City Land Use Planning Policy Update in Progress: City continues to Seek Input Through Open House 

The City of Owen Sound invites all residents to a community Open House to learn about and provide feedback on important updates to the City’s Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and new Urban Design Guidelines. The Open House will take place:

• Thursday, July 17, 2025
•  Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre
• 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

These documents are key documents that guide the growth and development of the community. 

This informal drop-in event offers residents the opportunity to review draft planning documents, ask questions, and share their input. City staff and planning consultants from MHBC Planning will be available to help explain how these tools will shape Owen Sound's future growth and building developments.

All background information on this project as well as draft Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw and Urban Design Guidelines are available through the online project page at OurCity.OwenSound.ca/Planning. 

These updates are necessary to align local policies with recent provincial planning changes and to prepare and guide growth and development. 

City planning policies impact everyone who lives, works, or invests in Owen Sound. Whether you are interested in housing, neighbourhood character, commercial and employment uses, or open space, citizens are encouraged to get involved in the process and attend the Open House.

For more information, please visit OurCity.OwenSound.ca/Planning

Additional public engagement opportunities, including a formal Public Meeting, will be announced in the weeks ahead.

For more information, please contact Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1252 or email pcoulter@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“The Official Plan is Council’s land use contract with the community. It’s how we make sure growth happens in a way that’s thoughtful, efficient, and aligned with provincial and regional policies. This open house is a key opportunity for residents to help shape the physical future of Owen Sound.”

-     Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• The City of Owen Sound Official Plan was first adopted in 1984 and was subsequently amended in 2006, 2012 and 2021.

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