General City News

Starting January 1, 2026, the Government of Ontario is introducing a new producer-led recycling collection system. Under this system, residential curbside recycling will continue as usual, but certain non-residential properties, such as businesses and community organization sites that are currently receiving curbside collection services, will no longer be eligible for municipal curbside collection.

To help affected businesses manage this change, City Council has approved a temporary three-month extension of curbside recycling collection until March 31, 2026. This gives currently served properties extra time to arrange private recycling services to ensure uninterrupted service. Exploring options early will help compare service levels, pricing, and collection frequency.

Asphalt repairs are taking place this week in Harrison Park, along Mile Drive, and on the Freedom Trail. Temporary signage will be posted at affected trailheads to help guide users during this work.

Please use caution or avoid these areas temporarily.  Pedestrians are reminded not to walk on the roadway while the trail is closed or unavailable. Sections will reopen as repairs are completed.

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is thrilled to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction, now open for online bids, presented by Algonquin Outfitters and the Huntsville Festival of the Arts! Running from November 4 to 25, this biennial project unites artists from across Ontario to transform paddles and canoes into extraordinary works of art.

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.

Owen Sound motorists should be aware of alternating lane closures on 10th Street East, happening between 2nd Avenue East and 3rd Avenue East, on Friday, November 14. These lane closures are required to accommodate necessary work being done by a privately commissioned contractor and are expected to occur between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to avoid peak traffic times. 

Owen Sound’s River District welcomes the holiday season with a flurry of festive activities beginning Saturday, November 15. These include Holiday Magic, the 80th annual Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, the kick-off to the Festival of Northern Lights, and road hockey as part of Hockey Fest 2025.  In support of these events, 2nd Avenue East will be closed to vehicular traffic and parking starting at 3 p.m. on November 15.

Please be advised that the Committee of Adjustment hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. has been cancelled.

The December 23 hearing of the Committee of Adjustment has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.