News

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to share that a new Collective Agreement between the City employees represented by CUPE 1189-01 and the City of Owen Sound has been ratified.

Both the union, which represents many of the City’s outside workers, and City Council have formally approved the terms of the new contract on April 2, 2025. The previous agreement expired on March 31, 2024, and the new agreement runs through to March 31, 2027.

The 2025 Home and Cottage Expo will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With overwhelming interest in this year’s event, booth spaces are nearly sold out. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand at one of the industry’s most significant events in this area.

The City of Owen Sound has received its 2023 Financial Indicator Review from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The results confirm that all the City’s key financial indicators are within low-risk thresholds, meaning financial metrics (such as debt levels, reserves, and revenue stability) do not pose any major financial concerns. 

The Owen Sound River District is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Special Events Award of Excellence. The Award was received in the Marketing & Promotions category in recognition of the Wheel & Ride Safety Festival and Bike Program event held annually.

Following significant building renovations, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery exhibition spaces will be re-opening to the public on Saturday, April 5.  An Opening Reception will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free for all to attend.  The reception will unveil three new exhibitions in the TOM, all of which are connected by the theme of context and environments that shape experiences: Safekeeping; Soft Futures; Nicholas Hornyansky: An Everyday Utility

The City of Owen Sound is initiating a city-wide Water Meter Replacement Project to upgrade aging residential water meters with advanced technology. The majority of the current water meters in Owen Sound's residential properties have reached the end of their operational lifespan. In response, the City is undertaking a mass replacement project to install new meters. The City has partnered with Neptune Technology Group, a trusted resource that has installed millions of water meters across the country, to carry out the installations. 

Thanks to the overwhelming success of last year’s initiative, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery (The TOM) and Owen Sound Waste Watchers (OSWW) are excited to announce Upcycling TOM 2025 with East Ridge Community School! This year, the school has come together to take on the challenge of creating upcycled artworks inspired by the iconic Canadian landscape artist, Tom Thomson. The school selected Sunset Sky, one of Thomson’s most celebrated works, as their inspiration for the project. Students worked collaboratively over the winter months, using only recycled materials — from plastic waste to old textiles, cardboard, and discarded books — to recreate the stunning colours and textures of Sunset Sky.

Discover Owen Sound’s rich history and plan a day trip to explore heritage sites as part of Doors Open Ontario. This annual program of the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the City of Owen Sound, will take place this year on Saturday, June 21.

The City of Owen Sound is seeking host sites to open their doors to visitors on June 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. To take part, please contact Jen Wright, Events and Activation Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email jwright@owensound.ca.  Past Doors Open Owen Sound sites have included museums, places of worship, art studios, sports clubs, gardens, cemeteries and more.

Many communities face a challenge with the proper disposal of sharps in public places. With the arrival of warmer weather, more sharps and needles may be discovered, exposed by the melting snow. To address this issue, a community-based approach is required. The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents of how they can be a part of the solution to ensure proper disposal of sharps.  

The City of Owen Sound is saddened to share the passing of Darcy Wise, a valued member of our arenas team. Darcy played an essential role in keeping the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre clean and welcoming after Owen Sound Attack games. 

Known for his reliability, he never missed a shift and was respected by all who had the pleasure of working with him. His positive attitude and dedication will be deeply missed by colleagues and the community alike.

Flags will be lowered to half-mast beginning on March 20 at City facilities in his honour.