Staff Present City-Wide Development Update

At the April 17 Community Services Committee meeting, City Staff presented a city-wide development update, providing a background on the status of the approvals process for certain development applications including subdivisions, site plan applications, and policy amendments such as the Official Plan or zoning amendments. 

Here are some key highlights from the presentation: 

• Since 2019, the City has granted approval for three draft plans of subdivision on the City’s east side totaling 1,410 residential units.  
• An additional 1,420 market rental residential units have been approved through site plan approval since 2022.  
• Developers are working diligently to fulfill conditions of approval and City Staff continue to provide input and comment on draft plans and studies throughout the process.  
• On the affordable housing side, a six-storey, mixed-use building containing 810 square feet of commercial space and 40 rental dwelling units are proposed within the City’s River District. The applicant, Lutheran Social Services, is continuing to work to secure funding for this project. (Grey County is funding a portion of the project.) 
• On the commercial side, the Heritage Grove Shopping Centre at 2125 16^th Street East received site plan approval on March 28, 2024, for approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial retail space, including a new grocery store and retail pet food store. 
• Additional developments totaling 560 residential units, 180 hotel suites, and 73,657 square feet of commercial space are actively working through the development approvals process with the City.  

The Planning and Heritage Division is part of the Community Services Department. This division guides, regulates, and makes recommendations regarding community growth and development in a manner that protects the environment, enhances the quality of life, and promotes a complete community. The Planning and Heritage Division works with Council and the community to establish policies that set the direction for future growth and development applications in the City, ensuring that the vision is consistent with Provincial Policy and the City’s Official Plan. 

Visit OwenSound.ca/Development for information related to Active Planning Applications. 

For more information, please contact Jacklyn Iezzi, Senior Planner at 519-376-4440 ext. 1261 or email jiezzi@owensound.ca 

Quick Facts: 

• The City of Owen Sound’s Official Plan’s purpose is to provide policies, goals, and objectives to guide the development, growth, and redevelopment of Owen Sound for the next 25 years 
• The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The long-term prosperity of Ontario depends on planning for strong, sustainable, and resilient communities. 
• Anyone wishing to place a building or structure on their property, from a deck or garden shed to a new shopping plaza or apartment building, should contact the Planning and Heritage Division to ensure the proposal is permitted and located appropriately. Each application is evaluated on its merits and compliance with applicable laws.  

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