Hook: Six Thousand Reserve Allocation Logo Proposal
Owen Sound · Board - River District · September 9, 2026
One-sentence summary: On September 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Council considers revitalizing the River District with business input while evaluating financial surpluses and approving licences for local establishments including Toppers Pizza.
This September 9, 2026 meeting at 5:30 PM will consider River District revitalization updates where O2 Design assesses infrastructure after input from approximately 57 business owners during an August engagement session. Discussion may include allocating $6,500 for a custom metal logo featuring white river rock and lighter mulch at the raised oval garden on 9th Avenue East and 10th Street East. The agenda also examines the 2025 operating surplus of $8,353 and potential transfers to the district bank account. Council will review financial updates alongside final business licence approvals for establishments including Toppers Pizza, Prince Yahya Transit Solution Inc, The Look Salon & Boutique, Adil's Tailor Shop, First Health Counselling, The Admiral's Barbershop, and JM Shoebox Bookkeeping. Reports from the Owen Sound Police Service and the Member Legate Events and Activations Team will be presented.
HelpOS discussion thread link pending.
This page is an accessibility-focused summary and extracted agenda text intended to promote civic accessibility.
It is an unofficial convenience copy and may contain extraction or summarization errors.
For the authoritative record, try to access the original source materials from Owen Sound using the original link below.
Council called to order the meeting.
Agenda item 1: CALL TO ORDER
Council considers a call for additional business.
Agenda item 2: CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 2. CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Council members declared their interests.
Agenda item 3: DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Council confirmed the minutes.
Agenda item 4: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The River District Board of Management approved minutes from May 13, 2026 and received verbal reports regarding upcoming elections, police patrol hours, a new tourism ambassador programme, and events team progress including a mobile food truck and Dining on the Boardwalk.
The River District Board of Management approved minutes from May 13, 2026 and received verbal reports regarding upcoming elections, police patrol hours, a new tourism ambassador program, and events team progress including a mobile food truck and Dining on the Boardwalk.
Agenda item 4.a: Minutes of the River District Board of Management meeting held on July 8, 2026
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Attachment: 2026-07-08 - River District Board Minutes.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/dd13c5a05aa148c412be8e2aaf781e68922b119c0b693ce9c91a73ed1eada57d/4-a-1-2026-07-08-river-district-board-minutes-pdf.pdf
Minutes
River District Board of Management
July 8, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall - 808 2nd Avenue East - Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Dave Parsons
Member Maegan Cookson
Councillor Travis Dodd (via video)
Member Tim Dwyer
Member Adrienne Robinson
Member Jen Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Richard Thomas
Member Kathy Hannen
Member Olivia Legate
STAFF PRESENT: Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services
Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator
Constable James Giles, Owen Sound Police Service
Staci Landry, Deputy Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Parsons called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
There was no additional business.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
4.a Minutes of the River District Board of Management meeting held on May 13,
RD-260708-001
Moved by Member Dwyer
"THAT the minutes of the River District Board of Management meeting held
on May 13, 2026 be approved as printed."
Carried.
5. DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
5.a Presentation from the River District Election Manager Re: River District Board of
Management Election 2026
The River District Election Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining
the process for the 2026 River District Board of Management election, which will
be held on November 9, 2026.
6. PUBLIC FORUM
There were no questions or comments from the public.
7. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION IS REQUIRED
There were no correspondence items presented for consideration.
8. REPORTS
8.a Verbal Report from the Owen Sound Police Service Re: Police Update
Constable James Giles reported that the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS)
completed 138 hours of foot patrol in the River District in May and 121 hours of
foot patrol and 30 hours of bike patrol in June.
RD-260708-002
Moved by Member Dwyer
"THAT in consideration of the Verbal Report provided July 8, 2026, from
Constable Giles respecting a Police Update, the River District Board of
Management receives the Verbal Report for information purposes."
Carried.
8.b Verbal Report from the River District Coordinator Re: Ambassador Program
Update
The River District Coordinator advised that the Locals Love It Here Tourism
Ambassador Program will be launching soon. The program will invite businesses
that are passionate about the community to participate as Tourism Ambassadors
by welcoming visitors into their establishments and sharing information about the
attractions, amenities, and experiences available throughout the River District
and the City. The River District Coordinator noted that participating businesses
will serve as knowledgeable points of contact for visitors seeking local
information, while also benefiting from increased foot traffic and enhanced
visibility.
RD-260708-003
Moved by Member Cookson
"THAT in consideration of the Verbal Report provided July 8, 2026, from the
River District Coordinator respecting an Ambassador Program Update, the
River District Board of Management receives the Verbal Report for
information purposes."
Carried.
8.c Verbal Report from Member Legate Re: Events and Activations Team Update
Member Dwyer reported that the Events and Activations Team continues to make
progress on several placemaking initiatives, including the approved mobile food
truck at the Farmers' Market, which is now moving through agreement and
insurance requirements. Planning is underway for the Dining on the Boardwalk
event, tentatively scheduled for late summer, as well as the Art Cures Banner
Project, fall art installation, downtown photo opportunity project, and recently
installed window directional signage. The Team has also developed a business
postcard campaign and a weekly social media events calendar to promote River
District events.
In response to a question from the Board, Member Dwyer advised that the Dining
on the Boardwalk event will feature a pre-sold, fixed-menu dining experience
showcasing courses from multiple River District vendors, with tickets expected to
be sold through Eventbrite.
RD-260708-004
Moved by Member Robinson
"THAT in consideration of the Verbal Report provided July 8, 2026, from
Member Dwyer respecting the Events and Activations Team Update, the
River District Board of Management receives the Verbal Report for
information purposes."
Carried.
8.d Verbal Report from the Board Treasurer Re: Board Finances
Chair Parsons advised that the total balance of all accounts is $172,614.89.
There is $6,804.35 in the gift certificate account, $8,574.52 in the operating
account, and $157,236.02 in the trust savings account.
RD-260708-005
Moved by Member Smith
"THAT in consideration of the Verbal Report provided July 8, 2026, from
Chair Parsons respecting Board Finances, the River District Board of
Management receives the Verbal Report for information purposes."
Carried.
8.e Report CS-26-061 from the Director of Community Services and River District
Coordinator Re: River District Action Plan Update - Board Update and Input
The Director of Community Services and the River District Coordinator provided
an overview of the report through a PowerPoint presentation.
Councillor Dodd left the meeting.
Board members left their seats to provide input on the current actions and
potential new actions to achieve the strategic objectives under each of the four
pillars of the River District Action Plan.
The Director advised that a public engagement session for River District
businesses and members will be held on July 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Parkwood
Restaurant, with invitations to be distributed shortly.
In response to questions from the Board, the Director advised that feedback
received through the engagement process can be made public, where
appropriate, in collaboration with the City's Communications Team. The Director
also noted that staff considered undertaking a complete redevelopment of the
River District Action Plan but determined that the existing framework remains
effective. The current update will build on the existing four pillars and focus on
refining the strategic objectives and associated actions for Board consideration.
RD-260708-006
Moved by Member Robinson
"THAT in consideration of Staff Report CS-26-061 respecting an update to
the River District Action Plan, the River District Board of Management
receives the report for information purposes."
Carried.
9. MATTERS POSTPONED
There were no matters postponed.
10. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN
There were no motions for which notice was previously given.
11. CORRESPONDENCE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION
11.a Report CM-26-021 from the City Manager Re: Fostering a Vibrant River District -
Report III
The River District Coordinator provided an overview of the report.
11.b Correspondence from the Clerk, County of Prince Edward Re: Vacant
Commercial Storefront Tax
11.c Final approvals issued for the following Business Licences:
Maggas Sleep Toronto-Owen Sound, a CPAP therapy provider located at
945 3rd Avenue East
Expedia Cruises Owen Sound, a travel agency located at 843 2nd Avenue
East
Platinum Taxi, a taxi company located at 945 3rd Avenue East, Unit 25
Papa John's Pizza, a take-out restaurant located at 1023 2nd Avenue
East
Tree House Children's Clothing, a children's clothing store has relocated
to 834 2nd Avenue East
Annual Hawker and Peddler Licence issued to The Owen Sound & District
Vendors Association for Owen Sound Farmers' Market fundraising events
at 88 8th Street East
RD-260708-007
Moved by Member Smith
"THAT in consideration of correspondence provided for information
purposes listed on the July 8, 2026 River District Board of Management
(RDBM) agenda, the RDBM receives items 11.a to 11.c for information
purposes."
Carried.
12. DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
There was no additional business.
13. NOTICES OF MOTION
There were no notices of motion.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The business contained on the agenda having been completed, Chair Parsons
adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.The River District Board of Management held a meeting on July 8, 2026, where no deputations or presentations were recorded.
Agenda item 5: DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 5. Minutes of the River District Board of Management meeting held on July 8, 2026 DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS There are no deputations or presentations.
The public forum allows community members to address council concerns.
Agenda item 6: PUBLIC FORUM --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 6. PUBLIC FORUM
No correspondence items were presented for consideration.
Agenda item 7: CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION IS REQUIRED --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 7. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION IS REQUIRED There are no correspondence items being presented for consideration.
The Council heard reports.
Agenda item 8: REPORTS --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 8. REPORTS
The Council received a verbal report from the Owen Sound Police Service regarding current police updates.
Agenda item 8.a: Verbal Report from the Owen Sound Police Service Re: Police Update --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 8.a Verbal Report from the Owen Sound Police Service Re: Police Update
The River District Board of Management approved a 2025 operating surplus of $8,353 and authorised a transfer of $23,721.20 to the Board Treasurer for deposit into the district bank account.
The River District Board of Management approved the 2025 operating surplus of $8,353 and authorized a transfer of $23,721.20 to the Board Treasurer for deposit into the district bank account. This total combines the net 2025 surplus after reserve activity with the outstanding 2024 amount pending final confirmation of 2026 results.
Agenda item 8.b: Report CR-26-083 from the Director of Corporate Services Re: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial Update
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Attachment: 2025 Year End and 2026 Update - CR-26-083.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/60d1d3b6c92a59fbefcbf0cc90a786c88a317022b3153b65125fd653abad482e/8-b-1-2025-year-end-and-2026-update-cr-26-083-pdf.pdf
Staff Report
Report To: River District Board of Management
Report From: Kate Allan, Director of Corporate Services
Meeting Date: September 9, 2026
Report Code: CR-26-083
Subject: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial Update
Recommendations:
THAT in consideration of Staff Report CR-26-083 respecting the 2025 Year
End and 2026 Financial Update, the River District Board of Management:
1. Approves the 2025 River District operating surplus and related
reserve transfers as outlined in the report;
2. Directs staff to transfer $23,721.20 to the Board Treasurer to be
deposited into the River District bank account; and
3. Directs staff to transfer the surplus from 2026 to reserves once
confirmed as part of the 2026 year end.
Highlights:
The River District ended 2025 with an $8,353 operating surplus,
with a net $8,876.79 transfer to reserves after budgeted reserve
activity.
Combined with the outstanding 2024 amount, $23,721.20 is
recommended to be transferred to the River District Board, subject
to Board approval.
The 2026 budget is currently forecast to end with a nominal
surplus, with final results to be reported to the Board following
completion of the 2026 year-end.
River District Plan Alignment:
Regular financial reporting.
Staff Report CR-26-083: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial Update
Previous Report/Authority:
CR-25-122 River District 2025 Mid Year Financial Update
Background:
The River District Board of Management approves an annual levy to fund
initiatives that directly benefit businesses and properties within the River
District boundaries.
Staff provided a mid-year financial update in September 2025, at which time
the River District budget was forecast to end the year with a small operating
surplus.
Analysis and Options:
The River District ended the 2025 fiscal year with an operating surplus of
$8,353. After incorporating the budgeted transfers to and from reserves, the
net 2025 amount available for transfer is $8,876.79.
The year-end surplus was primarily attributable to:
approximately $6,000 in lower Board expenses, including unused
Board member education budgets and celebration costs below the
$5,000 budget;
approximately $2,000 related to the Citizens on Patrol donation,
which was no longer required as the program ceased operating;
and
approximately $6,500 in parking pass revenue above budget.
These favourable variances were partially offset by wages exceeding budget,
primarily because employee step increases were not fully reflected in the
2025 budget. Total revenue was also approximately $2,000 below budget
due to higher than anticipated charity rebates and tax write-offs resulting
from assessment changes.
The 2025 amount will be combined with the outstanding 2024 transfer.
Subject to Board approval, a total payment of $23,721.20 will be issued to
the River District Board by the end of 2026.
Based on results to date, the 2026 River District budget is forecast to end
the year with a nominal surplus. Final results will be confirmed following
completion of the 2026 fiscal year.
Staff Report CR-26-083: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial Update
Resource Alignment:
Financial Resources
The 2025 operating surplus of $8,353 will be transferred to reserves along
with the annual $10,000 budgeted reserve contribution. Approximately
$9,500 will be drawn from reserves to fund the Board share of decorative
lighting installed within the River District.
After accounting for these transactions, the net 2025 transfer is $8,876.79.
Combined with the outstanding 2024 amount, the total recommended
payment to the River District Board's reserves is $23,721.20.
In addition to expenditures funded through the River District levy, the City
incurred approximately $200,000 in wages and materials related to
downtown beautification in 2025, funded outside of the River District levy.
Human Resources
Administration of the River District Board's finances is undertaken by City
staff in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the City
and the River District Board of Management. These services are provided
without charge as an in-kind contribution to the Board.
Time and Scheduling
The next financial update to the River District Board is anticipated in
approximately September 2027, following completion of the 2026 fiscal year-
end reporting.
Technology and Infrastructure
N/A.
Climate and Environmental Impacts:
There are no anticipated climate or environmental impacts.
Communication and Engagement:
MNP prepares the River District Board's annual financial statements, which
are currently in finalized draft form. The City's auditors are expected to
present the 2025 financial statements to the River District Board at a future
meeting.
Staff Report CR-26-083: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial Update
Once finalized, the audited financial statements will be posted on the City's
website.
Report Developed in Consultation With:
River District Coordinator
Tax Collector
Director of Community Services
Attachments:
2025 Year End Details
Reviewed by:
Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services
Submission approved by:
Tim Simmonds, City Manager
For more information on this report, please contact Kate Allan, Director of
Corporate Services at kallan@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1238.
Staff Report CR-26-083: 2025 Year End and 2026 Financial UpdateThe River District Board of Management approved a $6,500 reserve allocation to install a custom metal logo with white river rock and lighter mulch at the raised oval garden on 9th Avenue East and 10th Street East.
The River District Board of Management approved a $6,500 allocation from reserves to install a custom metal logo featuring white river rock and lighter mulch at the raised oval garden on 9th Avenue East and 10th Street East. This durable landscape installation aims to strengthen the district's identity for motorists and pedestrians while beautifying a major arterial public space.
Agenda item 8.c: Report CS-26-082 from the River District Coordinator Re: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal - 9th Avenue East and 10th Street East
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Attachment: River District Branding and Directional Sign - CS-26-082.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/ffafd67118ec827a7e1c29c29581c11b3260bffc9c93f7ab8f04447730bc844b/8-c-1-river-district-branding-and-directional-sign-cs-26-082-pdf.pdf
Staff Report
Report To: River District Board of Management
Report From: Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator
Meeting Date: September 9, 2026
Report Code: CS-26-082
Subject: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal – 9th Avenue East
and 10th Street East
Recommendations:
THAT in consideration of Staff Report CS-26-082 respecting the River District
Planting Bed Logo Proposal, the River District Board of Management
approves an allocation of up to $6,500 from the Board Reserve for this
project.
Highlights:
This proposed branding initiative supports River District Action Plan
objectives by strengthening the River District’s identity and
enhancing a prominent arterial public space through a visible, year-
round branding feature.
The project uses a high-visibility location at the raised oval garden
at 9th Avenue East and 10th Street East, positioning the River
District brand where it can be readily seen by motorists and
pedestrians.
The project proposes a durable landscape installation featuring a
custom metal River District logo installed over landscape fabric,
with white river rock in the logo channel and lighter mulch
surrounding the “R” for contrast.
The project requires approval of the Board to allocate up to $6,500
from Board reserves for design, fabrication, installation, rock, and
Staff Report CS-26-082: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal – 9th Avenue
East and 10th Street East
mulch; Parks Division support to remove existing edge shrubs; and
confirmation of the intended installation schedule.
River District Plan Alignment:
Branding
Strategic Objective: Create an impactful and bold identity.
River District Management
Strategic Objective: Entice transient tourist traffic to stop in the River
District.
Action: Beautify arterial public spaces
- Increase the focus on landscaping and landscape maintenance along
10th Street throughout the entire city, along 9th Avenue from the
entrance to the city to 10th Street East, and along 16th Street East.
Previous Report/Authority:
N/A.
Background:
The River District Action Plan has Objectives and Actions that support
branding to create an impactful identity and to beautify arterial public
spaces.
There is a large oval garden at the intersection of 9th Avenue East and 10th
Street East (see Attachment 1).
The bed is raised at the rear, so it is visible from the street. 9th Avenue East
and 10th Street East are both “major arterial roads” within the City’s
transportation network and have daily traffic counts (counting only
westbound traffic on 10th Street, west of the 9th Avenue East intersection) of
approximately 1,920 vehicles (700,800 vehicles per year) (2016 data).
There is an opportunity for the River District to utilize this bed to promote its
brand and direct people to the River District.
Staff Report CS-26-082: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal – 9th Avenue
East and 10th Street East
Analysis and Options:
Staff has consulted with a metal fabricator who would create a stylized River
District logo for placement in the centre of the bed on top of landscape fabric
over the current planting bed.
The channel would be filled with white river rock and the area around the
River District “R” would be filled with mulch. The River District logo would be
a patina finish and clear-coated.
This would be intended as a year-round display that could have lights added
for a seasonal touch along with other seasonal items. The words River
District would be added with an arrow pointing left or west.
Attachment 2 includes an illustration of the concept.
Resource Alignment:
Financial Resources
The estimated cost of the design, manufacture, and installation (including
rock and mulch) is $6,500 from the River District Board of Management
reserves.
Human Resources
City Parks Division staff have been requested to remove the existing shrubs
from the edge of the planter.
Time and Scheduling
If approved by the Board, the goal would be to install the piece before the
end of the year.
Technology and Infrastructure
N/A.
Climate and Environmental Impacts:
There are no anticipated climate or environmental impacts.
Staff Report CS-26-082: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal – 9th Avenue
East and 10th Street East
Communication and Engagement:
The goal of this initiative is to promote communication and awareness of the
River District and the brand to the thousands of people who would pass it
each week.
Report Developed in Consultation With:
Manager of Parks and Open Space
Attachments:
1. Location of Planting Bed
2. Illustration of Concept
Reviewed by:
Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services
Submission approved by:
Tim Simmonds, City Manager
For more information on this report, please contact Viveca Gravel, River
District Coordinator at vgravel@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1209.
Staff Report CS-26-082: River District Planting Bed Logo Proposal – 9th Avenue
East and 10th Street East
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Attachment: Attachment 1 - Location of Planting Bed.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/479ecceb5f3bc49881fcac181b059a8eba575fd656ef3fab3a86ee5fcb4bbd4f/8-c-2-attachment-1-location-of-planting-bed-pdf.pdf
Attachment 1 - Location of Planting Bed
2026-09-03, 2:52:56 p.m. 1:2,963
0 0.02 0.04 0.07 mi
Road Centreline Citations
0 0.03 0.06 0.11 km
Assessment Parcels Bruce County, Grey County, Province of Ontario, Ontario MNR, Esri Canada,
Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, USGS, EPA, USDA, AAFC, NRCan
---
Attachment: Attachment 2 - Illustration of Concept.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/72afbd5810cd77decfef8904bb5ae62dbfb146708cdf9e48151f5867c7ee3ff7/8-c-3-attachment-2-illustration-of-concept-pdf.pdf
Attachment 2 – Illustration of Concept
The actual image will include the three leaves of the River District logo.
Lighter coloured mulch will be used to ensure the sign will be visible and
white river rock will be used within the entire centre area inside the “R”.The River District Board received a report on the Action Plan update and Revitalization Project progress, noting that O2 Design has begun assessing infrastructure deficiencies after input from approximately 57 business owners during an August engagement session.
The River District Board received a report on the progress of the Action Plan update and the Revitalization Project, noting that O2 Design has begun assessing infrastructure deficiencies. Approximately 57 business owners provided input during an August engagement session, while further service provider meetings are scheduled for September. The revitalization project, funded by Council allocations and Ontario grants, aims to establish a long-term vision for aging infrastructure maintenance and placemaking.
Agenda item 8.d: Report CS-26-089 from the River District Coordinator Re: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
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Attachment: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates - CS-26-089.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/e54bb9b791d42d8e277bfba5800f88156065d715580087a84bef9ddf967e40cc/8-d-1-river-district-action-plan-and-revitalization-project-updates-cs-26-089-pdf.pdf
Staff Report
Report To: River District Board of Management
Report From: Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator
Meeting Date: September 9, 2026
Report Code: CS-26-089
Subject: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
Recommendations:
THAT in consideration of Staff Report CS-26-089 respecting updates on the
River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project, the River District Board
of Management receives the report for information purposes.
Highlights:
The River District Action Plan update is progressing, with
engagement completed with the Board of Management and River
District business and building owners. Further engagement with
service providers and the broader community is planned for
September.
Approximately 57 business and building owners participated in the
August 5 engagement session, providing input on existing Action
Plan priorities and identifying areas for continued focus.
O2 Design has commenced work on the River District Revitalization
Project, including an on-site assessment of existing infrastructure
and deficiencies.
O2 Design is consolidating information from its site assessment
with City GIS and other available data to establish existing
conditions and inform the development of a long-term revitalization
vision and priorities.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
River District Plan Alignment:
The River District Action Plan was approved in 2021. This Plan was designed
as a three-year strategy. The timing is appropriate to undertake an update to
the Plan.
The River District Revitalization Project aligns with the City of Owen Sound’s
Strategic Plan.
Priority: City Building
Definition: Enhancing urban development, planning and place-making
processes to create places and spaces that contribute to complete
communities for existing residents, future residents, and tourists.
By 2050, Owen Sound will be a city whose infrastructure, community
amenities and housing stock are well maintained, accessible and responsive
to the evolving requirements of community stakeholders and visitors.
Previous Report/Authority:
River District Action Plan
CS-25-095 - Approach and Methodology to Update the River District Action
Plan
CS-26-061 - River District Action Plan Update – Board Update and Input
CM-25-027 - Update Following the July 28 Community Stakeholder
Discussion to Foster a Vibrant River District
CM-25-032 - Fostering a Vibrant River District – Report II
CM-25-033 – River District Public Washroom Infrastructure and Operational
Assessment
CM-26-021 – Fostering a Vibrant River District - Report III
Background:
River District Action Plan
In 2020, the City of Owen Sound and the River District shared the cost of
developing the River District Action Plan, the plan intended to guide the River
District over a three-year period.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
The Board of Management has approved a methodology for undertaking the
Plan update.
This report provides an interim update on the progress to date.
River District Revitalization Project
In October 2025, Council approved funding toward a River District
revitalization project, which also received grant funding through the
Government of Ontario. The project is intended to assess the aging
infrastructure within the River District and establish a comprehensive, long-
term approach to infrastructure, revitalization, and placemaking.
Following a competitive procurement process, the City of Owen Sound
awarded the consulting contract to O2 Design.
Analysis and Options:
River District Action Plan
As part of the Board of Management meeting on July 8, 2026, the River
District Board participated in an exercise to review and provide feedback on
the existing actions and identify new actions within the four key pillars of the
Plan.
On August 5, 2026, River District business and building owners were invited
to participate in the same exercise. Approximately 57 participants attended
and provided feedback on the existing action items and future priorities for
the River District.
A service provider engagement session is scheduled for September 25, 2026,
where participants will complete the same exercise. A public survey will also
launch on the same date to provide an additional opportunity for community
input.
Once all the feedback is received, staff will consolidate the feedback and
bring back a report to the Board for review and input. An updated Plan will
follow.
River District Revitalization Project
A project kick-off meeting was held on July 22, 2026, between O2 Design,
City staff, and the River District Coordinator. The meeting provided an
overview of the project requirements, expectations, schedule, and immediate
next steps.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
Staff shared background including; River District Action Plan, City of Owen
Sound Official Plan, Urban Design & Façade Guidelines, Harbour Downtown
Urban Design Master Plan, Community Improvement Plan guidelines,
detailed mapping of streets, street furniture and infrastructure, Patio
Guidelines, as well as other planning and land use documents. In addition to
this documentation, O2 has been provided with access to several GIS
(Geographic Information System) layers with deficiencies, historic plaque
placement, parking, vacancy, and more. As the project continues, staff will
ensure that they receive further documentation as needed.
On August 20, 2026, a member of the O2 Design team was in Owen Sound
to conduct an on-site review of River District infrastructure, assess
deficiencies, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the area.
O2 Design is currently consolidating information gathered during the site visit
with available City data, including GIS information. This work will help
establish a clear understanding of existing conditions and inform future
planning and revitalization priorities.
The consultant is also preparing an initial communication for Council and the
River District Board of Management outlining preliminary findings, vision, and
direction for the project.
As part of this project, O2 Design will be hosting feedback sessions with
stakeholders as well as launching a survey to the public to ensure these
pieces of information are included in their overall plan.
Resource Alignment:
Financial Resources
River District Action Plan
The River District Board has established a $10,000 budget to support this
update. A portion of these funds was used to support costs relating to a
meeting with building and business owners and service providers.
River District Revitalization Project
This project is funded through an allocation from Council and a grant from
the Government of Ontario.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
Human Resources
These actions are being completed with staff resources from both the City
and River District.
Time and Scheduling
River District Action Plan
Public engagement, including a meeting with service providers and a live
survey, is scheduled to be completed by mid-October 2026.
River District Revitalization Project
The project is scheduled to be completed by April 2027.
Technology and Infrastructure
N/A.
Climate and Environmental Impacts:
The recommendation supports both the City's Corporate Climate Change
Adaptation Plan and the City's Climate Mitigation Plan.
Communication and Engagement:
River District Action Plan
Staff have sent direct emails to social agencies and community partners for
the upcoming session.
Staff will use the City’s project page on the OurCity framework as a key part
of communication for the project. The project will be branded to identify the
initiative as being led by the River District.
A public survey will be conducted through OurCity launching September 25,
2026.
Following public engagement, a report will be prepared for the Board
summarizing the input and identifying any issues that require additional
professional expertise. Following this, the Plan will be updated, and this
updated River District Action Plan will be presented to the Board for review
and feedback.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project Updates
River District Revitalization Project
As the project progresses, memos and presentations will be made to Council
and the River District Board of Management.
Report Developed in Consultation With:
Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services
Attachments:
None.
Reviewed by:
Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services
Submission approved by:
Tim Simmonds, City Manager
For more information on this report, please contact Viveca Gravel, River
District Coordinator at vgravel@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1209.
Staff Report CS-26-089: River District Action Plan and Revitalization Project UpdatesThe Member Legate provided a verbal report detailing the current status and recent activities of the Events and Activations Team.
Agenda item 8.e: Verbal Report from Member Legate Re: Events and Activations Team Update --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 8.e Verbal Report from Member Legate Re: Events and Activations Team Update
The Board Treasurer provided a verbal report confirming that there are no matters currently postponed.
Agenda item 8.f: Verbal Report from the Board Treasurer Re: Board Finances --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 8.f Verbal Report from the Board Treasurer Re: Board Finances MATTERS POSTPONED There are no matters postponed.
Council postponed nine matters.
Agenda item 9: MATTERS POSTPONED
Council considered motions for which notice was previously given, but none were presented.
Agenda item 10: MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 10. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN There are no motions for which notice was previously given.
Council received correspondence provided for information.
Agenda item 11: CORRESPONDENCE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 11. CORRESPONDENCE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION
The River District Board of Management has opened the candidate nomination period for its 2026 election.
Agenda item 11.a: River District Board of Management Election Nomination Period Open --- Attachment: River District Board of Management Election Nomination Period Open.pdf Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/27810e380317efdfece03ebdc4350dbf8c1acb446b9be803af2ae365344e9816/11-a-1-river-district-board-of-management-election-nomination-period-open-pdf.pdf R RiverDistrict Candidate Nomination Period Now Open River District Board of Management Election 2026 P NO PARKING TOWING ENFORCED
Council issued final approvals for business licences covering Toppers Pizza, Prince Yahya Transit Solution Inc, The Look Salon & Boutique, Adil's Tailor Shop, First Health Counselling, The Admiral's Barbershop, and JM Shoebox Bookkeeping.
Agenda item 11.b: Final approvals issued for the following Business Licences: --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 11.b Final approvals issued for the following Business Licences: • Toppers Pizza, a take-out restaurant located at 1057 2nd Avenue East • Prince Yahya Transit Solution Inc, a taxi company located at 127 8th Street East • The Look Salon & Boutique, a hair salon located at 747 2nd Avenue East • Adil's Tailor Shop, a tailoring business located at 1035 3rd Avenue East • First Health Counselling, a counselling service located at 890 4th Avenue East • The Admiral's Barbershop, a hair salon has relocated to 975 2nd Avenue East • JM Shoebox Bookkeeping has relocated to a home-based business at 253 11th Street East
The council discussed additional business items.
Agenda item 12: DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 12. DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Council considered notices of motion.
Agenda item 13: NOTICES OF MOTION --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 13. NOTICES OF MOTION
Council adjourns the meeting.
Agenda item 14: ADJOURNMENT --- Combined agenda package (secondary source) 14. ADJOURNMENT