Owen Sound Economic & Industry Brief: December 2025

Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly economic development newsletter, which will bring you updates on the collaborations, investments, and sector developments helping strengthen Owen Sound’s economic future.

Recently Approved: External Relations and Investment Attraction Action Plan (2025–2027)

The City of Owen Sound is taking strategic steps to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and position the community as a regional hub for skilled trades training, applied research, and industry collaboration.

As part of the Future Owen Sound: Vision 2050 strategy, the City has released its External Relations and Investment Attraction Action Plan (2025–2027)—a roadmap designed to drive economic growth through strong partnerships, capacity building, and targeted sector development.

Priority Growth Sectors

The Action Plan focuses on advancing four high-potential sectors that align with regional strengths and emerging opportunities:

• Clean Energy
• Health Care & Life Sciences
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Marine Innovation

These areas will guide investment attraction efforts and support new initiatives that complement ongoing work in the city’s innovation ecosystem—including projects like the proposed Owen Sound Hydrogen Peaker Plant.

Community members are invited to learn more about the hydrogen project at an upcoming public meeting hosted by Current H2 Inc.:
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 5–7 p.m. | Sydenham Campus

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

To advance collaboration and amplify Owen Sound’s voice in key economic conversations, staff have recently participated in several regional and sector-focused forums, including:

• Clean Energy Frontier Conference
• Grey County Economic Development Leadership Forum
• Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative – Ontario Water Leaders Summit
• Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Fall Funders Forum Series

These engagements help shape shared priorities, unlock funding opportunities, and position Owen Sound as an active contributor in shaping the region’s economic future.

Intergovernmental Relations

Intergovernmental relations play a crucial role in how the City of Owen Sound advances local priorities with partners at the County, provincial, and federal levels. Whether through formal delegations at conferences like AMO or through year-round meetings and conversations, these interactions give City representatives the chance to bring local challenges and opportunities directly to decision-makers. They allow us to share real stories from our community, demonstrate how policies and funding impact residents, and ensure Owen Sound’s needs are heard and understood across all levels of government. This ongoing dialogue strengthens relationships, builds alignment, and helps position the City for long-term success.

What’s Next

Sign up for future updates in the quarterly Owen Sound Economic & Industry Brief: 

OwenSound.ca/Subscribe

For more information, contact:
Rebecca Ellerdiem
Senior Advisor, External Relations & Investment Attraction
519-376-4440 ext. 1254 | rellerdiem@owensound.ca