News

The City of Owen Sound congratulates TC Energy on the recent announcement of provincial investment to advance the next phase of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project. On Friday, the Ontario government announced a $285 million investment in pre-development work for the proposed clean energy project to be constructed on unused land at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre located between Owen Sound and Meaford. 

Construction on the 900 block of 1st Avenue East (from the north entrance at 10th Street East to the south side of The Sydenham Condominium building) as part of the Downtown River Precinct (DRP) Phase 2 has reached the ‘Substantial Performance’ milestone.  This exciting achievement means the construction project is mostly complete within budgetary parameters, aside from a small number of minor items scheduled for completion in favourable weather conditions.  

The proposed redevelopment of the former Owen Sound Courthouse and Jail is moving forward with some demolitions and removals of the non-heritage buildings and structures in preparation for its future adaptive reuse as an event venue.  The Site Plan Approval process is currently underway. 

Owen Sound’s beloved winter celebration, SNOwen Sound Frolics, is back this February 2025! This free month-long, family-friendly event invites everyone to explore the city, solve riddles, and win amazing prizes while enjoying the best of Owen Sound’s winter charm.

New this year, weekly themes bring fresh challenges and adventures each week, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover.

The City of Owen Sound has launched an online, citizen-friendly guide to help residents better understand the City's 2025 Operating Budget.  The "Making Cents of City Spending" guide breaks down complex budget information into easy-to-understand components, highlighting how tax dollars are spent and what services residents receive. The guide can be viewed online at OwenSound.ca/Budget.

The City of Owen Sound Water Division is clearing hydrants of excess snow following recent heavy snowfalls, ensuring they remain accessible for emergency services.  The City periodically clears the snow around the hydrants, but residents can do their part, too!  Keeping clear, unobstructed access to the hydrants' ports ensures precious seconds aren’t wasted clearing snow in the event of an emergency.   

Representatives from Owen Sound and Grey County met with provincial officials today to discuss the region’s health care needs during the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference. 

The City of Owen Sound requested provincial support for the creation of a new doctor-led nurse practitioner clinic. This alternative delivery model would help more families to connect with a family doctor and reduce pressure on our emergency rooms.

Grey County requested the Ministry of Health commit to providing enhanced operating and capital funding to the Hanover and District Hospital in recognition of the additional demands placed on it due to the reduction in service at the Durham and Chesley sites of the South Bruce Grey Hospital Corporation.

Due to the impact of current and forecasted 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 declaration of a significant weather event is not a notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure. It is intended to notify the public that caution must be observed when travelling on city-maintained roads. Restoring the roads to optimal conditions may take longer than usual.

Excess snow removal operations will begin in Owen Sound’s downtown River District area tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15, at 8 p.m.  The work is expected to be completed by early Thursday morning.

City staff will remove excess snow and accumulated piles to improve safety and accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians.  This removal is above and beyond the usual winter maintenance of plowing streets and sidewalks.  Snowbanks will be hauled to designated snow disposal sites where they can safely be stored and, later, melt without causing issues.