owen_sound_reporter2

owen_sound_reporter2

One-Sentence Summary

During the public forum, a resident Speaker 01 voting issues were addressed after being reported early in the engagement period; while reviewing River District Public proposal CS-26-094, the committee recommended Council approve Art Cures Gray Bruce utility box art to conclude this spring; and Travis Dodd thanked members for contributions before departing after twelve years of service.

Whole Meeting Summary

During the public forum, a resident Speaker 02 the inconclusive conclusion of the park naming process and questioned how duplicate voting issues were addressed after being reported early in the engagement period. The Committee on Community Services reviewed Report CS-26-092 from the Facilities Booking Coordinator regarding a review and update of the City’s Ice Allocation Policy, proposing adjusted facility hours, revised seasonal entitlements through April, updated timelines, and refined procedures with a recommendation to draft an updated policy for the 2027–2028 season. The Committee on Community Services considered Report CS-26-091 from the Facilities Booking Coordinator to establish a new biennial Community Ambassador Award recognizing contributions that enhance Owen Sound’s reputation with an annual budget of $1,000 starting in 2027. The Committee on Community Services considered Art Cures Gray Bruce’s proposal to transform River District utility boxes with waterways-themed art, receiving a recommendation for City Council approval that the committee voted to carry after discussing funding and community engagement benefits. The Committee - Community Services considered a report on naming rights for facilities at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park and the East Side Boat Launch based on donations from the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer and the Walden Family Foundation, with staff recommending specific names to recognize contributions while maintaining policy compliance. The Chief Building Official presented a memorandum reporting sixty-nine building permits issued during the July-August 2026 period, including one project located at 10th Street that is converting to apartments. Travis Dodd addressed the Committee on Community Services to thank public members and staff for their contributions prior to departing following twelve years of service.

Most Newsworthy Items

Capital Projects Update on Weavers Creek Kelso Beach Nine Bends Trail: The Director of Community Services reported on capital projects including a design change for the Weavers Creek boardwalk using fiberglass, an upgrade to the Kelso Beach playground funded by grants, and safety assessments for the Nine Bends Trail which remains closed due to slope instability. Staff recommended reallocating $10,000 previously allocated for the trail to fund RFP preparation for engineering analysis. Additionally, the report addressed structural issues at the Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge, noting that quotes are lower than estimates and recommending additional funds be added to the capital budget for a 2027 replacement project.
Council Carries Recommendation to Keep Slope Closed: Committee - Community Services moved a recommendation to maintain the closure of the slope at Weaver’s Creek due to significant instability and insurance liability concerns. The Director confirmed that alternative routes exist but are not feasible for pedestrians given the lack of dedicated space and safety risks. Council voted to carry the motion, prioritizing public safety over interim access despite community requests to reopen the trail.
The Committee - Community Services considered a proposal from Art Cures Gray: The Committee - Community Services considered a proposal from Art Cures Gray Bruce to transform utility boxes in the River District with community-led art inspired by local waterways and wildlife.
The Committee - Community Services considered Report CS-26-091 proposing a new biennial: The Committee - Community Services considered Report CS-26-091 proposing a new biennial Community Ambassador Award to recognize contributions enhancing Owen Sound’s reputation.

Meeting Recap

6 PUBLIC FORUM

8.a.1 Report CS-26-092 from the Facilities Booking Coordinator Re Ice Allocation Policy

The Committee - Community Services reviewed Report CS-26-092 from the Facilities Booking Coordinator regarding a review and update of the City’s Ice Allocation Policy. The report outlined the policy’s history, including its 2009 establishment and subsequent reviews, noting increased participation in minor sports and revenue growth. Proposed changes included adjusting facility hours, revising seasonal entitlements to October through April, updating allocation timelines, and refining administrative procedures. Following public engagement and stakeholder consultation, a recommendation was made to draft an updated policy for implementation in the 2027–2028 season.

8.b.1 Report CS-26-091 from the Facilities Booking Coordinator Re City of Owen

The Committee - Community Services considered Report CS-26-091 proposing a new biennial Community Ambassador Award to recognize contributions enhancing Owen Sound’s reputation. Eligibility includes residents and non-residents with positive impacts, excluding current council members for official duties. The proposal requests an annual budget of $1,000 starting in 2027, with the Committee recommending Council approval of the draft criteria.

8.c.1 Report CS-26-094 from the River District Coordinator Re River District Public

The Committee - Community Services considered a proposal from Art Cures Gray Bruce to transform utility boxes in the River District with community-led art inspired by local waterways and wildlife. Staff reported that technical requirements are being addressed with Public Works, aiming for project completion this spring. The committee recommended that City Council approve the project as outlined in the staff report. Following discussion on funding sources and community engagement benefits, the motion was carried.

8.d.3 Report CS-26-084 from the Director of Community Services Re Kelso Beach

The Committee - Community Services considered a report on naming rights for facilities at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park and the East Side Boat Launch based on donations from the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer and the Walden Family Foundation. Staff recommended adopting specific names including the Order of Good Cheer Walden Family Playground and the Ted Bloom Eastside Boat Launch to recognize contributions while maintaining policy compliance regarding donation thresholds.

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

The Speaker 04 reported 69 building permits issued, including a project at 10th Street converting to apartments.

12 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Travis Dodd addressed the Committee - Community Services to thank public members and staff for their contributions before his departure after twelve years of service.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2026-09-23

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2026-09-23

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=ae8727d3-9acb-4694-b729-1cebd629f7a4

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_Committee - Community Services_2026-09-23-05-30.mp4

Greenwood Chapel Columbarium Tendering Moves Forward — Owen Sound Committee - Community Services Transcript — September 23, 2026