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Cooling and Warming Centres

On days when an extreme heat warning is issued, you are reminded to:

  • Drink lots of water
  • Stay out of the sun
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
    • Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing and sunscreen
    • Pace yourself
  • Stay in air-conditioned places
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down
  • Never leave children or pets in cars

Seniors and young children are particularly at risk during heat and smog-related weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are okay, especially isolated adults and seniors, who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness.

Residents with small children are reminded that the Kelso Beach Splash Pad is open.

The Harrison Park Pool is open for free, sponsored swims during the following times: 

  • Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
  • Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
  • Sundays, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Residents requiring assistance, emergency shelter or amenities are also reminded to call 211. 211 is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An online 211 resource is also available.

Remember your reusable water bottle while on the go. Municipal tap water is clean and safe to drink, a great value for your money, convenient to drink and an environmentally friendly and healthy choice.

Water Refill Stations are available in some City facilities during regular business hours:
Service animals and emotional support animals are always welcome at the Cooling Centre locations.

Warming or Cooling Centre Locations

808 2nd Avenue East

519-376-1440

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

824 1st Avenue West

519-376-6623

Monday 1 p.m. - 8p.m.

Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

1900 3rd Avenue East

519-376-3594

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

700 10th Street East 

Enter the YMCA through the North and South facing doors.

Summer hours (July 1 - September 2) are:

Monday to Friday: 5:45 AM - 9 PM
Saturdays, Sundays and Stat Holidays: 7 AM - 3 PM

Fall, Winter and Spring hours (until June 30) are:

Monday to Friday: 5:45 AM - 9 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 7 AM - 5 PM
Stat Holidays: 7 AM - 3 PM

 (519) 376-3611

Public Washrooms

The City of Owen Sound recognizes the need to have ready access to clean, safe public washrooms as a vital part of personal and public health and as fundamental to human dignity, especially for people who are restroom-challenged. This includes access to a public washroom at any time of the day or night. 

The City is reminding people that public washrooms are available in the River District, as well as at many other parks and facilities across the city, for visitors and residents to access as they enjoy all that Owen Sound has to offer. 

Most washroom facilities do have a time-of-day availability which is noted below. However, in response to a growing need for a washroom with 24-hour access in a safe and supervised location within the River District, the washroom at the Owen Sound Police Services building on 2nd Avenue West is now available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

The City also reminds you that clean washrooms are essential to public health, so please remember to be tidy and courteous when using shared public facilities.

Locations below; updated July 2024

Owen Sound Police Services
922 2nd Avenue West
Hours: Available 24/7 with secure buzzer entry.

  • City Hall
    808 2nd Avenue East
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library
    824 1st Avenue West
    Hours: Mondays from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Tom Thomson Art Gallery/Owen Sound Visitor Services
    840 1st Avenue West
    Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Bayshore Community Centre
    1900 3rd Avenue East
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre/YMCA Shared Corridor
    700 10th Street East
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Owen Sound Farmers’ Market
    88 8th St East
    Hours: Saturday mornings during the Farmers’ Market. Washrooms are also available during River District events such as the Hottest Street Sale on July 13th.

  • Harrison Park Inn and Island
    75 2nd Avenue East
    Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Kelso Beach at Nawash Park
    2nd Avenue West
    Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

  • East Boat Launch
    South Bayshore Parking Lot
    Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • West Boat Launch
    1451 1st Ave West
    Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Transit Terminal
    1020 3rd Ave East
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Contact Us

808 2nd Avenue East,
Owen Sound, ON
N4K 2H4
Phone: 519-376-1440
Email us

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