Downtown River Precinct (DRP) Phase 2

Recognizing the tremendous potential of Owen Sound to revitalize its downtown and harbour area, the City undertook a master plan study (in 2000) to create a positive direction to create a climate of redevelopment in the downtown.

The Downtown River Precinct (DRP) initiative, which is identified as a priority in the Harbour and Downtown Urban Design/Master Plan Strategy focuses on the River District area and includes features such as:

• A continuous riverside trail through the downtown – strengthening the link to the inner harbour
• A wide pedestrian promenade along the east river bank
• A market square focused on the river and a multi-purpose civic square
• Landings for short term boat, canoe & kayak docking
• A pedestrian focus, adding benches, trees, tables….and much more.

Phase 1 of the DRP was completed in 2019 with construction in the 800 block of 1st Avenue East (including the Farmers' Market area).

Phase 2 is the 900 Block of 1st Ave E, which is a narrow one-way street and former train track corridor that has great opportunity for transformation and activation along the river.

Future Phases 3 and 4 will focus on redeveloping the west side of the Sydenham River, 800 and 900 blocks.

The goal of this project is to create an inviting and more accessible public space, strengthen the image and identity of the downtown River District area, and embrace and highlight the natural environment of the Sydenham River.

This project involves work on 1st Avenue East, between 10st Street East and 9th Street East.

The project area is outlined in the image below:

This construction will provide an engaging urban environment along the river for residents and visitors alike.  There will be paths that are easier and safer for people to walk on, a public riverside boardwalk, and enhancements to business opportunities, such as patios.

The space will be able to change for different events and programs in the River District.  It will also improve accessibility and public safety through design, lighting and programming.

This project will make sure the area keeps its special history and feeling while also making it a place where everyone feels welcome.

See the design renderings of the project space below.

Parking will not be available in the construction zone on 1st Avenue East during the closure.  The City will contact 1st Avenue East building owners for parking accommodations for the project's duration.

Sign up for email newsletters that will keep you updated when there might be some limited parking on 1st Avenue East as the construction moves forward.

Click here for a full River District parking map.

For scheduled business deliveries, please make arrangements in advance with the Contractor on site for necessary access.

If you require wheelchair access, home-care visits, collections, etc., please contact the Contractor’s Site Superintendent, or the Site Inspector.

No, City Transit is not affected by this project.  For more information about Owen Sound Transit, visit the Transit page here.

The project is set to start in May of 2024.

It is set to end in September of 2024.

The total budget for this project is $2 Million.

It is partially funded by an OCIF (Ontario Community Infrastructre Fund) Grant.

It is also partially funded through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) – Small Projects Component program.

There are no planned service interruptions for those who live in and around the project area on 1st Avenue East.

If service interruptions are required throughout the project, the Contractor on site will notify residents before this happens.

MacDonnell Excavating out of Owen Sound, Ontario.

The main contact is:

Adam MacDonnell, Site Superintendent

Phone 519-374-0300

or

Amanda Morrison, 226-974-6011

Construction crews can work on City projects between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.