General City News

This Saturday, February 15, marks the 60th anniversary of our cherished national flag. Raised for the first time in 1965, this emblem uniquely symbolizes our national identity and is recognized globally for the values it represents: generosity, openness, respect, and equality. Our vibrant red and white flag adorned with a maple leaf connects us to our shared Canadian pride and serves as a constant reminder of the home we all share.

Join us in celebrating by raising the Canadian flag on the Community Flag Pole at City Hall on Friday, February 14, at 4 p.m. Stop by this weekend or next week to snap a selfie with the flag and show your Canadian pride while supporting local businesses in the River District and the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media!

City Council’s Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee met February 12 for an update on the Vision 2050 long-term strategic planning process.

Phase 2 of the process, which was about shaping the vision through broad public outreach and engagement is complete and Phase 3 drafting of the report is underway for delivery spring of 2025. 

Please be advised that a Special County of Grey Joint All Councils meeting will be held jointly with the County of Grey and all of its lower tier municipalities.

The purpose of the joint meeting is to discuss centralized planning services. The meeting will be held electronically on March 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed to the County of Grey YouTube Channel. The agenda will be available for review on the County of Grey’s website by end of day on March 14, 2025.

Due to the winter storm forecasted to begin this afternoon, the Guelph to Owen Sound (GOST) service will not operate its afternoon route.  

Online registration for 2025 youth summer day camps in Owen Sound will open Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9 a.m.  This includes registration for:

       ·       Soccer Camp (Week 1: June 30, July 2-4; Week 2: August 4-8)

·       Lacrosse Camp (July 7-11)

·       Harrison Park Sports Camp (Week 1: July 14 - July 18; Week 2 August 18-22)

·       Hockey Camp (August 11-15)

·       Power Skating Program (Tuesdays, June 10 – July 29)

·       Hockey Skills Program (Wednesdays, June 11 – July 30)

·       Camp TOM: Summer Art Adventures (Week 1: July 7-11, Week 2: July 14-18, Week 3: July 21-25, Week 4: July 28-August 1, Week 5: August 11-15, Week 6: August 18-22)

Due to the impact of current and forecast weather conditions on the City’s Road and sidewalk infrastructure, the City of Owen Sound has declared a Significant Weather Event that will remain in effect until further notice.

The 2025 Home and Cottage Expo will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Business registration is now open for the Expo, which is a collaborative partnership between the City of Owen Sound, the Knights of Columbus, and the Grey Bruce Home Builders Association.

Owen Sound City Council unanimously has approved the 2025 municipal levy (the amount of money raised through property taxes), ensuring continued investment in core services, infrastructure, and community priorities while maintaining responsible financial management.

Nominations for the 2025 Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards open Friday, February 7, 2025. The City of Owen Sound is inviting the public to submit a nomination to help recognize the significant contributions of the local arts and culture community and volunteers.

Excess snow removal operations will begin in Owen Sound’s downtown River District area tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, at 8 p.m.  The work is expected to be completed by early Thursday morning.