Mayor's Statement: Public Service and Community Leadership

In Owen Sound, the strength of our community has always come from the people who choose to be involved, to care deeply, and to step forward to lead.

I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing men and women of various ages, with broad experiences and expertise, from different backgrounds and different careers. All of them have acted in the best interests of the community and worked together to make Owen Sound the place you want to live.

Having served on Council for sixteen years and as your Mayor for the past twelve years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact of dedicated public service. Some of the most meaningful progress we’ve made has come not from having all the answers, but from working together, people bringing different perspectives to the table, listening to one another, and finding the best path forward as a team.

As we look ahead to the next municipal election, I want to encourage residents from all backgrounds and walks of life to consider running for City Council.

You don’t need to have the perfect answers or the most innovative ideas to serve your community. What matters most is a willingness to collaborate, to listen, to build relationships with people across differences, and to stay curious. The right solutions rarely come from one person working in isolation; they come from open, respectful conversations and a shared commitment to doing what is best for the community.

While there have been some specific accomplishments made such as rebuilding 10th Street bridge and adding biodegradable waste collection through our weekly Green Bin program, the achievements that I am proudest of are the work we have done to move our city forward into the future.

We have made Owen Sound a good place to invest, and built relationships with commercial industry, and housing developers. We have attracted new investment to increase the tax assessment, making our tax rates more competitive to attract even more investment. We have established a long-term capital financial planning process to replace aging streets. We have started a strategic service review process to ensure we provide services as efficiently as possible, focusing on continuous improvement, collaborating with others, setting clear goals and being accountable. All of which will help future councils be able to excel in providing the services we all want.

Through our long-term strategic plan, Future Owen Sound: Vision 2050, we have set a clear direction: to build a vibrant, welcoming, and connected city. This vision is not a fixed roadmap, but a pathway, one that requires thoughtful leadership, adaptability, and continued collaboration.

The success of that vision depends on the people who choose to carry it forward.

Serving on Council is an opportunity to be part of meaningful change, helping guide decisions, supporting services, and ensuring Owen Sound remains a place where people feel connected, supported, and proud to live. Our strategic plan was built by the community, and it will continue to evolve through the voices, ideas, and contributions of those who step up to serve.

Public service is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It is a chance to make a positive difference and to help shape the future we all share.

If you believe in this community, if you see its potential and want to help build what comes next, I encourage you to consider putting your name forward.

Together, through collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to service, we can keep building the Owen Sound we envision for 2050—one step at a time. As we look ahead to the next municipal election, I encourage anyone who is passionate about our community to consider putting their name forward. Strong communities are built by engaged citizens willing to lead, serve, and help shape the future

For more information, please contact the Communications Team, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1207 or email communications@owensound.ca

Quick Links:

• The Nomination Period for the 2026 Municipal Election is open until Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.
• For all 2026 Election Information, please visit OwenSoundVotes.ca
• For all Owen Sound residents, up until August 12, please visit RegisterToVoteON.ca to check that you are on the Voters’ List and your information is up to date. After August 12, please contact the Election Team at elections@owensound.ca or call 519-370-7350 to get on the Voters’ List.

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