General City News

The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents to follow important safety regulations regarding open-air burning as warmer weather approaches.

The City of Owen Sound and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office (SON EO) invite the public to attend a Marker Tree Dedication Ceremony recognizing this culturally significant tree located beside the river in the Harrison Park campground.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 – which is also recognized as Earth Day – and will begin with an Indigenous ceremonial fire, followed by drumming from members of the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre. The program will also include greetings from dignitaries, a teaching from Lenore Keeshig of Neyaashiinigmiing, and the unveiling of an interpretive plaque at the site.

As the Easter long weekend approaches, the City is sharing updates on facility closures and adjusted hours.

The City of Owen Sound, County of Grey, and Wellington County are pleased to announce that the Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) bus service has been extended through August 31, 2026.

This extension is supported by funding contributions from the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF), and the Counties of Grey and Wellington, ensuring uninterrupted service for riders across the region.

The City of Owen Sound thanks residents for their cooperation and commitment to water conservation over the past week and a half. As part of the precautionary boil water advisory issued on March 14, Owen Sound water users were asked to reduce non-essential water use to assist the Water Treatment Plant’s remedial efforts.  These efforts supported the rapid recovery of the municipal reservoir and helped ensure a stable and reliable water supply for the community.

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.

Calling all vendors, artisans, community groups, schools, commercial services and more! The annual Hottest Street Sale is returning to the River District this July and registration for vendors is now open. The registration deadline is June 22.

The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents that nominations for the 2026 Arts and Culture Awards are still open, with the deadline fast approaching. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations within the local arts and culture sector at OwenSound.ca/Awards. The nominations will close on Friday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m.