About Downtown Improvement Area

About the Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area (OSDIA)

The Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area (OSDIA) was formed by downtown merchants in 1973 under provisions established in the Municipal Act, 2001. The OSDIA is committed to developing a vibrant, visitor friendly downtown core to attract and retain business in downtown Owen Sound.

Vision and Mission Statement

The vision statement of the OSDIA is:

Growing a vibrant, safe and fun Downtown.

The OSDIA Mission Statement provides a clear understanding of who and what the OSDIA represents:

The Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area is committed to providing effective leadership in the ongoing development of the membership area as a vibrant and sustainable business, cultural and residential community. We will achieve this goal by supporting initiatives aimed at improving, beautifying, and promoting the membership area on behalf of all our members. 

Benefits

With the wide ranging needs of a diverse downtown community, the OSDIA Board continues to work towards developing policy, programs and resources that benefit merchants and business throughout the downtown. Examples include:

• Enhanced downtown maintenance (cleaning, watering, weeding, etc.)
• Ongoing downtown promotion (events, branding, promotions, etc.)
• Strengthening downtown community communications (newsletter, website, site visits, etc.)
• Special programs (Downtown Gift Certificates, etc.)
• Advocacy (representing the collective voice of the membership)
• Networking within the OSDIA community, and through alliances with other business and community sectors (meetings, committees, events, etc.)

Boundaries

• South side of 11th Street East (to the north)
• North side of 7th Street East (to the south)
• West side of 4th Avenue East (to the east)
• Sydenham River (to the west)

Volunteering

Volunteers make all the difference at events; they support their community, network with new people, learn different skills, and help ensure events run smoothly.

Would you like to be a part of successful and fun events?  Are you a supporter of downtown Owen Sound?  Then consider volunteering at any or all of our downtown events throughout the year.

Contact us if you'd like to learn more about volunteer opportunities that align with your skills, interests and availability.

OSDIA Board of Management

The OSDIA Board of Management is comprised of members elected to represent the interests of downtown merchants, City Councillors and is supported by City of Owen Sound staff.

The OSDIA Board of Management and staff are committed to maintaining and developing the downtown community, and provide a welcoming experience for residents and visitors. 

OSDIA Board of Management Members:

Dave Parsons, Chair (Proprietor of Parsons Foto Source) e: parsons@fotosource.com	Jacquie Furtner, Vice-Chair (Proprietor of barebirch) e: jacquie@barebirch.ca	Kathy Hannen, Treasurer (Proprietor of Grey Bruce Business Services)  e: info@gbbs.ca
Lois Taylor, Director  (D.C. Taylor Jewellers) e: ltaylor@dctaylor.com	Dianne Mattice, Director  (Proprietor of The Rocking Horse) e: rhmattice@hotmail.com	Councillor Brian O’Leary (City Council Rep) e: boleary@owensound.ca
Ron Cole, Director (Proprietor of Dr Cobbler Shoes & Swirls)  ​e:  dr.cobbler@hotmail.com	Councillor Marion Koepke (City Council Rep) e: mkoepke@owensound.ca	Peter Reid, Director (Proprietor of Tibbs Management) e:  pete.reid@tibbsmanagement.ca

OSDIA Board of Management Meetings

The OSDIA Board of Management meets monthly to discuss and provide direction on events, downtown appearance, concerns of local business operators and residents and Board administration.

Meetings are generally held at the City of Owen Sound City Hall in the Council Chambers. All are welcome to attend.

A full listing of meeting dates can be found on the City of Owen Sound’s website, and the agenda and minutes can be found on Civicweb. 

OSDIA Board of Management Vacancies

There is currently a vacancy on the OSDIA Board of Management. Interested individuals can complete this online application form or attend City Hall to obtain and submit an application form.

A brief bio and/or references can be submitted along with the application but it is not a requirement. Applications need to be submitted by the end of the year and the term of the position goes to November 14, 2022.

Downtown Block Captains

The Downtown Block Captains:

• Welcome new businesses or operators of businesses;

• Notify businesses of upcoming events, initiatives or important OSDIA Board agenda items;

• Obtain feedback on initiatives where feedback from the membership is warranted;

• Provide feedback to OSDIA Board members who represent the membership;

• Ensure that businesses know who the point of contact is with the City for various communications, resources or concerns;

• Act as a liaison between City staff, the OSDIA Board and the DIA membership; and

• Facilitate meetings and cooperation among businesses.

View the Downtown Block Captain map to contact your captain.

Contact Us

Location:

Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area (City Hall)

808 2^nd Avenue East

Owen Sound ON N4K 2H4

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 519-376-9225

Email: diainfo@owensound.ca

Facebook: Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area

Twitter: @OwenSoundDIA