FDC is a Regulatory By-law that permits the use of certain lands in the City for overnight camping to support participation in the Salmon Spectacular and The Sound Charity Shootout fishing derbies.
Fish Derby Camping
Fish Derby Camping (FDC) Rules
If you want to camp in the east or west harbour areas during the Salmon Spectacular and The Sound Charity Shootout Fishing Derbies, you need to follow the rules of a Regulatory By-law that was updated in 2025.
New in 2025: You must purchase and display a permit to camp in these areas during the Derby.
The map below outlines the designated camping areas. A1 and A2 represent City property for which users must buy a permit/pass (link below). A3 is the West Side Boat launch, A4 is Georgian Shores Marina. Passes can be purchased through their independent sites. Derby camping is not permitted outside these areas.
Fish Derby Camping (FDC) is only allowed during the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular and The Sound Charity Shootout, and for a short period before and after the event. You are not allowed to park trailers or vehicles overnight outside of Derby period.
For 2025, campers with the proper permits can set up at noon on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 and must vacate by noon on Monday, September 1, 2025.
See below for some Frequently Asked Questions.
What is Fish Derby Camping (FDC)?
What is the purpose of the Fish Derby Camping By-law in Owen Sound?
In the past, the use of public spaces during the derby has created challenges for the City relating to garbage, unsafe conditions, and how the space was used. The updated Regulatory By-law supports the fall fishing derbies and aims to reduce the negative impact on public spaces during this time with a focus on safety.
Are the Rules Relating to FDC New?
No, the City has had rules for FDC since 2005. In 2025, the regulations have been updated to support the use of the space by the public, supporting participation in the fishing Derbies.
Fish derby camping is permitted in four (4) designated areas on the east and west sides of the harbour, including the Georgian Shores Marina (A4 on the map below - maximum 25 vehicles) and the West Side Boat Launch (A3 on the map below - 25 vehicles maximum).
Can I Park my Trailer, Motor Home or Vehicle Anywhere?
There are restrictions within the areas where vehicles can be parked.
A 3 m offset is required from the edge of the Harbour Wall by Transport Canada.
A 6 m fire route through the space is required.
Vehicles will set up where they choose to, within the permitted areas and timelines (specific sites within parking area is not assigned).
Fish Derby Parking is permitted within the hatched areas on the map below (A1 and A2):
What are the General Rules for Using Fish Derby Camping (FDC)?
- Fish Derby Camping (FDC) requires a valid permit that must be displayed and visible.
- Parking is permitted 36 hours in advance of the start of fishing for the fall derbies (i.e. Wednesday at noon).
- Parking area must be vacated no later than 24 hours after the end of fishing (12 noon on Labour Day Monday).
- FDC is only permitted in the areas identified in the By-law.
- Eligible vehicles include camper trailers, camper vans, motor homes, or other vehicles designed for camping. These vehicles must include a toilet and cooking facilities and have a valid licence plate.
- An applicant can obtain a maximum of two(2) vehicle licenses. The first licence must be for a camping vehicle. If the vehicle is not self-propelled (like a pull-behind trailer), the same applicant may submit a second application for an associated passenger vehicle (like a truck to tow the trailer).
- Tents are not permitted.
- Passenger vehicles are allowed but are not permitted for use for Fish Derby Camping and must have a valid pass and be associated with a camper trailer.
- No vehicle is permitted in the fire route.
- No selling of goods, food or services from vehicles.
- No open fires are permitted for cooking or warmth.
- Cooking may be done within the area where FDC is permitted on a camp stove, charcoal or gas BBQ or other CSA certified device.
- No alcohol may be consumed in this area.
- Garbage must be placed in the provided containers and not left on any site or in any public space.
- Users must maintain and leave the space in a clean and sanitary condition.
- Grey water and black water must be kept in a holding tank and can not be dumped into the storm sewer or on the ground. A sanitary pump out is available at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant in accordance with the standard fee.
- Users must ensure there are no leaks from vehicles that could contaminate the area.
- A licence for fish derby camping does not grant exclusive use of any space along the harbour walls.
- All fish cleaning to occur at the Derby location or at the Municipal fish cleaning stations located at the East and West boat launch areas.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for a FDC Permit/Pass?
- To be able to get a Fish Derby Camping permit, the camping vehicle must include washroom and cooking facilities (like in a camper trailer).
- Passenger vehicles (cars, pick up trucks, etc.) must be associated with a camper trailer with a valid permit and cannot be used for overnight camping.
- Each vehicle requires a permit/pass.
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Each vehicle must have a valid license plate.
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A valid Salmon Spectacular Derby or The Sound Charity Shootout registration number is required to obtain a FDC permit.
What is the Fee for an FDC Pass?
The fee is $150 for each vehicle.
This covers the 10 days of the Salmon Spectacular Derby in addition to 36 hours in advance and 24 hours after fishing ends. This is less than $15 per day.
A permit is required for each vehicle in the FDC area. A permit for a passenger vehicle must be associated with a camping vehicle.
An applicant can obtain a maximum of two(2) vehicle licenses. The first licence must be for a camping vehicle. If the vehicle is not self-propelled (like a pull-behind trailer), the same applicant may submit a second application for an associated passenger vehicle (like a truck to tow the trailer).
How Many FDC Passes is the City selling?
For the two locations on the west and east harbourfront, the City will be issuing approximately 115 passes total.
Georgian Shores Marina (A4 on the map below) will be processing up to 25 vehicles and the West Side Boat Launch (A3 on the map below) will also have 25 vehicles maximum.
The sale of permits/passes will open on June 17, 2025.
Sale of passes will be on a first come, first served basis.
You can apply for a permit/pass beginning June 17, 2025. A link will be live on this webpage then..
If you don’t already have an online PerfectMind account, please take a few minutes in advance of FDC pass sales starting June 17 and set up your online account.
Once sales open, use the link on this webpage to apply.
Please have the following information ready:
- Name
- Address
- Valid Derby Entry number
- Valid Driver’s License
- License Plate for vehicle/trailer
- Credit Card for payment
Passes can also be purchased at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For passes to camp at Georgian Shores Marina or the West Side Boat Launch, please visit their independent websites for more details.
What Will the City Use the Revenue For?
The City will use the revenue to off set the cost of providing waste bins and pick up and disposal, washroom facilities and by-law enforcement in the areas of the Fish Derby Camping during the fishing derbies.
What Happens If I Don't Get a Pass?
Those who park in designated public spaces without an FDC pass may be subject to financial penalties.
The City will use existing parking enforcement staff and By-law enforcement staff to issue fines for non-compliance.
Fine amount: $300
Background Reports
Fish Derby Camping Contact
For any further questions or concerns regarding Fish Derby Camping in Owen Sound, please email building@owensound.ca
Contact Us
808 2nd Avenue East,
Owen Sound, ON
N4K 2H4
Phone: 519-376-1440
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