One-Sentence Summary
Council heard City Manager updates on recycling costs and volunteer needs, reviewed the consolidated 2025 Asset Management Plan to address funding gaps, and addressed new bylaws confirming agreements with the County of Grey and the Festival of Northern Lights.
Whole Meeting Summary
The City Manager presented an update covering deferred Blue Box recycling costs, commemorative forest monuments, and the Derby camping pilot wrap-up while issuing media advisories, seeking volunteers for committees during a Canada Post strike, advising property owners on virtual bill payments to avoid penalties, and scheduling a November first Tom Thompson Art Gallery fundraiser with CBC coverage. During the public forum, Speaker 02 urged Council to advance resident-led Vision 2050 priorities including housing, health, and parks while demanding transparency on official plan changes and accessible meeting venues, while Paul Scribe representing the Owen Sound Field Naturalists formally opposed Ontario’s Bill 5 for dismantling the Endangered Species Act. The City Manager presented a report on River District public washroom infrastructure noting survey support for new facilities while identifying cleanliness and safety as top concerns, recommending renovation of the Farmers Market washroom with specific capital and operating costs funded by municipal accommodation tax to support Owen Sound Vision 2050 goals. Council approved the consolidated 2025 Asset Management Plan and Strategic Asset Management Policy that combines core and non-core assets, identifying an annual funding gap while maintaining current levels of service to ensure fiscal sustainability following a review of facility conditions assessments. Council considered Report CS-25-112 from the Chief Building Official regarding a shared building services agreement with the Municipality of Meaford and an encroachment agreement for a bus shelter at 1,183 16th Street East within the consent agenda. Final approval was granted to the Royal Canadian Legion for the annual Poppy Campaign, Zonta of Owen Sound for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and a P flag outside for the Trans Day of Remembrance. The council approved a series of bylaws confirming agreements with the County of Grey and the Festival of Northern Lights, as presented under the 21 BY-LAWS agenda item without additional procedural context or outcome details beyond the stated approval action.
Most Newsworthy Items
- City Manager Presented a Report on River District Public Washroom Infrastructure: The City Manager presented a report on River District public washroom infrastructure, highlighting community survey results where 59 percent supported new facilities and identifying cleanliness and safety as top concerns. Staff recommended renovating the Farmers Market washroom with a capital cost of $75,000 and annual operating costs between $12,000 and $15,000 funded by municipal accommodation tax. The proposal includes operational hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and accessibility while supporting the Owen Sound Vision 2050 goals.
- Pat Kelly and Paul Scribe spoke during the public forum regarding city: Pat Kelly and Paul Scribe spoke during the public forum regarding city priorities and provincial legislation.
- Council issued business licences to Precision Tailoring and Alterations at 1071 Second: Council issued business licences to Precision Tailoring and Alterations at 1071 Second Ave East, Owen Sound Taxi at 18A 945 Third Ave East, Doctor Care ND and Associates at 102 1717 Second Ave East, T Two Green, and Owen Sound Minor Hockey.
- Council Approves Consolidated 2025 Asset Management Plan: Council will approve the consolidated 2025 Asset Management Plan and Strategic Asset Management Policy, combining core and non-core assets. The plan identifies an annual funding gap while maintaining current levels of service to ensure fiscal sustainability.
Meeting Recap
7.a Presentation from the City Manager Re City Manager’s Update
Speaker 03 reported on deferred items regarding Blue Box recycling costs, commemorative forest monuments, and a wrap-up of the Derby camping pilot. Media advisories were issued, and volunteers are sought for city committees amidst a Canada Post strike affecting mail services. Property owners are advised to use virtual city hall for bill payments to avoid penalties. The Tom Thompson Art Gallery fundraiser is scheduled for November first with CBC coverage.
8 PUBLIC FORUM
Pat Kelly and Paul Scribe spoke during the public forum regarding city priorities and provincial legislation. Speaker 02 urged Council to carry forward resident-led Vision 2050 priorities including housing, health, and parks while demanding transparency on official plan changes and accessible meeting venues. Paul Scribe representing the Owen Sound Field Naturalists formally opposed Ontario’s Bill 5, arguing it dismantles the Endangered Species Act by redefining habitat too narrowly and shifting authority from independent experts to politicians.
10.a Report CM-25-033 from the City Manager Re River District Public Washroom
The City Manager presented a report on River District public washroom infrastructure, noting that 59 percent of community survey respondents supported new facilities while identifying cleanliness and safety as top concerns. Staff recommended renovating the Farmers Market washroom with a capital cost of $75,000 and annual operating costs between $12,000 and $15,000 funded by municipal accommodation tax. The proposal includes operational hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and accessibility while supporting the Owen Sound Vision 2050 goals. Speaker 01 questioned the operating cost estimate for cleaning washrooms twice daily. Councillors expressed disappointment that the budget could not fund self-cleaning units at locations including City Hall, the library, and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
10.b Report CR-25-131 from the Manager of Corporate Services Re 2025 Asset
Council approved the consolidated 2025 Asset Management Plan and Strategic Asset Management Policy that combines core and non-core assets. The plan identifies an annual funding gap while maintaining current levels of service to ensure fiscal sustainability. This approval follows a review of facility conditions assessments and recommendations to narrow asset gaps while maintaining critical infrastructure like water plants.
11.a Report CS-25-112 from the Chief Building Official Re Shared Building Services
Council considered a report on a shared building services agreement with Meaford and an encroachment agreement for a bus shelter at 1,183 16th Street East.
11.d Final approvals issued for the following Flag Flying Requests
Final approval was granted to the Royal Canadian Legion for the annual Poppy Campaign, Zonta of Owen Sound for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and a P flag outside for the Trans Day of Remembrance.
21 BY-LAWS
The council approved a series of bylaws confirming agreements with the County of Grey and the Festival of Northern Lights.
Links
Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2025-10-27
Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2025-10-27
Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=1c00f4c3-6095-4937-bd13-487192eb02a9
Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_Council Meeting - Regular_2025-10-27-05-31.mp4