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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.
Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a fire with black smoke visible at an east side grocery store earlier today. The fire was in the deli area and was controlled by the fixed extinguishing system, building ventilation system and portable fire extinguishers prior to fire department arrival.
The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound has initiated a Stormwater Management Master Plan under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Master Planning Process to identify existing drainage deficiencies and develop drainage solutions to address the deficiencies, reduce flooding, resolve public safety concerns, and improve maintenance opportunities within the City. An initial Public Information Center is planned to advise you of the drainage deficiencies identified through the initial stages of the project, gather comments on any additional deficiencies and elicit comment on the potential solutions that are being considered.
The City of Owen Sound is undertaking a comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan (SWMMP) to develop a long-term plan for the safe and effective management of stormwater runoff. Residents' feedback will help identify localized drainage issues the City may not be aware of.
Are you interested in helping to shape the decisions affecting the River District Business Improvement Area? If so, consider applying to serve as a Director on the River District Board of Management.
The City of Owen Sound is excited to announce the completion of the Alpha Street Reconstruction Project, which will see the full reopening of Alpha Street on Monday, November 25, 2024. Completed on budget and ahead of schedule, this significant $5.2 million capital project marks a major investment in the City’s infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
Beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024, a road closure is required on 3rd Avenue East, between 17th Street East and 18th Street East. This closure is expected to last through Friday, November 29, 2024. The road closure is required to complete a necessary gas main repair in this area of 3rd Avenue East.
The City of Owen Sound is proud to announce the completion of its 2024 Non-Core Asset Management Plan, which will be presented to the Corporate Services Committee on November 14, 2024. This initiative represents a significant building block in our ongoing commitment to effective asset management and fiscal responsibility.
Please be advised that the Committee of Adjustment hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. has been cancelled.
The next regularly scheduled hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Owen Sound’s River District welcomes the holiday season with a flurry of festive activities beginning Saturday, November 16. These include Holiday Magic, the 79th annual Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, the kick-off to the Festival of Northern Lights, and road hockey as part of HockeyFest 2024. In support of these events, 2nd Avenue East will be closed to vehicular traffic and parking starting at 2 p.m. on November 16.
The River District’s Holiday Magic event will run from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. and includes outdoor seating, fire tables, photos with Santa, contests, giveaways, specials, and sales at many River District Businesses, which will be open late to kick off holiday shopping.
Please be advised that City Council will hold a Special Council meeting on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The purpose of the Special Council meeting is to consider one matter in Closed Session regarding the education and training of members respecting policing.
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