One-Sentence Summary
On May 11, 2026, council approved two bylaws to remove Wellington County funding for Guelph Onsound Transit.
Whole Meeting Summary
The public forum highlighted Raymond Boughton’s proposal to pilot using existing mobility services for wheelchair users accessing non-emergency hospital care, addressing significant accessibility barriers. Andre Zvorogin advocated for a community land trust model that would integrate affordable housing with local food production to reduce reliance on high-input farming and enhance regional resilience. Council minutes reviewed the Poverty Task Force’s advocacy for increased provincial and federal support for the Good Food Box program amidst rising food insecurity. The Graysonville Conservation Authority update detailed upcoming governance shifts and new representation models following a provincial amalgamation. Councillor Farmer recognized City Manager Tim Simmons for fifteen years of service while reporting on energy goals and the upcoming Canadian Innovation Week event. The meeting concluded with proposed bylaw amendments to remove Wellington County funding for Guelph Onsound Transit and to execute a lease assignment between Onsound Attack Inc.
Most Newsworthy Items
- The agenda item proposes two bylaws: The agenda item proposes two bylaws: one to amend Bylaw 2026-02-1 by removing Wellington County as a funder for Guelph Onsound Transit, and another to execute a lease assignment between Onsound Attack Inc.
- Raymond Boughton addressed accessibility barriers preventing wheelchair users from using t: Raymond Boughton addressed accessibility barriers preventing wheelchair users from using taxis for non-emergency hospital visits, proposing a pilot program using existing mobility services.
- Council Approved Business Relocations and Received Minutes on Food Insecurity and Conservation: The consent agenda approved business relocations for Mind Revitalized, Coaches Painting, and Sunside Skin, alongside a fireworks license. Council received minutes from the Poverty Task Force highlighting rising food insecurity and the Good Food Box program’s cost challenges, and the Gray Sable Conservation Authority minutes detailing upcoming governance amalgamations that will create three layers of bureaucracy and alter municipal participation.
- Council Reviewed Fee Adjustments Provincial Legislative Impacts and Community Project Updates: Council discussed fee updates following a provincial freeze, highlighting a new admin building and correspondence regarding Bill 100 which strengthens provincial chair powers. The Community Services Committee approved minutes, endorsed a provincial heritage housing grant proposal, and reviewed updates on conservation authority legislation and tourism grants. Staff clarified new fees for turf installation and event deposits, while public engagement for the Kelso Beach playground project is scheduled for May. A recent home and lifestyle show was noted as a sold-out success.
Meeting Recap
8 PUBLIC FORUM
Raymond Boughton addressed accessibility barriers preventing wheelchair users from using taxis for non-emergency hospital visits, proposing a pilot program using existing mobility services. Andre Zvorogin advocated for a community land trust model integrating affordable housing with local food production to reduce reliance on high-input farming and increase resilience.
11 CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda included reports on lease assignments, bylaw enforcement appointments, and administrative amendments to transit funding agreements, alongside business license issuances and relocations for various local enterprises. Council received minutes from the Poverty Task Force and the Graysonville Conservation Authority, with specific attention given to rising food insecurity and the structural changes within the conservation authority following a provincial amalgamation. The Poverty Task Force highlighted the Good Food Box program’s role in addressing food needs while advocating for increased provincial and federal support, while the Conservation Authority minutes detailed upcoming governance shifts, new representation models, and operational updates including budget approvals and volunteer initiatives.
Council Approved Business Relocations and Received Minutes on Food Insecurity and Conservation
The consent agenda approved business relocations for Mind Revitalized, Coaches Painting, and Sunside Skin, alongside a fireworks license. Council received minutes from the Poverty Task Force highlighting rising food insecurity and the Good Food Box program’s cost challenges, and the Gray Sable Conservation Authority minutes detailing upcoming governance amalgamations that will create three layers of bureaucracy and alter municipal participation.
Council Reviewed Fee Adjustments Provincial Legislative Impacts and Community Project Updates
Council discussed fee updates following a provincial freeze, highlighting a new admin building and correspondence regarding Bill 100 which strengthens provincial chair powers. The Community Services Committee approved minutes, endorsed a provincial heritage housing grant proposal, and reviewed updates on conservation authority legislation and tourism grants. Staff clarified new fees for turf installation and event deposits, while public engagement for the Kelso Beach playground project is scheduled for May. A recent home and lifestyle show was noted as a sold-out success.
Council Discusses the Burden of Missed Recycling Pickups in the River District
Council addresses the growing issue of recycling and garbage bags left at the curb in the River District, which burdens staff and costs taxpayers. Officials confirm that correspondence and postcards have been sent to landlords and building owners, noting a shift in responsibility under the Residential Tenancies Act for multi-unit properties. The discussion highlights that while waste collection continues, recycling pickup has become biweekly, leading to missed collections. Staff are tasked with exploring options to increase downtown cleaning service levels and addressing the specific waste management contract.
11.a Report CM-26-019 from the City Manager Re Assignment of Lease Owen
Councillor Farmer highlighted volunteer efforts by Pollinate Owen Sound for a garden planting event at the Marine Heritage Waterfront Center on May 30th. He also reported on energy superpower goals, housing policy discussions, and the upcoming Canadian Innovation Week event. Additionally, the council recognized City Manager Tim Simmons for his 15 years of service. The agenda concluded with notices of motion to recognize community members Arlene Wright and Ova Jackson by naming atrium meeting rooms after them, followed by a review of various bylaws for approval.
21 BY-LAWS
The agenda item proposes two bylaws: one to amend Bylaw 2026-02-1 by removing Wellington County as a funder for Guelph Onsound Transit, and another to execute a lease assignment between Onsound Attack Inc.
Links
Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2026-05-11
Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2026-05-11
Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=9e5eca6b-cbde-46d4-870b-6f8340bd102a
Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_CM_2026-05-11-05-30.mp4