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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.
Please be advised that The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound intends to adopt an amendment to Fees and Charges By-law No. 2024-078, in accordance with subsection 391(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.
The Fees and Charges By-law is being updated to:
It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the City of Owen Sound acknowledges the passing of Stew Taylor, a cherished former Mayor and dedicated public servant who passed away on December 20 at the age of 77 leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership and commitment to our community.
It’s nearly time for the winter holidays and the City is reminding everyone of facility closures, modified hours, and alternate programming. Here is all you need to know to plan ahead so you can spend quality time with family and friends.
The City of Owen Sound is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer to revitalize and enhance the playground and splash pad facilities at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park.
This collaboration promises substantial community benefits, focusing on inclusivity and renewed recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.
The $500,000 total project will completely replace the existing playground and renew the existing splash pad, addressing critical asset renewal needs. It will include fully replacing the current playground, which is 25+ years old, as well as revitalizing the 15-year-old splash pad. The project is scheduled for design in 2025 and construction in 2026.
The City of Owen Sound has teamed up with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile and lost pet licensing platform, to bring City pet owners a modern, easy, and personalized way to license their pets. With customizable tags and 24/7 HomeSafe® lost pet services, this program keeps pets safe and identifiable and returns them home sooner. Plus, licenses now last a full year from the date of purchase, not the calendar year.
The City of Owen Sound will host the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration in partnership with the YMCA Bruce Grey Owen Sound once again on Tuesday, December 31, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated at the door.
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 Thursday, December 12, 2024.
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.
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 Friday, December 6, 2024.
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