General City News

Please be advised that the Committee of Adjustment hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. has been cancelled.

The City of Owen Sound wishes to inform residents of a significant update to the Ontario Fire Code that is expected to affect many community members. The Ontario government has announced updates to the Ontario Fire Code that will strengthen carbon monoxide (CO) safety in homes and other residential buildings, effective January 1, 2026. These changes expand where CO alarms must be installed to better protect residents from carbon monoxide, an invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas.

Due to the impact of current and forecast weather conditions on the City’s road and sidewalk infrastructure, the City of Owen Sound has declared a Significant Weather Event that will remain in effect until further notice.

The declaration of a significant weather event is not a notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure. It is intended to notify the public that caution must be observed when travelling on city-maintained roads. Restoring the roads to optimal conditions may take longer than usual.

Only essential travel is advised. Travel on municipal roads and sidewalks maintained by the City of Owen Sound requires extra caution during a declared Significant Weather Event. All municipal streets and sidewalks are in a “state of repair” until an end to the significant weather event is announced. 

Mayor Ian Boddy has formally tabled his proposed 2026 budget for the City of Owen Sound. This budget was developed in consultation with each Council member, the Director of Corporate Services, and the City Manager. The steps taken in developing this budget were careful and measured, in parallel with the Province of Ontario’s implementation of Strong Mayor powers earlier this year.

'Tis the season for winter holidays, and the City is reminding residents of facility closures and modified hours for some programs and services. Plan ahead so you can spend quality time with family and friends.  

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.