City Encourages Public Input on Washrooms in the River District

The City of Owen Sound is inviting residents, visitors, and downtown stakeholders to share their thoughts about washrooms in the River District. As part of ongoing conversations about the future of the River District, the City is considering the potential for a standalone public washroom.

Following a well-attended community meeting in July that focused on the state of the River District and strategies to support downtown businesses, Council directed staff to explore options for a new public washroom facility. To help shape the forthcoming report, the City is seeking additional public input and engagement through its online platform, OurCity Owen Sound.

Participants are invited to complete the short survey on OurCity and let us know whether Owen Sound should consider a standalone public washroom in the River District. If they support the idea, they can use an interactive mapping tool to 'drop a pin' at the location where they feel it would best serve the River District. Feedback collected will help inform a report to City Council later this month.

The survey is open now and will remain available until Thursday, October 16, 2025 at ourcity.owensound.ca. The City encourages everyone to take a few minutes to share their perspective and help shape the future of the River District.

For more information, please contact Tim Simmonds, City Manager, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1210 or email tsimmonds@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“Council is committed to listening to our community and ensuring we invest City dollars in ways that support both our downtown businesses and the people who visit and live here. By hearing directly from residents, we can make informed choices that balance the needs of individuals with the success of the River District as a whole.”

– Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• The Owen Sound River District BIA was established in 1973 and continues to support more than 200 businesses in the heart of Owen Sound

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