Upcoming meeting preview for Committee - Community Services on July 22, 2026 5:30 PM.

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

One-Sentence Summary

The July 22, 2026 Committee - Community Services agenda includes Mural Proposal And Artifact Transfer.

Whole Agenda Summary

On July 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Council will consider whether to pre-emptively authorise late Community Improvement Plan applications for the mural by Sarah McComb-Turbitt depicting a woodpecker at the Intersections Wood Collaborative studio on 10th Street East. Staff recommend drawing from a CIP reserve balance of $43,000 should resource constraints emerge when an application is submitted after work begins. Members will also weigh options to allocate up to $30,000 of the CIP budget toward converting the former daycare into Safe nSound shelter units at 612 2nd Avenue East; proposed works include installing accessibility features and erecting fencing along interior lot lines to buffer adjacent parking areas within the River District Commercial zone. The meeting will examine a proposal to transfer five bronze bells, four clock faces, and their weight-driven mechanism from City Hall facilities to Grey Roots following findings of inadequate storage capacity for these artifacts at Public Works without financial cost.

Most Newsworthy Agenda Items

• Public Art Installation - Intersections Wood Collaborative - 289 10th Street East: The Community Services Committee is asked to approve a mural proposal from the Intersections Wood Collaborative for their studio at 289 10th St E, featuring a realistic woodpecker by artist Sarah McComb-Turbitt on the east wall facing 3rd Avenue East. The project requires a Temporary Encroachment Permit for work within the City’s right of way and is situated in a priority area under the Community Improvement Plan – Landscaping & Property Improvement Grant programme, which offers up to $10,000 funding if an application is submitted after work begins due to current resource constraints. Staff recommend Council pre-emptively allow consideration for such late applications given staffing limitations in August 2026 and suggest drawing from the CIP reserve balance of $43,000 to fund eligible projects.
• CIP Grant Application - 612 2nd Avenue East - Safe nSound: Safe nSound Residence submitted applications for three City of Owen Sound Community Improvement Plan grants totaling $30,000 to convert the vacant former YMCA daycare at 612 2nd Avenue East into a shelter/crisis residence. The proposed works include installing an accessible exterior ramp and power door operators on the southern entrance, constructing a universal washroom and shower room on the first storey, and erecting solid board fencing along interior lot lines to buffer the new use from adjacent parking areas. Staff recommends Council approve these applications subject to Schedule ‘C’ conditions, directing staff to allocate $13,000 from the 2026 CIP budget and draw an additional $45,000 ($17,000 plus a further $28,000) from the existing reserve fund. This initiative aligns with Vision 2050 priorities by supporting vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness within the River District Commercial zone.
• Transfer of Artifacts (Bells. Clock Faces and Clock Mechanism) to Grey Roots: Following a LEAN initiative identifying inadequate storage for 1920s City Hall artifacts at Public Works, staff recommend transferring five bronze bells, four clock faces, and the weight-driven mechanism to Grey Roots. The County archive offers safe stewardship without financial cost, contrasting with the need for climate-controlled space if retained by the City.
• Memorandum Development Update: Construction proceeds on Building #2 at Hansa, SkyDev’s 5th floor, a universal washroom by The Farmer’s Market, and an addition to Georgian Heights planned by Paaji Heights.
• Planning and Heritage: The report details the transfer of artifacts, specifically bells, clock faces, and a clock mechanism from Bells to Grey Roots.

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/committee-community-services/2026-07-22

Transcript will be published here: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2026-07-22

Original Agenda Package Links

• Agenda source 1
• Agenda source 2
• Agenda source 3

Supporting Attachments

• 4.a 2026-06-24 Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes.pdf
• 8.b.1 Transfer of Artifacts (Bells, Clock Faces and Clock Mechanism) to Grey Roots - CM-26-022.pdf
• 8.b.2 CIP Grant Application – 612 2nd Avenue East – Safe n Sound - CS-26-072.pdf
• 8.b.2 Schedule A - Application Form, including description of work.pdf
• 8.b.2 Schedule B - Proposed Fencing.pdf
• 8.b.2 Schedule C - Architectural Drawings.pdf
• 8.b.3 Public Art Installation - Intersections Wood Collaborative 289 10th Street East - CS-26-074.pdf
• 8.b.3 Schedule 1 - Building location and Google Street View of 3rd Ave E frontage .pdf
• 8.b.3 Schedule 2 - Email extract describing project from Sarah McComb-Turbitt.pdf
• 11.a June 2026 Development Update.pdf

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=322b5627-ab9c-4515-9b0d-3fb3c6814de4