News

The City of Owen Sound will once again host the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration in partnership with the YMCA Bruce Grey Owen Sound at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre on Tuesday, December 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated at the door.

The City of Owen Sound proudly recognizes dedicated municipal employees for significant years of service and introduced new Employee Choice Awards this year.  These awards recognize staff who go above and beyond to demonstrate the City’s values of Integrity, Creativity, Caring, and Sustainability in their day-to-day work.

Owen Sound Council has approved a lease agreement with the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey (WHSBG) for the lease of the Rice House (located beside the TOM on 1st Avenue West) for a three-year term beginning January 5, 2026.  This agreement is exciting for our community and demonstrates how a City asset is helping meet current local housing needs.

WHSBG proposes using the Rice House for the newly developed BIRTCH program described below, covering all costs, including utilities, maintenance, operating expenses, and property insurance. This aligns with Council’s ongoing commitment to support housing and homelessness solutions in Owen Sound, where possible.

The City of Owen Sound is proceeding with the removal of high-priority hazardous trees identified in the updated municipal tree inventory. Work will begin immediately, weather permitting, and will be carried out by Mulmur Tree Services, the contractor retained to complete this program. 

The City’s most recent tree inventory identified a number of trees (approximately 288 trees) in high and very high hazard categories due to structural defects, emerald ash borer damage, or advanced decline. These trees present elevated risks to public safety and property. 

This holiday season, residents and visitors can celebrate their love of Owen Sound with a range of unique local merchandise now available through Owen Sound Tourism and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. From cozy winter apparel to artist-inspired keepsakes, these items offer a meaningful way to share hometown pride while supporting local cultural institutions.

Please be advised that City Council will hold a Special Council meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

The purpose of the Special Council meeting is for Council to consider a staff report respecting proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, and continue the Council Working Session from the November 24, 2025 Special Council meeting on Official Plan Amendment No. 14 and Zoning By-law Amendment No. 57.

It’s never too late to shift your shopping focus to support local businesses, and Owen Sound’s River District has so many great shops and stores to do just that!  

Join River District businesses during Moonlight Madness this Friday, December 5th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Stores will be open late with special offers and sales inside. The River District streets will come alive with holiday spirit, fire tables, seating, and more! Make sure you make time to take in the Holiday Artisan Market running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market. 

Every year on December 6, the City of Owen Sound recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  Flags at all City facilities (excluding City Hall’s community flagpole) will be lowered to half-mast, in honour of this day of significance.

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:

• Recently Approved: External Relations and Investment Attraction Action Plan (2025–2027)
• Priority Growth Sectors
• Strengthening Regional Partnerships
• Intergovernmental Relations
• What’s Next