Mayor and Council

Mayor

It's an honour and a privilege, as Mayor of the City of Owen Sound, to welcome you to our beautiful City.

Tucked into a scenic valley on the Niagara Escarpment and along the shore of Georgian Bay, Owen Sound is the home to festivals, sports facilities, indoor and outdoor events, scenic parks, and cultural experiences. Our downtown offers a unique blend of shops, boutiques, coffee bars and restaurants. Our historic Carnegie Library and Tom Thomson Art Gallery are in the heart of downtown.and a privilege, as Mayor of the City of Owen Sound, to welcome you to our beautiful City.

We wish to keep residents, visitors and business leaders informed through our website and social media of our latest news, notices, and services in our community. If you are seeking economic or business development information, or wishing to review reports for a Committee, or minutes from our Council meetings, you can find it here.

I encourage you to browse our website, come and visit us, and you will discover that Owen Sound is where you want to live!

Sincerely,

Ian Boddy

Mayor of Owen Sound

519-376-4440 ext.1212

A fifth generation Boddy born in North Grey, Ian was born and raised in Owen Sound and comes from a long line of independent businessmen. A graduate of University of Alberta and Western University's Faculty of Law, he was called to the bar in 1993 and immediately moved home to the Grey and Bruce to begin his legal practice.

Ian is an active community member. Prior to being elected to Owen Sound City Council in 2010, and as Mayor in 2014, he was the Fundraising Chair for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, coached the Minor Lacrosse, and sat on the Board of the Georgian Bay Folk Society for five years, where he was President for two years. Mayor Boddy was also the Chair of the Sesquicentennial Homecoming Committee in 2007.

To invite the Mayor to your event, send your request in writing, at least 3 weeks before the date. Make sure you include:

• Name of the occasion
• Date
• Time
• Location
• What you expect from the Mayor

To request a letter of recognition or a certificate to celebrate a special milestone, send your request in writing, and be sure to include:

• Honouree's first and last name
• Date of occasion
• Type of occasion
• Date the certificate/letter is required
• Mailing or pickup instructions

Most certificates are given for birthdays of 80 years or more and anniversaries of 50 years or more. Other special requests will be considered.

Most Council meetings are on Mondays in council chambers at 7:00 p.m. Some meetings have a closed session.

Please note that due to COVID-19, public attendance at Council meetings is currently restricted. Please view our Council Meeting Attendance FAQ's for more details.

Watch a meeting live on local Rogers TV, or the following day on the City's YouTube channel.

Members of the public have two opportunities to speak directly to Council. One is during public question period. The other is by asking to make a presentation (also called a deputation).

Requests for support are generally heard first by the appropriate committee. The committee then makes a recommendation to council.

Clerks' staff will review your request for deputation and confirm a meeting date with you at Council or committee. View tips on what to expect when speaking at a meeting.

Please note that due to COVID-19 preventative measures, our processes have recently changed. Please review the Council Meeting Attendance Information Sheet for further details.

View the council agenda three days before a meeting. Read the council minutes once they're approved at the next meeting (usually two weeks later).

Highlights of the council meeting are available for reading the next day.

Boards and committees help council do its work. Each one has its own agenda and minutes.

In order to respect all citizens and community groups, the City does not make proclamations or support public awareness campaigns. The City has a policy on making proclamations, supporting public awareness campaigns and flying flags. The City flies only those flags listed in the policy. To request a flag flying please fill in this information form and submit it to the City Manager's Office. 

Council members are elected at large, every four years. The next election is in 2022.