Downtown River Precinct Plan

In June of 2018, City Council approved the recommendations of the Environmental Assessment and the detailed design work for the Engineering, landscaping and Farmers’ Market building was initiated for the Downtown River Precinct. 

The Downtown River Precinct initiative, which is identified as a priority in the Harbour and Downtown Urban Design/Master Plan Strategy  focuses on the River and includes features such as:

  • A continuous riverside trail through the downtown – strengthening the link to the inner harbour
  • The extension of the Percy England Parkette toward the River;
  • A wide pedestrian promenade along the east river bank;
  • A market square focused on the river and a multi purpose civic square;
  • A pedestrian focus, adding benches, trees, tables….and much more.
  • An accessible and inclusive urban envrironment. 

1st Avenue East includes some of the oldest water main in the City and the project will include renewing this hard infrastructure and improving the environment in terms of how we manage storm water in this area. 

Phase II of the Downtown River Precinct Project is set to begin Summer 2022!

For more information and additional background, see the links below. 

Additional project details contact:

Dennis Kefalas, Director of Public Works & Engineering

dkefalas@owensound.ca

519 376 4440 x. 1201

SUMMER 2022 Phase II - Downtown River Precinct
 Presentations 
 December 7, 2021 Operations Committee

David Wood's presentation to the Operations Committee Video

Downtown River Precinct - 900 Block Presentation 

Downtown River Precinct Phase II
Phase I

What is the first phase of construction?

The first phase is the 800 block of 1st Avenue East and consists of:

  • Realignment of the 800 block of 1st Avenue East;
  • Converting this portion of 1st Avenue East to one-way southbound;
  • The replacement of the Farmers’ Market Pavilion to a T-shape shifting the focus to the river with a vendor area on the west side of the new pavilion;
  • Strengthening the pedestrian connection from the Percy England Parkette to the River area and Market;
  • Creating a mid-block gathering space for people as well as a comfortable pedestrian space closer to 9th Street proximate to the River;
  • Creating a wide, accessible river pedestrian walkway that brings pedestrians and users closer to the Sydenham River; and
  • Place to park your bicycle and visit the downtown and river area.

There will also be civil work consisting of damp proofing the 8th Street Bridge, extending existing water mains and the repaving portion of 8th Street East.

What are some key features and highlights relating to accessibility in this project?

The Farmers’ Market pavilion will have several key features to improve accessibility to both the pavilion and the Farmers’ Market itself and include the following:

  • Two barrier free parking stalls will be reserved on the east side of the pavilion and be equipped with a barrier free ramp to access the new sidewalk that will be installed on the east side of the pavilion;
  • There will be three sets of doors installed on the new pavilion that will be equipped with push button door openers, making access to the building barrier free;
  • The new concrete pad for the pavilion is designed to provide barrier free access to the Farmers’ Market;
  • Tactile Walking Surface Indicator plates will be used; and
  • The north arm of the pavilion that runs east-west will have barrier free access on the west side and on the north side (middle)
 Public Meetings
 A public meeting regarding the Downtown River Precinct plan was held on Tuesday, March 13 at the Harmony Centre. 
Video from Director of Community Services, Pam Coulter
 Video Updates - Diggin' with Dennis 

Director of Public Works and Engineering, Dennis Kefalas has provided video updates of the project as it progresses. Follow along with us below.

  August 30th - Diggin' with Dennis 
 
  July 17th - Diggin' with Dennis 
 
 June 24th - Diggin' with Dennis 
 
  June 12th - Diggin' with Dennis
 
 May 28th - Diggin' with Dennis
 

 

 Plans
Landscape Drawing DWG 1

Landscape Drawing DWG 2

Farmer's Market Pavilion 

Background 

What is the Downtown River Precinct (DRP) and why did the City undertake this study and project?

Recognizing the tremendous potential of Owen Sound to revitalize its downtown and harbour the City undertook a master plan study (2000) to create a comprehensive plan that would set a positive direction to create a climate of redevelopment in the downtown.  The Study was based on the premise that the City’s downtown and waterfront are some of the City’s most important resources and that no comprehensive plan existed to guide the overall redevelopment of the area toward a common vision.

Along with the master plan and urban design strategy that establishes specifics for development and restoration toward the vision, an implementation plan – which set the standards for construction of the physical improvements, partnership and policy changes that re-inforce the direction of the plan was completed.  This package is referred to as the “Owen Sound Harbour & Downtown Urban Design Master Plan”. 

The master plan provided streetscape guidelines and divided the study area into precincts with distinctive urban character that translated in general streetscape character guidelines.  The Plan has clear principles for successful implementation and contains detailed recommendations with prioritized actions. 

The Downtown River Precinct initiative, which is identified as a priority in the Harbour and Downtown Urban Design/Master Plan Strategy  focuses on the River and includes features such as:

  • A continuous riverside trail through the downtown – strengthening the link to the inner harbour;
  • The extension of the Percy England Parkette toward the River;
  • A wide pedestrian promenade along the east river bank;
  • A market square focused on the river and a multi-purpose civic square;
  • Landings for short term boat, canoe & kayak docking;
  • A pedestrian focus, adding benches, trees, tables….and much more.

What is the project area?

The area wraps around both sides of the Sydenham River, from 1st Avenue West to 1st Avenue East, from just south of 8th Street to 10th Street. 

Master Plan and Appendicies

Downtown River Precinct - Master Plan and Farmer's Market - Schedule 'B' EA

 Appendicies

Appendicies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I

Appendix J - The Farmer's Market Schedule 'B' EA

Appendix K - Design Drawings

Council Presentation June 25 2018

Presentation to City Council

OP-18-032 - Downtown River Precinct - MCEA - Recommendation of Preferred Alternatives

Concept and Presentation from Kim Allerton
In 2013, Kim Allerton of Northwood Associates presented a concept and outline of the Downtown River Precinct Plan. 
Studies and Background
 Scoped Traffic Study
 A scoped traffic study has been carried to identify traffic trends and how the plan will impact traffic in the area. 
Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment
An archaeological study was completed. 
Environmental Assessment 
full environmental assessment was conducted in the preliminary stage of the Downtown River Precinct plan, complete with appendices. 

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