound is a regional economic hub, building on strong relationships that transcend municipal boundaries to fuel creativity and innovation among the people who live, work, and study here.
Our community is founded on collaboration—and that’s why we’ve decided to take a different approach in our new Community Profile.

On this website, you'll find all the latest data about our city; but here we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of your future neighbours who made the choice to invest in our city and grow with us.

After all, community is what sets us apart, and it’s the reason we celebrate Owen Sound as Where You Want to Live.

We believe that the resilience and prosperity of our city stems from the exceptional quality of life we are privileged to share and our abundance of natural and cultural resources. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an established business looking to relocate or expand, this is your invitation to become a part of our community.

Big city amenities, small town charm.

You’ll find it all here.

—Mayor Ian Boddy, Owen Sound

Hilary Coburn & Arthur Murgatroyd are sharing their passion for the outdoors with their sons, Jasper & Tully.

Hilary founded the Youth Climate Action Conference while on parental leave and is now a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School.

Arthur, who immigrated from Australia, teaches at Bluewater’s Outdoor Education Centre. Jasper, 3, showed off his skiing skills before hopping into the chariot with his baby brother for a ride around Harrison Park.

A woman in a blue coat has a beaming smile while hugging two children in red and blue snowsuits while playing outdoors in a wintry park.

A family cross-country skiing with two young children in a chariot-style sled, dressed in colourful winter clothing.

A family prepares to go cross-country skiing with two young children in a chariot-style sled, dressed in colourful winter clothing.

A student practices his navigation of Tobermory's harbour in a virtual bridge simulator at Georgian College.

A closeup shot of a student practicing his navigation in a virtual bridge simulator at Georgian College.

Arjun Govil is a marine navigation student at Georgian College.

He moved to the area from Ajax and found a community of friends and mentors who share his passion for “big boats,” exploring ports all over the world with state-of-the-art virtual reality simulators.

He'll begin his first co-op placement this summer.

The McMillins moved to the area from Toronto.

Tiffany, a professional photographer, took on a new role as theatre manager for The Roxy, a 400-seat theatre and one of the River District’s crown jewels.

Justin opened The Goods Kitchen Pastry and Coffee Bar in a small storefront before expanding to his new location inside the Georgian Bay School of the Arts’ building.

A woman in a theatre filled with red seats leans against the stage, smiling at the camera while looking confident and relaxed.

A man kisses a woman on the cheek while standing in front of a cafe counter.

A photo of a woman holding a baby while enjoying a coffee, sitting by the front window of The Goods cafe.

A cafe owner in a blue shirt smiles while leaning over the counter.

A man in a suit standing in front of a promotional display for Hydrogen Optimized's RuggedCell technology.

A man in a suit and safety vest gives a tour of the facilities at Hydrogen Optimized.

Denis Krude, CEO of Hydrogen Optimized, saw the potential for the company to become a world leader in clean hydrogen.

He moved from his home in Germany, starting his new role the same day as the 2024 solar eclipse—a dramatic welcome to the team. Despite their busy schedules, Denis and his colleagues still make time to hike the local trails and appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

Dr. Mike Collins embraced the community while completing his residency in Owen Sound.

He stayed to take over a family practice from a retiring physician. From his office in the Family Health Team building, he is supported by a network of colleagues as he advances his medical career.

He makes time for his own health too as a champion bodybuilder, cheered on by his partner and friends.

A young man with intense focus is reflected in a mirror while preparing to lift a heavy weight in a gym.

A young man wearing green scrubs and a stethoscope smiles while looking into the camera

A group of seven friends wearing fitness clothing laugh while humorously posing with small weights and stretch bands in a large gym.

A chef sets a table for guests in an intimate dining area.

A chef poses in a commemorative hat while wearing his apron.

A closeup photo of a commemorative hat at the Naagan restaurant.

A chef pours liquid smoke over a tasty dish at Naagan.

A chef and his assistant focus deeply while plating food.

The chef and staff of Naagan laugh while posing for a photo together wearing bright red aprons.

Born and raised in Owen Sound, Chef Zach Keeshig is making waves in the culinary world.

Naagan, which originated as a pop-up in the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market, is already recognized by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants and now has its own brick-and-mortar location offering progressive indigenous cuisine using locally sourced and foraged ingredients.

Naagan is pronounced in three syllables (naw-AW-gan) and is the Ojibway word for dish.

May Ip immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in the early 90s.

In 2013 she initiated the local celebrations of the Lunar New Year, which now includes an annual community art exhibit curated by artist Raquell Yang. May and her friends from the local business community visited Owen Sound’s Grey Gallery to view the collection celebrating the Year of the Snake.

May also works as a coordinator for the Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership, welcoming newcomers to the region.

A woman making her baby laugh while wearing him in a carrier and browsing an art gallery.

An artist, Raquell Yang, shares insight into her creative work with art gallery visitors. On the wall behind her are a series of figures which morph from human portraits to faces with animalistic features.

A woman in a green sweater smiles for the camera while browsing an art gallery with friends.

An art gallery owner and exhibit curator share a laugh while showing patrons a new exhibit celebrating the Year of the Snake.

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