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Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound posted unsafe for swimming (on behalf of Grey Bruce Public Health)
Grey Bruce Public Health, in consultation with the City of Owen Sound, has posted the beach at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound as unsafe for swimming after water-sampling results – received Wednesday, August 6 – showed bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards.
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s current overhead loading dock door (that faces 2nd Avenue West) will be replaced the week of August 25. While this work is part of the City of Owen Sound’s long-term capital projects, the door holds special significance—it has, for many years, been the canvas for a striking mural that has become a familiar part of the TOM’s exterior. The current door has reached the end of its life and is no longer operating properly, which means both the door and the art on it will be affected by the maintenance.
The City is grateful to artist Nyle Miigizi Johnston whose mural Miigwetch Animikii Bineeyhnshi (Thank You Thunderbird Spirit) was displayed on the door for many years. The mural was originally created for the Canadian Spirit Festival (2012-2017) as a temporary installation, but the TOM was thrilled to be able to extend it for so many years beyond the Festival during which it was created. Staff have been communicating with Johnston about this replacement project and hope to be able to work with him again on a future initiative.
Looking ahead, the TOM and the Library have been collaborating with the Pollinate Owen Sound team to establish a pollinator garden on the west side of the building, where the door is being replaced. Long-range plans include the establishment of native plants to encourage the development of a pollinator corridor in Owen Sound. As part of this project, the team is considering an opportunity to create a pollinator-themed mural to activate that location and to promote awareness about native plants and their importance to the environment.
The City thanks the community for its appreciation of Johnston’s work and looks forward to the next chapter in activating this important cultural space.
For more information, please contact Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator - Art Gallery, Culture, Tourism at 519-376-1932 ext. 5001 or email aware@tomthomson.org.
Quote:
“With the loading bay door mural at The TOM came an opportunity to showcase traditional Great Lakes Anishinaabek artistry. Utilizing contemporary mediums, I was provided the space to explore Saukiing Anishinaabekiing themes and stories like that of a Thunderbird. I want to say miigwetch to the staff and community at The TOM for helping bring this vision of reclamation on such an impactful scale to life. Miigwetch for providing the opportunity to keep pushing Anishinaabek woodland art into the future.”
- Nyle Miigizi Johnston, Artist, Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded Territory
Quick Facts:
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The City of Owen Sound advanced several key priorities during very successful discussions with provincial leaders at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference in Ottawa this week.
The City of Owen Sound is celebrating the groundbreaking of a landmark housing project that will bring 267 new rental suites to the community. Located at 3195 East Bayshore Road, the development by SkyDev, part of Skyline, represents a major step forward in expanding local housing options and supporting long-term growth in the area.
Next week, City of Owen Sound representatives are attending the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa to advocate on behalf of residents and taxpayers. The conference provides a vital platform for hundreds of municipalities to collaborate on addressing pressing challenges through direct conversations with provincial decision-makers.
The City of Owen Sound will lower flags at City Hall to half-mast on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in honour and remembrance of Paul Duncan, a dedicated former member of the City’s Public Works Department.
The fifth of eight Household Hazardous Waste Day events of 2025 is this Saturday, August 16! The event will be held at the Owen Sound Public Works Facility (1900 20th Street East) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The remaining schedule of Household Hazardous Waste Days in 2025 includes the following Saturdays: September 13, October 4, and October 25.
From the afternoon of Thursday, August 14th, through end of day Monday, August 18, traffic lanes will be reduced on both sides of the road north of the bridge on the Eddie Sargent Parkway to accommodate The Georgian Bay Folk Society’s 50th Summerfolk Music & Craft Festival.
Delays should be expected; please allow for additional travel time and consider an alternate route of travel where possible.
The City of Owen Sound is saddened to share the passing of former Councillor Ann Kelly, a passionate and lifelong community volunteer. Ann served on Owen Sound City Council from 1989 to 1997, and again from 2001-2003. Ann’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service, compassion, and community spirit.
The City of Owen Sound has completed Zone G for the annual fire hydrant flushing program this week and will continue to Zone C.
Yearly fire hydrant flushing ensures they are operational and improves water quality. While flushing is happening, residents may experience low water pressure or cloudy or rusty water. This is normal when flushing older cast-iron water mains.
The 2025 Salmon Spectacular returns Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 31, 2025, and the City of Owen Sound reminds residents and visitors to plan ahead for camping and boating needs.
For maps, rules, and booking links for all camping and boating options, visit:
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