Owen Sound Hosts Facilitated Discussion for River District Stakeholders

The City of Owen Sound hosted a professionally facilitated stakeholder meeting on Monday, July 28, to gather targeted feedback from downtown business owners, social service representatives, and other stakeholders on safety and business conditions in the River District. Also attending were the Mayor, members of City Council, MP Alex Ruff, members of the Owen Sound Police Board, the River District Board of Management, and the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce.

The “Community Stakeholder Discussion to Foster a Vibrant River District” was held in response to a request from the Owen Sound Police Services Board. 

Joel Pennington, a professional facilitator engaged by the City, provided guidance on the meeting format and led 102 participants in meaningful dialogue on complex challenges and how stakeholders can work together to create a downtown where businesses and all people thrive. 

In the second half of the meeting, attendees broke into small groups to discuss “What could this community of stakeholders do together to address the challenges of downtown/build a vibrant downtown?”

The insights and potential actions from the meeting will be shared in a report to Owen Sound Council in September. 

To encourage further and deeper engagement with residents on an ongoing basis, visit the Community Engagement webpage on the City’s website for more information about how to stay informed and participate in City initiatives and processes. Residents can visit OwenSound.ca/Engage to easily:

• Subscribe to City news updates and follow through social media
• Learn more about taking part in Council and Committee meetings
• Follow specific City projects through the OurCity online engagement platform

For more information, please contact Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1209 or email vgravel@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“A vibrant River District doesn’t happen by chance; it takes all of us working together. This conversation brought diverse and knowledgeable voices into the same room to explore how we can collectively strengthen the heart of our city.”

– Mayor Ian Boddy

“We’re pleased this important discussion took place in response to the Police Services Board's request. Bringing stakeholders together in one room to speak openly about downtown safety and well-being is a step forward, and we look forward to the insights and action items that will emerge from the upcoming report.  I would also like to personally thank Tim Simmonds and his staff for hosting this pivotal meeting.”

– John Thomson, Chair, Owen Sound Police Services Board

“It was encouraging to see so many business and property owners at the table alongside service groups and the Owen Sound Police working together toward a River District and downtown where everyone feels supported and connected.”

– Dave Parsons, Chair, River District Board of Management

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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