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Precautionary Boil Water Advisory and Residents Asked to Temporarily Reduce Use of Water in City of Owen Sound
As advised by Grey Bruce Public Health, the City of Owen Sound has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for all residents and consumers using the municipal water system. This is a precautionary measure due to high levels of turbidity (cloudiness in the water) observed at the water treatment plant. High levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection, which is one component of water treatment. The water currently continues to meet all other quality and testing standards.
While the precautionary boil water advisory is in place, please bring all water to a rolling boil for one (1) minute before using it for drinking, preparing food or beverages, making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. This is particularly important for young children, older adults and people who are immuno-compromised to protect their health.
It’s not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, bathing or washing dishes.
Drinking water directly from the tap is not recommended and could potentially result in illness.
In addition to boiling water, the City of Owen Sound is asking all residents, as well as anyone who lives or works in a building connected to the City’s water system, to reduce their water use. This request will aid in required remedial actions.
This impacts the entire City of Owen Sound as well as parts of Meaford (Village of Leith) and Georgian Bluffs who are connected to the City of Owen Sound water system.
The City of Owen Sound is monitoring the water quality closely with increased testing and working with Grey Bruce Public Health to assess the potential risk to health and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
Residents will be notified when the precautionary boil water advisory notice is lifted at OwenSound.ca/News. This will occur when the water is confirmed to be safe to consume.
Please share this information with contacts who use the municipal water system in the City of Owen Sound.
Notice to Ratepayers Regarding Water Bills
March 6, 2026: Some water bills are currently delayed and will be issued shortly. We are working on the issue and will have them available as soon as possible. Bills will be due 21 days after mailout day; ratepayers will not be charged a penalty if paid within this timeframe. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this issue.
To confirm, register, or amend your information, visit Register to Vote Ontario until August 14, 2026. Our Municipal Election Day is October 26, 2026.
The seventh of eight Household Hazardous Waste Day events of 2025 is this Saturday, October 4! 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 Household Hazardous Waste event this calendar year is Saturday, October 25. The schedule for 2026 will be released in the coming months.
The City of Owen Sound is pleased to share that Phase 1 of its city-wide water meter replacement project is nearly complete. Installations are expected to wrap up by the end of October 2025.
This initiative has replaced aging water meters in residential properties with new, advanced models. Most of the previous meters had reached the end of their lifespan, and the upgrade ensures continued reliability and improved accuracy in water usage readings.
On World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 28, Owen Sound made environmental history as one of six Ontario communities selected to host the province’s first-ever Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup.
Due to the Canada Post labour disruption, the City of Owen Sound is advising property owners to consider alternate payment arrangements for tax and water/wastewater bills to avoid penalties and/or late charges.
The final 2025 property tax due date is Monday, September 29, 2025. To verify whether a mailed payment has been received and posted, property owners can log into Virtual City Hall or contact City Hall directly.
The City of Owen Sound observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30. To recognize and honour Indigenous lives lost, the survivors, and the lasting impact of the residential school system, flags will be at half-mast across City facilities on Tuesday.
Please be advised that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound intends to amend its Election Sign By-law. The details of the amendment are outlined in staff report CR-25-109, as approved by City Council on September 22, 2025.
Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services is joining fire departments across Ontario in promoting Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on Saturday, September 28, 2025.
On September 28, residents are encouraged to push the button on their smoke alarms—if you hear the beep, you know your alarm is working. Put a reminder on your calendar for a monthly check. This small effort can make a big difference.
Owen Sound is experiencing remarkable development growth in 2025, with building activity reaching historic highs. Years of preparation by City Council, along with the dedicated work of city staff, are now paying off as major projects move forward and investment in the city surges.
Construction values in Owen Sound have reached $214.5 million year-to-date. In the past six years, construction values peaked at $67 million in 2020. This exceptional growth reflects both the City’s commitment to strategic planning and the strong interest from developers in Owen Sound’s future.
The City of Owen Sound is set to host an in-person Community Open House on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bayshore Community Centre. This free, family-friendly event offers residents a unique opportunity to connect directly with City Council and staff, learn more about essential City services, and engage with community organizations that play a vital role in daily life.
Please be advised that the Committee of Adjustment meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. has been rescheduled to Monday, September 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
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