owen_sound_reporter2

owen_sound_reporter2

One-Sentence Summary

Council heard a City Manager update on summer tourism successes and construction activity, reviewed a proposed hydrogen peaking plant requiring municipal support without city funds, and addressed the motion to rise from Committee of the Whole while confirming actions taken regarding public meetings and other agenda matters.

Whole Meeting Summary

The City Manager presented an update covering summer tourism successes, including the return of Camp Tom with 87 campers and a new scoreboard at Tom Williams Park honoring Bailey, while noting construction activity reached $214 million year-to-date driven by residential and commercial projects rather than large public works. resident Speaker 05 delayed Vision 2050 materials release as symbolic participation while requesting ten-day advance publication for genuine accountability, Speaker 01 sought procedural bylaw clarification on timing confirmed by Clerk Briana Bloomfield requiring Wednesday publication with Friday republishing for outstanding items, and another resident Speaker 06 excessive water usage and chemical runoff from downtown plants polluting the river suggesting conserved water be redirected to street cleaning instead. Speaker 07 reported that over 100 attendees at the July 28 stakeholder meeting identified urgent infrastructure needs such as sidewalk repairs and missing benches in the River District while staff address immediate issues and explore grants for further improvements. Speaker 08 reported on a proposed 100 percent hydrogen peaking plant for Owen Sound requiring municipal support without city funds or lands, followed by a request for specific hydrogen terminology before a motion passed unanimously. Speaker 02 reported Bright Shores Health achieved full occupancy with reduced emergency returns, while Council approved heritage tax relief for sixteen properties totaling five thousand seventy-seven dollars in county reductions, supported an MTO request to prohibit a future east leg at the new Catholic High School intersection, and authorized roof repairs for the administration building. Council approved the 2026 meeting calendar and shortened budget amendment and veto override periods to accommodate the election schedule while declining a September 28 meeting move to ensure a level playing field for candidates before voting begins on October 16. Council adopted the motion to rise and report from Committee of the Whole, then confirmed actions taken regarding public meetings, deputations, presentations, forum matters, correspondence, staff reports, consent agenda items, committee minutes, postponed matters, and previously noticed motions.

Most Newsworthy Items

Council considered a report from the Director of Community Services regarding high: Council considered a report from the Director of Community Services regarding high priority tree removals necessitated by the advancing emerald ash borer pest.
Update on River District Stakeholder Meeting: The City Manager reported on a July 28 stakeholder meeting convened to foster a vibrant River District following a May 6 request from the Owen Sound Police Service Board. Staff engaged over 100 attendees, including small business owners and social service providers, at the Harmony Centre using a Respect, Connect, Reflect, and Direct facilitation model. The session identified urgent infrastructure needs like sidewalk repairs and missing benches, which staff are already addressing while exploring Regional Ontario Development grants for a spring work surge. A subsequent October 6 report will introduce a project management approach to ensure accountability across departments without requesting additional resources. Council also discussed engaging Grey County partners and creating safe forums for residents with lived experiences who were not present at the initial gathering.
Councillor Farmer presented four items regarding community safety planning local: Councillor Farmer presented four items regarding community safety planning, local election engagement, and upcoming cultural events.
Deputy Mayor Greig reported that Bright Shores Health achieved 100% occupancy: Deputy Mayor Greig reported that Bright Shores Health achieved 100% occupancy at its Bayview Treatment and Wellness Facility while reducing emergency department returns.

Meeting Recap

7.b Presentation from the City Manager Re City Manager’s Update

8 PUBLIC FORUM

resident Speaker 05 the late release of Vision 2050 materials, arguing that immediate discussion after delayed publication renders public participation symbolic rather than real. Kelly requested that reports be published at least ten days before meetings and paired with agenda items to ensure genuine accountability. Speaker 01 asked for clarification on procedural bylaws regarding agenda publication timing, which Clerk Briana Bloomfield confirmed requires Wednesday publication with Friday republishing for outstanding items. Another resident Speaker 06 excessive water usage and chemical runoff from downtown plants polluting the river, suggesting conserved water be redirected to street cleaning instead.

10.a Report CM-25-027 from the City Manager Re Update Following the July

Speaker 07 reported that over 100 attendees at the July 28 stakeholder meeting identified urgent infrastructure needs such as sidewalk repairs and missing benches in the River District. Staff are currently addressing these immediate issues while exploring Regional Ontario Development grants to support a spring work surge for further improvements. Council also directed staff to return a report by October 27 outlining washroom solutions, which will cover physical installations, mobile units, and business incentive options with associated costs.

10.b Report CM-25-031 from the Senior Advisor External Relations and Investment Attraction

Speaker 08 reported on a proposed 100% hydrogen peaking plant for Owen Sound, noting it requires municipal support to proceed but involves no city funds or lands. A council member requested more specific terminology regarding hydrogen types to avoid greenwashing before the motion passed unanimously.

10.e Verbal Report from the Speaker 04 Council

Speaker 02 reported that Bright Shores Health achieved 100% occupancy at its Bayview Treatment and Wellness Facility while reducing emergency department returns. Council approved heritage property tax relief for 16 eligible properties totaling $5,077 in county reductions. Staff will forward a report on ambulatory response times showing a 4.23% call volume increase in 2024. County Council supported an MTO request to prohibit a future east leg at the new Catholic High School intersection and authorized roof repairs for the administration building.

13.a Report CR-25-110 from the City Clerk Re 2026 Council and Committee

Council approved the 2026 meeting calendar and shortened budget amendment and veto override periods to accommodate the election schedule. Staff declined moving the September 28 meeting to October 5 to ensure a level playing field for candidates before voting begins on October 16. Council also discussed limited decision-making powers starting August 21, 2025, following the province’s delayed inauguration date.

16 MOTION THAT COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RISE AND REPORT

Council adopted the motion to rise and report from Committee of the Whole, then confirmed actions taken regarding public meetings, deputations, presentations, forum matters, correspondence, staff reports, consent agenda items, committee minutes, postponed matters, and previously noticed motions.