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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.
Excess snow removal operations will begin in Owen Sound’s downtown River District area tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, at 8 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by early Thursday morning.
The City of Owen Sound announces that online registration for the 2025 camping season at Harrison Park Family Campground opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025.
In accordance with the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards, the City of Owen Sound is declaring an end to the Significant Weather Event that was issued on January 20, 2025.
The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce the beginning of a new term for its dedicated public members of committees. These individuals have been appointed to serve on various City committees, including the Corporate Services, Community Services, and Operations Standing Committees, and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee.
The City of Owen Sound wishes to remind residents and visitors that the previously issued Significant Weather Event remains in place. Subsequent snow squall weather patterns have caused delays in returning the City’s road and sidewalk infrastructure to an acceptable state.
A collision has impacted the traffic lights at the intersection of 8th Avenue West and 10th Street West (beside the M&Ms plaza). It is estimated that it will take three days to repair the signals.
Until the repairs are complete, the intersection has been converted to a four-way stop. Drivers are reminded to come to a complete stop and follow standard four-way stop procedures, yielding to vehicles that arrive first at the intersection.
The City of Owen Sound congratulates TC Energy on the recent announcement of provincial investment to advance the next phase of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project. On Friday, the Ontario government announced a $285 million investment in pre-development work for the proposed clean energy project to be constructed on unused land at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre located between Owen Sound and Meaford.
Construction on the 900 block of 1st Avenue East (from the north entrance at 10th Street East to the south side of The Sydenham Condominium building) as part of the Downtown River Precinct (DRP) Phase 2 has reached the ‘Substantial Performance’ milestone. This exciting achievement means the construction project is mostly complete within budgetary parameters, aside from a small number of minor items scheduled for completion in favourable weather conditions.
The proposed redevelopment of the former Owen Sound Courthouse and Jail is moving forward with some demolitions and removals of the non-heritage buildings and structures in preparation for its future adaptive reuse as an event venue. The Site Plan Approval process is currently underway.
Owen Sound’s beloved winter celebration, SNOwen Sound Frolics, is back this February 2025! This free month-long, family-friendly event invites everyone to explore the city, solve riddles, and win amazing prizes while enjoying the best of Owen Sound’s winter charm.
New this year, weekly themes bring fresh challenges and adventures each week, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover.
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