General City News

Two new exhibitions open this season at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery (TOM), inviting audiences to experience both the intricate intelligence of the natural world and the bold creative voices of the next generation. Opening Saturday, April 25, with a free public reception from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. are Liz Zetlin: More Than Human – a year in my garden, and Emergence 2026. Together, the exhibitions explore the power of connection across ecosystems, generations, and ways of seeing, highlighting how art helps us make sense of our place in the world.

The first of eight Household Hazardous Waste Day events of 2026 will be held at the Public Works Facility (1900 20th Street East) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026.  

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce the 2026 Arts, Culture and Volunteer Award winners. The free event took place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Thursday, April 16.  Nominees included musicians, visual artists, performers, volunteers, and new and long-established organizations and events, reflecting the diversity of Owen Sound’s cultural scene. The celebratory event was open to the public and included light snacks, entertainment and cash bar. The biannual Arts and Culture Awards are presented in partnership this year with the annual Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year awards.

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery (TOM) is excited to offer two full-day PD Day camps on Friday, June 5 and Friday June 26, 2026. Designed for kids 8-12 years old, these interactive programs take place at the TOM from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each day is $60 (HST exempt) per student.

Owen Sound City Council has voted to bring the multi-residential property tax ratio in line with the residential rate, completing a phased approach that Council first approved several years ago.

Residents are invited to participate in the first 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. The park, previously known as Ryerson Park, is undergoing a renaming process guided by the City’s Naming and Re‑Naming Policy for City Parks and Facilities. A full project page is available on the City’s online engagement platform at OurCity.OwenSound.ca/Park-Naming.

The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents who are considering running as a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board election or registering as a third -party advertiser, that they are invited to attend a Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Information Session being held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grey County Council Chambers, 595 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound.  

Please be advised that The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound intends to adopt amendments to Fees and Charges By-law No. 2025-060, in accordance with subsection 391(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.