Upcoming meeting preview for Committee - Operations on July 23, 2026 5:30 PM.

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

One-Sentence Summary

The July 23, 2026 Committee - Operations agenda includes Discontinue Pilot Return Schedule.

Whole Agenda Summary

The July 23 at 5:30 PM meeting will consider reports from the Operations Committee regarding potential shifts in how excess soil is managed after Public Works activities generate approximately 300,000 m³; staff propose utilising $35,000 previously approved to investigate converting part of Genoe Landfill into a storage and reuse site rather than hauling material. Simultaneously, the committee will review findings from an Owen Sound Transit pilot that offered two 45-minute intervals during weekday afternoons where feedback from 89 survey respondents highlighted confusion and wait times as key concerns while seasonal traffic volumes and construction detours strained operations in late spring; a recommendation is expected to revert to a standard schedule effective August 3. Discussions will also address the status of real-time GPS tracking for transit vehicles through CONSAT integration delays with Google Transit standards and explore purchasing approximately $10,000 worth of portable units to equip spare buses currently lacking permanent trackers.

Most Newsworthy Agenda Items

  • Landfill Approval Alternatives Analysis: The Operations Committee recommends utilising the $35,000 approved in the 2024 capital budget to investigate converting a section of the Genoe Landfill into an excess-soil storage and beneficial-reuse site. Preliminary analysis indicates this footprint could accommodate approximately 300,000 m³ of soil generated by Public Works activities, reducing hauling costs compared to exporting material at $105 to $175 per metric tonne. Staff advise pausing further investigation into reopening the landfill for household waste disposal until the County of Grey Regional Waste Management Study is completed.
  • Owen Sound Transit 45-Minute Service Pilot Results: The Operations Committee recommends discontinuing the six-month pilot that introduced two 45-minute service intervals during weekday afternoons and returning to the regular 30-minute schedule effective August 3, 2026. Public feedback from a survey of 89 responses indicated an 80% preference for the previous schedule due to longer wait times and confusion regarding the afternoon timetable. Although initial recovery time showed promise in March and April, missed runs increased significantly by May and June as seasonal traffic volumes rose and construction detours became frequent. Staff will continue collaborating with Voyago Transit Manager Mason Bellamy’s team to identify alternative operational improvements at the Crosstown route terminal.
  • Find My Bus App Capital Project Update: The Transit App successfully launched in 2024, delivering scheduled and real-time GPS tracking for equipped vehicles via the CONSAT system. Integration with Google Transit is delayed by complex data requirements from Google, though staff continue coordinating with contractor CONSAT to meet standards. To address gaps where spare buses lack permanent GPS units, a portable ‘CONSAT in a Bag’ unit costing approximately $10,000 remains available for purchase and deployment.

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-operations/2026-07-23

Transcript will be published here: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-operations/2026-07-23

Original Agenda Package Links

Supporting Attachments

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=9e4f2e89-cd48-4bc0-b030-a00ad238163d