General City News

Take notice that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound will hold a public meeting on November 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Owen Sound to consider a proposed City-initiated Official Plan Amendment pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended (the “Planning Act”).

Take notice that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound has initiated an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment, being an application to amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-078, as amended pursuant to Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended (the “Planning Act”). This application is deemed to be a complete submission under Section 34(10.4) of the Planning Act.

Take notice that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound will hold a public meeting to consider Zoning By-law Amendment No. 57 on November 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Owen Sound, in accordance with Section 34 of the Planning Act.

Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services responded to the report of a fire alarm system activated at 1350 16th Street East shortly after 4:00 a.m. (Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse).

The City of Owen Sound wishes to inform residents and motorists that 2nd Avenue East, between 8th Street East and 9th Street East, will be closed to traffic on the evening of Monday, October 27.

Take notice that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Owen Sound to consider an application to amend the City of Owen Sound Official Plan pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is for Council to receive public feedback and discuss the revisions to the Official Plan that may be required prior to adopting an updated Official Plan.

Safe ‘N Sound, in partnership with the Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program are launching a pilot program in November aimed at simultaneously supporting local businesses and the unhoused population in Owen Sound’s downtown River District. The new initiative, known as the Neighbourhood Response Team, to work directly with businesses and individuals experiencing homelessness. 

The Neighbourhood Response Team will serve as social navigators, responding to public and business concerns, connecting individuals with essential services, collecting personal items from public areas to be reclaimed by owners, and discarding sharps as required. The program will serve as a resource to help build relationships between River District businesses and Safe ‘N Sound Participants and the public, helping to make the downtown River District more welcoming for all. 

Notice of Service Disruption – Owen Sound City Hall

The City of Owen Sound advises residents and visitors of a temporary service disruption at City Hall (808 2nd Ave. E).

Affected Service: Front Entrance, including Accessible Ramp

Disruption Period:

Start: Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 12:00 p.m.

End: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 4:30 p.m.

Reason for Disruption:

City of Owen Sound / Heather Hiscox CBC Live Filming Event – Set-up and Tear-down

Alternative Access:

Customer Service Desks, Council Chambers, and Public Washrooms remain accessible through the City Hall Rear Door (Parking Lot Side).

Sidewalks are available on both the north and south sides of City Hall for convenience.

For more information, please contact Bradey Carbert, Manager of Corporate Services at 519-376-4440 ext. 1240 or email to bcarbert@owensound.ca

Trick-or-Treaters take over the Owen Sound River District on Saturday, October 25, 2025, to explore the Trick-or-Treat Trail! The Trick-or-Treat Trail event has been designed to give participants the opportunity to trick-or-treat in their community during daylight hours and on a weekend.

The event will take place at over 20 participating businesses throughout the River District between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A map of participating businesses can be found on the events page at OwenSoundRiverDistrict.ca, as well as at City Hall. The United Way Bruce Grey will be located outside City Hall during the event and will have copies of the Trick-or-Treat Trail map as well. 

As presented at the Corporate Services Committee on October 9th, the City is developing its first External Communications Strategy to ensure residents receive clear, consistent, and timely information and know where and how to ask questions of City staff or Council. A strategic, coordinated approach makes it easier for residents to stay informed, ask questions, and build trust with their local government. 

To help shape the plan, the City has launched an online survey to hear directly from residents about how they want to receive City updates — and how the City can better hear from them.