519-376-1440
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Warming Centres
Cold weather is a serious public health concern and can cause a variety of health problems, including windburn, frostbite and hypothermia.
Be Prepared During Cold Temperatures:
- Dress warmly in layers, cover up all exposed skin and wear a wind resistant outer layer
- Wear waterproof, insulated footwear
- Stay dry and change out of wet clothing as quickly as possible
- Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat
- Drink warm fluids avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
- Watch for signs of windburn, frostbite and hypothermia
- Seek medical attention if necessary
- Build an emergency kit, go online and create your own Emergency Plan
Be on the lookout for Extreme Cold Weather Warnings by following:
Seniors, children, outdoor workers, those experiencing homelessness and people living in poorly insulated or heated homes are particularly at risk during extreme cold weather.
Residents requiring assistance, emergency shelter or amenities are reminded to call 211. 211 is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An online 211 resource is also available.
24-Hour Warming Centre
Safe n' Sound, located at 310 8th Street East, is open 24 hours from November 1- March 31, but closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for essential cleaning to maintain the space.
Emergency Shelters
Emergency shelter services are provided by the County of Grey Short-Term Shelter Program. Those seeking emergency shelter are encouraged to contact Grey County Staff during business hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by:
Call – 519-376-5744
Text 226-407-4996
E-mail – STSP@Grey.ca
Program information for emergency short-term shelter can be obtained 24 hours a day by calling 211.
If you are caught outside in extreme cold conditions, look for shelter out of the wind and keep moving to maintain your body heat.
Warming centres are facilities open during regular business hours to provide short-term warmth and protection during cold weather events.
Warming Centre Locations
Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library
519-376-6623
Monday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre/YMCA
Enter the YMCA through the North and South facing doors.
Fall, Winter and Spring hours (until June 30) are:
Monday to Friday: 5:45 AM - 9 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 7 AM - 5 PM
Stat Holidays: 7 AM - 3 PM
Public Washrooms
The City of Owen Sound recognizes the need to have ready access to clean, safe public washrooms as a vital part of personal and public health and as fundamental to human dignity, especially for people who are restroom-challenged. This includes access to a public washroom at any time of the day or night.
The City is reminding people that public washrooms are available in the River District, as well as at many other parks and facilities across the city, for visitors and residents to access as they enjoy all that Owen Sound has to offer.
Most washroom facilities do have a time-of-day availability which is noted below. However, in response to a growing need for a washroom with 24-hour access in a safe and supervised location within the River District, the washroom at the Owen Sound Police Services building on 2nd Avenue West is now available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The City also reminds you that clean washrooms are essential to public health, so please remember to be tidy and courteous when using shared public facilities.
Locations below; updated November 2024
Owen Sound Police Services
922 2nd Avenue West
Hours: Available 24/7 with secure buzzer entry.
Time-of-Day Available Locations
- City Hall
808 2nd Avenue East
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library
824 1st Avenue West
Hours: Mondays from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Tom Thomson Art Gallery/Owen Sound Visitor Services
840 1st Avenue West
Hours: Wenesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. - Bayshore Community Centre
1900 3rd Avenue East
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre/YMCA Shared Corridor
700 10th Street East
Hours: Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Owen Sound Farmers’ Market
88 8th St East
Hours: Saturday mornings during the Farmers’ Market. - Harrison Park Inn
75 2nd Avenue East
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Kelso Beach at Nawash Park
2nd Avenue West
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. - Transit Terminal
1020 3rd Ave East
Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Us
808 2nd Avenue East,
Owen Sound, ON
N4K 2H4
Phone: 519-376-1440
Email us
Sign up for City news to your inbox!
Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our news posts.