Economic Development News
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Voting Now Open
Vote October 16-26
Voting for all eligible voters in the City of Owen Sound is available 24 hours per day during the voting period beginning at 10AM on October 16 to 8PM October 26.
Have your Voter Information Letter ready.
To vote by internet, visit https://owensound.simplyvoting.com
To vote by telephone, call 1-833-721-1791
Election Centres are available throughout the Voting Period. Click here to learn more.
The voting period for the Municipal and School Board Election is now open. The voting period runs from 10AM on Friday, October 16 through 8PM on Monday, October 26.
Have your Voter Information Letter ready.
To vote by internet, visit https://owensound.simplyvoting.com
Vote online by clicking below or to vote by telephone call 1-833-721-1791
Election Centres are open to support eligible voters. Click here to visit our website for hours of operation.
The announcement from TC Transcontinental has created significant uncertainty for employees, their families and the broader Owen Sound community. The City recognizes the impact of this news and is working with community partners to better understand what support may be needed in the weeks and months ahead.
The City of Owen Sound is proud to present the free, in-person event Owen Sound Innovates: Celebrating #CIW26 in the Scenic City on Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Sydenham Campus.
This free community showcase is presented in partnership with Grey County Economic Development as part of Canadian Innovation Week (May 11–15, 2026), a national initiative of the Rideau Hall Foundation celebrating the people, partnerships, and possibilities that make Canada a leader on the world stage.
Our Q1 2026 Economic & Industry Brief highlights a strong and active start to the year, including the launch of the City’s External Relations and Investment Attraction Action Plan—an 18-month strategy focused on building relationships, strengthening capacity, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.
This edition features highlights from the Energy Innovators Leadership Forum, new partnerships with Georgian College and Grey County to advance the Community Impact Lab, and ongoing work to support investment readiness and regional collaboration. You’ll also find updates on advocacy efforts, upcoming events like the Healthy Communities Conference and Innovation Week, as well as recent media coverage showcasing momentum across key sectors.
Click through to read the full newsletter, including detailed updates, links to Council reports, and photos from recent events and initiatives.
The 2026 Grey Bruce Home and Lifestyle Show will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show now has a new name to better reflect its broader content, which has expanded to meet our attendees’ needs. The new branding highlights a more comprehensive experience. The traditional home design, renovation and outdoor living will now also include personal wellness, recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, technology, culture and healthy choices. The rebrand signals growth, freshness, and relevance to today’s evolving interests and consumer habits.
The first edition of our quarterly economic development newsletter, which will bring you updates on the collaborations, investments, and sector developments helping strengthen Owen Sound’s economic future.
This edition includes:
The 2026 Grey Bruce Home and Lifestyle Show will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show now has a new name to better reflect its broader content, which has expanded to meet our attendees’ needs. The new branding highlights a more comprehensive experience. The traditional home design, renovation and outdoor living will now also include personal wellness, recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, technology, culture and healthy choices. The rebrand signals growth, freshness, and relevance to today’s evolving interests and consumer habits.
Construction has officially begun on ‘Harbour West’, a major new housing development that will bring 224 rental apartments to Owen Sound’s west waterfront area. The groundbreaking ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for the former Black Clawson Kennedy (BCK) property at 1144 1st Avenue West.
The Harbour West project, led by Hansa Financial & Property Management, will transform the long-vacant waterfront site into a six-building residential space featuring 224 rental apartments. Site preparation is underway, including the crushing of existing concrete for reuse on site, as well as groundwork for piling and foundation. The first tenants are anticipated to move in by Fall 2026.
City Council has approved a historic 25-year strategic plan that lays out key principles and priorities to secure Owen Sound’s future as a livable, safe and enjoyable city for everyone.
“Vision 2050 charts our City’s future at a time of unprecedented change, challenge and opportunity,” said Mayor Ian Boddy. “It provides a compass bearing for current and future City Councils to set priorities and take action.”
On World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 28, Owen Sound made environmental history as one of six Ontario communities selected to host the province’s first-ever Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup.
Owen Sound is experiencing remarkable development growth in 2025, with building activity reaching historic highs. Years of preparation by City Council, along with the dedicated work of city staff, are now paying off as major projects move forward and investment in the city surges.
Construction values in Owen Sound have reached $214.5 million year-to-date. In the past six years, construction values peaked at $67 million in 2020. This exceptional growth reflects both the City’s commitment to strategic planning and the strong interest from developers in Owen Sound’s future.
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