Vibrant Community Advisory Committee

The Vibrant Community Advisory Committee will be effective November 16, 2026.

Meeting dates and times can be found by visiting our Meetings of Council and Committees webpage.

For more information on this committee, please contact the Committee and Executive Support Coordinator, Christina McLean at cmclean@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1208.

Scope

This is an advisory committee that holds public meetings and considers questions, deputations and presentations, correspondence, and reports in relation to matters such as:

• Arena Operations: management, maintenance, and delivery of recreational programs.
• Arts, Culture and Tourism: enhance quality of life through cultural vitality, creativity, and youth participation.
• Building and Planning: building permits, inspections, code compliance, land-use planning, and zoning.
• Community Partnerships: building and maintaining collaborative relationships with organizations, institutions, and government.
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: removing barriers, fostering fairness, and creating inclusive spaces.
• External Relations and Investment Attraction: supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-led projects.
• Heritage: conservation of built heritage and compatible development.
• Parks and Open Space: planning, maintaining, and managing public green spaces.
• Social Well-Being and Belonging: enhancing community connectedness, resilience, and overall well-being.
• Trails: developing and maintaining pathways for active transportation and recreation.

This Committee serves as the Municipal Heritage Committee in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act and provides recommendations on Part IV Conservation of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest and Part V Heritage Conservation Districts.

Associated Plans and Strategies

The plans and strategies associated with this Committee include, but are not limited to:

• Community Improvement Plan;
• Cultural Master Plan;
• Greenwood Cemetery Master Plan;
• Harbour and Downtown Urban Design Master Plan;
• Harrison Park Master Plan;
• Investment Attraction Strategy;
• Kelso Beach at Nawash Park Master Plan;
• Official Plan;
• Recreation, Parks and Facilities Master Plan;
• River District Action Plan;
• Trails Master Plan;
• Victoria Park Master Plan; and
• Zoning By-law.