One-Sentence Summary
Council reviewed proposed adjustments to the 2026 budget following a deputation regarding downtown concerns, received an update from Sergeant Joshua Anthony about foot patrol hours and new auxiliary constables joining active duty after their graduation course, and issued final business licences to several local enterprises while noting upcoming membership celebrations.
Whole Meeting Summary
The public meeting reviewed proposed adjustments to the 2026 River District budget after Director Stacy presented an overview noting that a previously included grant was removed due to cessation of operations, reducing the total proposed levy increase from 3.25% down to 2.5%. Auditor Robin Strangway-Calder presented a 2024 year-end audit report confirming an unmodified opinion on the City and River District’s financial position with total assets of $183,805 primarily consisting of cash and no reported fraud or significant internal control deficiencies. During the Public Forum agenda item, Council members heard community input concerning reduced security funding allocations, possible reductions in recycling services, and identified requirements for street cleaning operations within the municipality. Council received a verbal update from Sergeant Joshua Anthony of the Owen Sound Police Service regarding September foot patrol hours totaling 121 completed units including downtown bike patrols despite reduced October numbers due to mental health crisis response training rotations. The Council adopted a motion to accept the verbal report regarding board finances presented by the Board Treasurer as part of the official agenda item nine point d. Staff reported that the City Manager recommended establishing a dedicated project lead position for Vivica to address River District needs using general tax levy funds instead of district resources in Report CM-25-032 regarding fostering a vibrant river community. Council issued final business licences for Lachlan Liquidation, Afro Caribbean Groceries at 16 2nd Avenue East, Precision Tailoring and Alterations at 71 2nd Avenue East, River Tech Source at 149 8th Street East, and Crowns and Fades by Jamie Wilder relocated to 1045 2nd Avenue East.
Most Newsworthy Items
- Review of 2026 Budget Adjustments and Public Input: The public meeting opened to review the proposed 2026 River District budget after confirming notice was given and no comments had been received prior to the session. Director Stacy presented an overview noting that a previously included $2,000 grant for Citizens on Patrol has been removed due to their cessation of operations, reducing the total proposed levy increase from 3.25% down to 2.5%. This adjustment maintains an anticipated reserve balance of $120,000 at year-end while funding a River District Action Plan and reserving funds for potential elections. Director Stacy clarified that staff costs, IT support, street maintenance, beautification, waste pickup, and snow removal are funded through separate city levies rather than the special levy paid by property owners within the mandate area. The meeting concluded with a deputation from Marianne Thomas regarding downtown concerns.
- Council received a verbal update from Sergeant Joshua Anthony of the Owen: Council received a verbal update from Sergeant Joshua Anthony of the Owen Sound Police Service regarding foot patrol hours and community initiatives for September, which saw 121 completed hours including bike patrols downtown despite reduced October numbers due to mental health crisis response training rotations.
- Update River District Action Plan Methodology: The report proposes updating the River District Action Plan by reviewing current actions, assessing emerging issues since July public meetings, and developing an inclusive communication strategy involving businesses, social agencies, residents, and visitors to refine identity and marketing objectives.
- Direct Staff to Update and Post the New River District Block Cap: Council members confirmed the updated River District Block Cap Map boundaries and directed staff to post the revised map on the website.
Meeting Recap
5.a 2026 Budget
The public meeting reviewed proposed adjustments to the 2026 River District budget following a deputation from Marianne Thomas regarding downtown concerns. Director Stacy presented an overview noting that a previously included $2,000 grant for Citizens on Patrol has been removed due to their cessation of operations, reducing the total proposed levy increase from 3.25% down to 2.5%. This adjustment maintains an anticipated reserve balance of $120,000 at year-end while funding a River District Action Plan and reserving funds for potential elections.
6.b Deputation from Robyn Strangway-Calder Senior Manager of MNP Re 2024 Year-End
Auditor Robin Strangway-Calder presented the 2025 year-end audit report under MNP letterhead following a firm transition from BDO, confirming an unmodified opinion that fairly presents the City and River District’s financial position as at December 31st, 2024. The auditor reported no incidents of fraud or suspected fraud during the engagement and noted no significant deficiencies in internal controls or management override issues for the period. Financial statements showed total assets of $183,805 primarily consisting of cash, with a surplus of $17,000 transferred to reserve after expenses exceeded budget by only about $500 despite higher revenues than anticipated. The board addressed the legacy gift certificate account balance of approximately $6,900 to $7,562 that had remained unchanged for several years due to lack of redemption or write-down policy.
7 PUBLIC FORUM
Council addressed concerns regarding reduced security funding, potential service cuts to recycling programs, and street cleaning needs during a public forum session.
9.a Verbal Report from the Owen Sound Police Service Re Police Update
Council received a verbal update from Sergeant Joshua Anthony of the Owen Sound Police Service regarding foot patrol hours and community initiatives for September, which saw 121 completed hours including bike patrols downtown despite reduced October numbers due to mental health crisis response training rotations. The report highlighted that seven new auxiliary police constables recently graduated an eight-week course and joined active duty following a well-organized Santa Claus Parade where safety concerns were minimal. Additionally, Constable Steve Beanie was promoted to detective while Constable James Giles assumed his core member duties in the downtown area to engage with business owners and assist individuals connecting with housing, mental health services, and addiction support through the Community Oriented Response Unit.
9.d Verbal Report from the Board Treasurer Re Board Finances
The Council carried the motion to receive this verbal report from the Board Treasurer.
12.a Report CM-25-032 from the City Manager Re Fostering a Speaker 01 proposed creating a dedicated project lead role for Vivica to coordinate River District deficiencies across multiple departments, with the City funding any salary delta from general tax levy rather than River District funds.
12.d Final approvals issued for the following Business Licences
Council issued final business licences to Lachlan Liquidation, Afro Caribbean Groceries at 16 2nd Avenue East, Precision Tailoring and Alterations at 71 2nd Avenue East, River Tech Source at 149 8th Street East, and Crowns and Fades by Jamie Wilder relocated to 1045 2nd Avenue East. The meeting also noted a membership celebration on December 2 and distributed Neighbourhood Response Team rack cards to businesses in the River District.
Links
Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/board-river-district/2025-11-26
Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/board-river-district/2025-11-26
Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=57d9c064-d868-44cd-b3d0-519c030dc536
Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_RD_2025-11-26-05-30.mp4