News and Public Notices

The City of Owen Sound is donating a collection of historic artifacts from the former City Hall clock tower to Grey Roots Museum & Archives, ensuring they are preserved and accessible for future generations. The donation, approved by Owen Sound City Council on July 27, 2026, includes five historic bronze bells, four clock faces, and the original clockworks. It grew out of an opportunity identified through the City’s continuous improvement ‘lean’ program to enhance long-term stewardship for these artifacts.

Two blocks of 2nd Avenue East will be temporarily closed starting at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to allow for the removal of cross-street banners in the River District.

Summer plans and vacations are underway for many, including the 2026 Salmon Spectacular which runs Friday, August 28, through Sunday, September 6, 2026. The City of Owen Sound reminds residents and visitors to plan ahead for camping and boating needs.

Introduced last year, a Fish Derby Camping (FDC) permit system is in place to help balance harbourfront use during the Salmon Spectacular. Permits to camp overnight in specified areas along the inner harbour wall are available for purchase online at OwenSound.ca/FDC or in person at City Hall.

Residents are invited to participate in the second phase of public engagement to help choose a new name for the City park located at 823 5th Avenue East, north of 8th Street East. Following the first phase, which gathered community suggestions, residents are now encouraged to visit the project page at OurCity.OwenSound.ca/Park-Naming to review and rank their top three preferred names.

Unlock the stories behind some of Owen Sound's most fascinating buildings and heritage spaces during Doors Open Ontario on Saturday, July 18.

The second of three Goods Exchange Days for 2026 will be taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Goods Exchange Day diverts usable items and materials from landfill disposal. It is also a great way to get rid of unwanted stuff without the hassle of hosting a garage sale. 

City residents are invited to place unwanted but still usable items at the curb in front of their homes after 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. If you are looking for something, tour the city and pick up items you can reuse.

The City of Owen Sound is advising residents and motorists of a temporary road closure on 8th Street East between 8th Avenue East and 9th Avenue East, beginning Monday, July 13, 2026, until Friday, July 31.  This closure is to accommodate essential maintenance work on the natural gas distribution system.

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of its Summer 2026 exhibitions: Tú eres mi otro yo: Mundos, Mundo, Worlds by Michelle Peraza; Content is Just a Glimpse exploring the life and work of Robert Markle; and Forecast – June to January. The exhibitions open with a free public reception on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the TOM.

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and favourite friends and neighbours —Outdoor Movie Nights return to Owen Sound beginning this Friday, July 10, kicking off another season of free family-friendly entertainment under the stars!

The Hottest Street Sale returns to the Owen Sound River District on Saturday, July 11, along 2nd Avenue East.  The event will run between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and include over 200 places to shop, eat and enjoy music. This family-friendly event will feature the famous Summerfolk Stage, sponsored by Mix 106.5 at the 9th Street intersection with live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce will also host a community stage on the front steps of City Hall starting at 9:30 a.m. with live demonstrations and performances from local groups.