General City News

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.

The City recognizes National Indigenous Veterans Day today, Friday, November 8, and Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11, marking these important dates with half-masted flags at City facilities. Residents are encouraged to take pause to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the line of duty. 

We're just a few days away from the launch of the Future Owen Sound — Vision 2050 strategic planning sessions. Again, these sessions will be held at various times from November 8th to November 10th at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre (Shore Room 2), 1900 3^rd Avenue East in Owen Sound. 

An important aspect of Jay Pitter Placemaking's community engagement model is ensuring that community stakeholders are a part of the community engagement team. Ms. Pitter has worked closely with a group of local leaders with varied interests and expertise in preparation for the upcoming strategic planning sessions. 

We are proud to announce our esteemed roster of Future Owen Sound – Vision 2050 strategic planning co-facilitators. 

The City of Owen Sound is set to host an in-person Community Open House tomorrow, Thursday, November 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bayshore Community Centre.  This event is a come-and-go evening that offers residents a unique opportunity to engage directly with city staff and learn about the essential services that impact their daily lives and share your ideas about our services with Staff.

The City of Owen Sound is inviting residents who want to make an impact in their community to get involved with local governing boards and committees.

Ten positions are available on various City boards and committees.  Persons wishing to serve as a member of a board or committee are invited to submit an application to the Deputy Clerk.

City staff will be installing the seasonal Noma cross-street lights and removing the banners along Second Avenue East on Thursday and Friday, closing one block at a time to minimize the disruption to visitors and businesses in the River District.

Please be advised that the River District Board of Management (RDBM) intends to hold a Public Meeting respecting the 2025 River District budget.