One-Sentence Summary

Council heard Speaker 01 discuss upcoming civic engagement events including the AAMO conference and Summerfolks’ festival, reviewed the staff report regarding Bayshore Terrace development charges where the initial motion to defer approval failed before amending the approach to require a letter of credit, and addressed By-law No. 2025-096 amending short-term rental regulations after a separate motion to waive notice for reconsidering the rental cap failed due to lack of a seconder.

Whole Meeting Summary

Speaker 01 discussed upcoming civic engagement events including the AAMO conference in Ottawa, the Sportsman Fish Tent at the Derby, and Summerfolks’ 50th festival while Speaker 02 declared a direct pecuniary interest regarding a bylaw for a contribution agreement with the Minister of Transport before the chair moved to subsequent agenda items. Representatives of the Owen Sound Attack Hockey Club deputed to update Council on their community role, player achievements, fan experiences, outreach efforts including Gman Cares, fundraising totals of $6,625 from hoodie sales and over $175,000 in contributions, while receiving praise for influence and noting a September 27 home opener against the Kitchener Rangers. Council opened the public forum to address community concerns regarding safety in the downtown core near Tent City, receiving reports on property damage, requests for undercover police operations against illegal drug use, advocacy for improved cameras on Carney Lane, and staff confirmation that recently installed 4K units with an expected second round of high-definition equipment within six to seven weeks are available. Council debated a request from the developer of Bayshore Terrace to defer development charges until occupancy contrary to bylaw requirements, leading to an initial failed motion and a subsequent passed amendment directing staff to collect charges via a letter of credit. The consent agenda reports the award of RFP-25-004 for engineering services concerning the reconstruction of 4th Avenue West from 15th Street West to 20th Street West. The agenda item recorded motions previously noticed where Speaker 01 highlighted Summerfolk Festival success and promoted We Vote Local events, while Speaker 03 congratulated the Sportsmen’s Association on the Salmon Derby and praised staff performance at the AMO Convention in Ottawa alongside the Deputy Mayor announcing Concours d’Elegance weekend details. Council passed By-law No. 2025-096 to amend short-term rental regulations, while a separate motion to waive notice for reconsidering the rental cap failed due to lack of a seconder during the consideration of BY-LAWS agenda items including By-law No. 2025-096.

Most Newsworthy Items

• Council Maintains Board Structure and Stops Appointing to Nonprofit Housing Corp: City Council will maintain the current board structure until November 2026 when a new framework is implemented following the municipal election. Legal changes require City Council to stop appointing representatives to the Owen Sound Municipal Nonprofit Housing Corporation by February 1, 2026, while retaining authority over the Owen Sound Housing Company. Recruitment for vacancies on the Housing Company board begins October 7th, and staff will provide incomplete applications to Council unless a motion directs otherwise.
• Agenda Item Addresses a Request to Defer Development Charges for Bayshore Terrace: The report presents a request from the developer of Bayshore Terrace to defer development charges until building occupancy, contrary to current bylaw requirements. Staff do not recommend approval due to concerns about setting a precedent that could jeopardize future collection efforts without legislative support. The Director clarified that collected funds currently service specific infrastructure debt rather than general revenue. While partial deferrals were previously utilized for purpose-built rental units under repealed legislation, this project differs as it involves market-rate housing. Councillors discussed the fiscal responsibility of collecting charges immediately versus supporting development needs. A motion was moved to direct staff to collect charges in accordance with the existing Act. The committee noted that without a provincial framework or financial security like a surety bond, deferral risks remain high.
• Council Debated a Request to Defer Development Charges for Bayshore Terrace: Council debated a request to defer development charges for Bayshore Terrace while addressing broader affordable housing gaps in Owen Sound. Councillor Hamley supported the motion despite concerns that deferring charges delays payment to ratepayers. Deputy Mayor Greig argued that collecting charges is essential and suggested mechanisms like letters of credit to secure future payment. Councillor Farmer opposed the exception, warning it sets a precedent for other developers to seek similar financial favors at taxpayer expense. The discussion highlighted tensions between supporting local construction cash flow and maintaining strict fiscal policy for municipal revenue.

Meeting Recap

15 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Speaker 01 discussed upcoming civic engagement events including the AAMO conference in Ottawa, the Sportsman Fish Tent at the Derby, and Summerfolks’ 50th festival. Speaker 02 declared a direct pecuniary interest regarding a bylaw for a contribution agreement with the Minister of Transport. The chair moved to Item three for declarations of interest and noted no further items before proceeding to Item four for confirmation of council minutes.

7.a Deputation from Representatives of the Owen Sound Attack Hockey Club Re

The Owen Sound Attack Hockey Club deputed representatives to update Council on their community role for the 24-25 season. Amelia Boyd highlighted player achievements including Halinka Gretzky Cup participation and NHL draft selections like David Bedard and Harry Nancy. The team described fan experiences such as post-game skates, school visits with CMHA Grey Bruce, and summer barbecues showcasing prospects. Outreach efforts included Gman Cares raising a significant amount of money for community funding and a hockey fights cancer game supporting mental health awareness. The club reported raising $6,625 through hoodie sales and donated over $175,000 via cash and in-kind contributions including tickets and memorabilia. Council members praised the club’s widespread influence and received an announcement that the home opener against the Kitchener Rangers is scheduled for September 27.

Owen Sound Attack Deputation Highlights Community Outreach

The Owen Sound Attack Hockey Club deputed representatives to update Council on their community role for the 24 25 season. Amelia Boyd highlighted player achievements including Halinka Gretzky Cup participation and NHL draft selections like David Bedard and Harry Nancy. The team described fan experiences such as post-game skates, school visits with CMHA Grey Bruce, and summer barbecues showcasing prospects. Outreach efforts included Gman Cares raising a significant amount of money for community funding and a hockey fights cancer game supporting mental health awareness.

Team Employs Seven Full-time Staff and 80 Part-time Workers While Supporting Student

The Owen Sound Speaker 09 reported raising $6,625 through hoodie sales and donated over $175,000 via cash and in-kind contributions including tickets and memorabilia. The team employs seven full-time staff and 80 part-time workers while supporting student academics through tutoring programs that have earned them six Ivan Tennent Memorial Awards. Council members praised the club’s widespread influence and received an announcement that the home opener against the Kitchener Rangers is scheduled for September 27.

8 PUBLIC FORUM

Council opened the public forum to address community concerns regarding safety in the downtown core near Tent City. A resident Speaker 07 damage and requested police undercover operations to combat illegal drug use. Another speaker Speaker 08 on Carney Lane, noting current footage is too grainy to identify individuals. Council staff confirmed that recently installed cameras are 4K quality and a second round of high-definition units is expected within six to seven weeks.

10.a Report CR-25-117 from the Director of Corporate Services Re Development Charges

Council debated a request from the developer of Bayshore Terrace to defer development charges until building occupancy, contrary to current bylaw requirements. Staff did not recommend approval due to concerns about setting a precedent that could jeopardize future collection efforts without legislative support or financial security like a surety bond. Councillors discussed fiscal responsibility and safety risks regarding an idle building before voting on the matter. The initial motion to defer charges failed with three votes in favor and four opposed. A revised motion was subsequently moved to direct staff to collect charges via a letter of credit, which carried with four votes in favor and three opposed.

Agenda Item Addresses a Request to Defer Development Charges for Bayshore Terrace

The report presents a request from the developer of Bayshore Terrace to defer development charges until building occupancy, contrary to current bylaw requirements. Staff do not recommend approval due to concerns about setting a precedent that could jeopardize future collection efforts without legislative support. The Director clarified that collected funds currently service specific infrastructure debt rather than general revenue. While partial deferrals were previously utilized for purpose-built rental units under repealed legislation, this project differs as it involves market-rate housing. Councillors discussed the fiscal responsibility of collecting charges immediately versus supporting development needs. A motion was moved to direct staff to collect charges in accordance with the existing Act. The committee noted that without a provincial framework or financial security like a surety bond, deferral risks remain high.

Council Debates Deferring Bayshore Terrace Development Charges

Speaker 01 opposes deferring development charges for Bayshore Terrace, arguing it is fiscally irresponsible to pass costs to the residential tax base if a project fails. Speaker 05 questions whether holding an uncashed check constitutes deferral and supports proceeding with the project despite financial challenges. The Director clarifies that the city issued a building permit upon receipt of a check without waiting for clearance, but notes the current request involves holding funds until occupancy due to a lack of August meetings. Speaker 06 highlights safety concerns regarding the long-idle building and asks about risks associated with setting a precedent for future developers. The Director warns that deferring charges could open the door to payment risk issues for any future residential development, regardless of vacancy history.

Council Debated a Request to Defer Development Charges for Bayshore Terrace

Council debated a request to defer development charges for Bayshore Terrace while addressing broader affordable housing gaps in Owen Sound. Speaker 04 supported the motion despite concerns that deferring charges delays payment to ratepayers. Speaker 03 argued that collecting charges is essential and suggested mechanisms like letters of credit to secure future payment. Speaker 01 opposed the exception, warning it sets a precedent for other developers to seek similar financial favors at taxpayer expense. The discussion highlighted tensions between supporting local construction cash flow and maintaining strict fiscal policy for municipal revenue.

Council Defers Bayshore Terrace Development Charges

Council debated a motion to defer development charges for Bayshore Terrace until occupancy via a letter of credit. Councillors discussed staff recommendations regarding fiscal accountability and precedent setting before voting on the request. The initial vote failed with three in favor and four opposed, leading to a revised motion that carried with four in favor and three opposed.

11.a Report CR-25-114 from the Purchasing and Claims Coordinator Re Award of

The consent agenda includes a report to award RFP-25-004 for engineering services on the 4th Ave W reconstruction between 15th St W and 20th St W.

14 MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN

Speaker 01 highlighted the success of the 50th Summerfolk Festival and promoted We Vote Local events for municipal election engagement. Speaker 03 congratulated the Sportsmen’s Association on the Salmon Derby and praised staff performance at the AMO Convention in Ottawa. The Deputy Mayor announced details for the upcoming Concours d’Elegance weekend, including seminars and car tours.

21.b By-law No. 2025-096

Council passed By-law No. 2025-096 to amend short-term rental regulations, while a separate motion to waive notice for reconsidering the rental cap failed due to lack of a seconder.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2025-09-08

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/council-meeting-regular/2025-09-08

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=fcad2808-838d-4c5a-9ab3-d0bf1e6e6bd9

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_Council Meeting - Regular_2025-09-08-05-29.mp4