Economic Development News

The 2026 Grey Bruce Home and Lifestyle Show will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show now has a new name to better reflect its broader content, which has expanded to meet our attendees’ needs. The new branding highlights a more comprehensive experience. The traditional home design, renovation and outdoor living will now also include personal wellness, recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, technology, culture and healthy choices. The rebrand signals growth, freshness, and relevance to today’s evolving interests and consumer habits.

Construction has officially begun on ‘Harbour West’, a major new housing development that will bring 224 rental apartments to Owen Sound’s west waterfront area.  The groundbreaking ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for the former Black Clawson Kennedy (BCK) property at 1144 1st Avenue West.

The Harbour West project, led by Hansa Financial & Property Management, will transform the long-vacant waterfront site into a six-building residential space featuring 224 rental apartments. Site preparation is underway, including the crushing of existing concrete for reuse on site, as well as groundwork for piling and foundation. The first tenants are anticipated to move in by Fall 2026.

City Council has approved a historic 25-year strategic plan that lays out key principles and priorities to secure Owen Sound’s future as a livable, safe and enjoyable city for everyone. 

“Vision 2050 charts our City’s future at a time of unprecedented change, challenge and opportunity,” said Mayor Ian Boddy. “It provides a compass bearing for current and future City Councils to set priorities and take action.”

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 advanced several key priorities during very successful discussions with provincial leaders at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference in Ottawa this week. 

The City of Owen Sound is celebrating the groundbreaking of a landmark housing project that will bring 267 new rental suites to the community. Located at 3195 East Bayshore Road, the development by SkyDev, part of Skyline, represents a major step forward in expanding local housing options and supporting long-term growth in the area.

Next week, City of Owen Sound representatives are attending the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa to advocate on behalf of residents and taxpayers. The conference provides a vital platform for hundreds of municipalities to collaborate on addressing pressing challenges through direct conversations with provincial decision-makers.

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce that a building permit has been issued for the Bayshore Terrace development, located at the partially constructed site directly across from the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

The latest video in Grey County’s Gather in Grey campaign is now live, highlighting some of the rich, diverse and delicious culinary offerings of Owen Sound. Titled ‘Gather in Owen Sound,’ the feature is part of a region-wide storytelling series hosted by internationally acclaimed chef and artist Roger Mooking, Grey County’s first Culinary Ambassador.

The City of Owen Sound hosted a professionally facilitated stakeholder meeting on Monday, July 28, to gather targeted feedback from downtown business owners, social service representatives, and other stakeholders on safety and business conditions in the River District. The “Community Stakeholder Discussion to Foster a Vibrant River District” was held in response to a request from the Owen Sound Police Services Board. 

The insights and potential actions from the meeting will be shared in a report to Owen Sound Council in September.