One-Sentence Summary

Council heard a structural assessment of Harrison Park’s Rainbow Bridge, considered a CIP grant application for converting a vacant building into a crisis residence with accessibility upgrades, and addressed playground project updates across multiple Owen Sound sites.

Whole Meeting Summary

The Director of Community Services presented a structural assessment revealing that hollow steel members in the Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge have suffered significant deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles instead of road salting, confirmed by a speaker Speaker 01 with historical images from a report issued two years ago which also documented substantial damage. Michelle Palmer, representing the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operations, presented a staff report concerning CM-26-022 which details the proposed transfer of specific artifacts held by the City to an organization named Grey Roots for their collection or care purposes within this agenda item. Staff recommended approval of CIP grant application CS-26-072 for converting the vacant building at 612 2nd Avenue East into a crisis residence with landscaping, accessibility upgrades including an accessible ramp and universal washroom totaling $347,000 in estimated costs. The Chief Building Official presented a memorandum regarding ongoing construction activities at West Harbor West and Skydeck alongside updates on the progress of Capital Improvement Program applications currently under review by municipal staff. Council members discussed updates regarding playground project status at Owen Heights, Comerat, Marker Tree, and Weaver’s Creek Boardwalk while noting recent openings for former sites and upcoming construction start dates for remaining locations under additional business discussion.

Most Newsworthy Items

  • Structural Assessment Reveals Freeze-thaw Damage to Steel Members: The Director of Community Services presented a structural assessment report for Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge, noting significant deterioration in its hollow steel members caused by freeze-thaw cycles rather than road salting.
  • Approval Recommended for 612 2nd Avenue East Crisis Residence Conversion Grants Totaling: Staff report on CIP grant application CS-26-072 proposes converting a vacant building at 612 2nd Avenue East into a crisis residence with landscaping, accessibility upgrades including an accessible ramp and universal washroom, totaling $347,000 in estimated costs. The city recommends approval of the three grant programs subject to standard conditions such as executing a financial incentive program agreement and completing work per approved permits before funds are issued. Staff also recommend drawing from CIP reserves to fund remaining amounts due to high interest this year.
  • Confirmation of Structural Damage in Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge: A speaker noted a report from two years ago regarding the Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge showed significant deterioration, which was confirmed by comparing current conditions with historical images provided during the discussion.
  • Committee Approves CIP Grant for Safe N Sound Mural: The committee considered a mural proposal at 612 2nd Avenue East, noting its location facing significant public intersections and acknowledging Woodpecker as a great addition to the area.

Meeting Recap

8.a.1 Report CS-26-073 from the Director of Community Services Re Harrison Park

The Director of Community Services presented a structural assessment revealing that hollow steel members in the Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge have suffered significant deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles instead of road salting. A speaker Speaker 03 by comparing current conditions with historical images from a report issued two years ago, which also documented substantial damage.

8.b.1 Report CM-26-022 from the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operational

Michelle Palmer presented a report regarding the transfer of artifacts from the City to Grey Roots.

8.b.2 Report CS-26-072 from the Senior Planner Re CIP Grant Application

Staff recommended approval of CIP grant application CS-26-072 for converting the vacant building at 612 2nd Avenue East into a crisis residence with landscaping and accessibility upgrades including an accessible ramp and universal washroom, totaling $347,000 in estimated costs. The committee considered a mural proposal located on the property facing significant public intersections and acknowledged Woodpecker as a great addition to the area.

11.a Memorandum from the Chief Building Official and Manager of Planning and

The Speaker 04 reported ongoing construction at West Harbor West and Skydeck while noting significant momentum from Capital Improvement Program applications received to date.

12 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Council members discussed updates on playground projects at Owen Heights, Comerat, Marker Tree, and Weaver’s Creek Boardwalk, noting recent openings for the former sites and upcoming construction start dates for the latter.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2026-07-22

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2026-07-22

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

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_Committee - Community Services_2026-07-22-05-30.mp4