Owen Sound Celebrates Record-Breaking Development Success

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.

Highlights from this year’s development so far include a mix of residential and retail development:

• ‘East Bayshore Road,’ located at 3195 East Bayshore Road.
  A residential rental community of 712 units total, with 267 units and an amenity building now started in construction, located on the former RCA lands.
  Developer: SkyDev
• ‘West Side Harbour,’ located at 1144 1st Ave West, the former BCK site.
  A multi-building, purpose-built rental project of six three-storey buildings and an amenity building on the former Black Clausen Kennedy Factory site. Site preparations have begun.
  Developer: Hansa/Kingsley
•  ‘Bayshore Terrace,’ located at 297 18th St E.
  A new 30-unit life lease building is now under construction, with active site inspections underway.
  Developer: R. Graham Construction
• Expansion of the Heritage Grove Shopping Centre with the addition of FreshCo, and larger locations for PetSmart, Princess Auto, Winners and HomeSense retail spaces.
•  Rockview Apartments, located on 7th Ave East.
  Extensive repairs and restoration following fire damage in 2024.

As presented at the Community Services Committee meeting last Wednesday and highlighted in the City Manager’s Monthly update between July and August, the City has issued 264 building permits, collected more than $900,000 in permit fees, and completed 920 building inspections in the City, further underscoring the strength of the local construction sector.

Owen Sound remains committed to supporting growth that enhances quality of life, strengthens infrastructure, and ensures a vibrant, sustainable community for years to come.

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

Quotes:

“This level of growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of years of effort to align our staff and foster a culture of ‘getting to yes.’ By working together and removing barriers, we’ve created a cross-department environment where development can succeed and where investment in Owen Sound makes sense. Growth is essential to building the tax base that supports the services our residents want and expect, and we are proud to see that foundation taking shape in 2025.”

-      Tim Simmonds, City Manager

"This level of investment is unprecedented in Owen Sound. To see more than $200 million in construction value this year is a powerful sign of confidence in our city. It reflects years of thoughtful planning and preparation, and it shows that Owen Sound is a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

-      Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• Construction value in Owen Sound is $214.5 million year-to-date in 2025.
• The City has made strategic technology investments in planning and building services with the introduction of Cloudpermit for building permits in 2024.
• Development files require a multi-faceted team approach with input and coordination from various external stakeholders and across internal departments of Planning, Building, Engineering, Finance, and Legal services.

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