Upcoming meeting preview for Council Meeting - Regular on July 13, 2026 5:30 PM.

This preview is based on the published agenda package and supporting reports.

One-Sentence Summary

The July 13, 2026 Council Meeting - Regular agenda includes Development Charge Exemption Request.

Whole Agenda Summary

On July 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Council will consider several proposals including a zoning application for one-two-zero-one Fifteenth Avenue East containing twelve-eight rental units; while archaeologists previously cleared the site, discussions await Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s further study of heritage concerns before finalizing conditions regarding pedestrian access and helipad safety. Concurrently, Kristopher Stevens from Glassworks presents a report challenging current employment land designations at nineteen-one-nine Twenty-Sixth Street East, noting that converting flexible zones to housing does not jeopardize regional job targets given existing vacant spaces capable of supporting thousands of roles. The meeting also examines requests for development charge exemptions due to provincial affordability barriers while acknowledging necessary infrastructure funding gaps under the Development Charge Reduction Programme updates for Telfer Creek and fire hall expansions without cutting capital rates. Finally, Council reviews lease renewals facilitating a low-barrier emergency shelter near Second Avenue East, ensuring eight required parking spaces on existing easements support crisis housing needs.

Most Newsworthy Agenda Items

  • Recommendation Report - ZBA No. 58 for 1201 15th Avenue East (East Court Residences Apartments): Preliminary consultation regarding a ZBA application at 1201 15th Avenue East addresses pedestrian connectivity through an extended sidewalk from Block 4 across undeveloped lands to the Sunlife property, aiming for future access to major intersections. The proposal seeks approval for a single apartment building containing 128 rental units, intended to bolster housing supply in Grey County where affordability challenges persist and vacancy rates remain low. While archaeological assessments previously cleared the site under subdivision agreements, Saugeen Ojibway Nation has requested further study before finalizing conditions, prompting staff to monitor this cultural heritage concern alongside transit proximity and helipad safety requirements.
  • Deputation from Kristopher Stevens, Glassworks Development Co-operative Board President Glassworks Village Official Plan and Rezoning Applications: Glassworks Development Co-operative Board President Kristopher Stevens presented a Planning Justification Report to address Owen Sound planning staff’s January 2026 recommendation to clarify the policy context before submitting rezoning applications. The proposed development involves converting approximately 18.6 hectares of land at 1919 26th Street East, currently designated as Flexible Employment Area and Hazard Lands under Official Plan Amendment No. 14, into residential use while retaining a southern portion for employment generating uses. An Employment Land Needs Assessment conducted by urbanMetrics demonstrates that the Subject Site is not required to meet long-term job targets, revealing a surplus of vacant land in Owen Sound’s employment areas capable of supporting over 4,300 jobs even after conversion. Consequently, Glassworks plans to proceed with technical studies following approval in principle from Council to remove the site from the employment area designation.
  • Minutes of Boards and Committees for Receipt Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force meeting held on June 19, 2026: The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force emphasizes that genuine engagement requires shared responsibility between councillors and frontline organisations built on accessibility, humility, and trust.
  • Request to Lease Two Additional Parking Spaces - Municipal Parking Area - 11th Street West: The report seeks Council approval for a by-law amending the lease of two additional municipal parking spaces on 11th Street West, adjacent to existing five leased spots supporting redevelopment at 1095 1st Avenue West. This expansion generates $600/year in revenue while maximizing use of underutilized infrastructure without impacting underground utilities or goods delivery to the harbour. The proposed wine bar tenant will cover legal costs and sign installation for these new spaces, aligning with climate adaptation goals by limiting impervious surfaces.
  • Development Charge Exemption Request - 1201 15th Avenue East: Andpet Realty Limited requests exemption from City development charges for 124 senior rental units at 1201 15th Avenue East, arguing that provincial affordability thresholds render construction financially unviable. Staff report notes the project would forego approximately $985,000 in revenues needed to fund infrastructure like roads and wastewater systems under the ‘growth pays for growth’ principle. While acknowledging previous phases added units without relief, staff warn that granting this specific exemption outside current by-law criteria creates a dangerous precedent for future developers facing similar market challenges.
  • Development Charges Reduction Programme - Application Update: Following Council’s June 2026 direction, staff refined applications for the Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Programme by relying on existing reductions from the 2023 By-law rather than proposing new rate cuts to preserve capital funding. The East Side Growth Corridor Infrastructure application was updated to include specific projects like Telfer Creek and Sand and Salt Storage Facility Expansion, requesting $4.7 million in grants for infrastructure supporting future residential growth. A separate Fire Hall Development Project seeks an additional $2.75 million to ensure emergency services can accommodate population expansion without direct housing linkage.
  • Request to Lease Lands to the West of 612 2nd Avenue East: Safe 'N Sound, the new owner of the property at 612 2nd Avenue East, requests a lease renewal for lands to the rear designated as Hazard zoning. The City proposes updating an expired agreement originally tied to Family Y daycare operations to support Safe 'N Sound’s development of a year-round low-barrier emergency shelter and crisis residence. This arrangement provides eight required parking spaces on existing easement infrastructure while designating adjacent outdoor areas for amenity use, ensuring the facility meets operational needs without impacting neighbouring properties.

What To Watch

  • Which agenda items move forward to formal recommendations.

  • Whether staff proposals trigger additional public consultation or revisions.

  • Follow-up actions, timelines, and any deferred items.

Read full agenda archive page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2026-07-13

Transcript will be published here: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2026-07-13

Original Agenda Package Links

Supporting Attachments

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=03069c57-ea27-47f5-a638-7fdfe8e89a32