owen_sound_reporter2

owen_sound_reporter2

One-Sentence Summary

Council heard City Manager Tim Simmonds present a monthly update highlighting tourism successes and park upgrades, reviewed staff recommendations for fleet leasing approval to reduce vehicle costs and maintenance expenses, and addressed confirmation of zoning bylaw amendments before concluding the regular meeting session with no further business remaining on the agenda tonight.

Whole Meeting Summary

City Manager Tim Simmonds presented a monthly update highlighting successful Canada Day attendance exceeding 7,000 people, ongoing summer art camps at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, installation of a massive LEGO replica of the Chi-Chi-Mon Ferris wheel, summer tourism ambassadors assisting visitors, collaborative efforts to create additional ice time for minor sports groups, completed upgrades to St. George’s Park baseball diamond, and recent open houses regarding playground replacements at Comeret and Own Heights Parks. Deputy Clerk Tim Simmonds provided an update on upcoming committee meetings including the Corporate Services Committee led by Director Kate Allan and listed various August festivals before directing residents to the official website for news and public engagement resources. A member of the public raised concerns regarding garbage cans at OSHaREe, street cleaning frequency, signage for Harrison Park, and water safety, with staff responding that trash cans with lids were recently replaced, pressure washing is planned for summer, drinking water in park washrooms is potable, and fishing rules will be clarified on the website. Council approved non-standard procurement from Enterprise Fleet Management Canada for a fleet management program that replaces aging light-duty vehicles with a leasing model and enables future hydrogen fuel alternatives without mileage restrictions or penalties. Council reconsidered a defeated motion regarding expressions of interest for the Rice House interim use strategy and carried a new recommendation to proceed with a simple request form followed by an RFP, evaluating proposals based on community need, organizational capacity, and lease terms limited to nonprofit or government enterprises while approving minimal unbudgeted capital improvements. Council debated short-term rental licensing in C1 and MC zones, first defeating a motion to retain principal residence and rental cap requirements before subsequently passing motions to keep those requirements, approve recommendations, and direct staff to bring forward a bylaw amendment removing them while adding insurance clauses. Council confirmed the committee of the whole report and approved Bylaws 2025-077 through 2025-094, which include amendments to zoning bylaws, executed agreements for infrastructure projects, and various other municipal bylaws before concluding with no further business.

Most Newsworthy Items

Council received a report on transferring lands at 2181 2207 and 2229: Council received a report on transferring lands at 2181, 2207, and 2229 8th Avenue East to support affordable housing via a funding agreement with Grey County for $45,000.
Council reconsidered a defeated motion to seek expressions of interest: Council reconsidered a defeated motion to seek expressions of interest for the Rice House interim use strategy and carried a new recommendation to proceed with a simple request form followed by an RFP.
Council Defers Rice House Interim Use Motion: Council considered a report on interim uses for Rice House following a defeated June 23 motion regarding its future. Staff recommended consulting with community groups interested in housing or social supports and pursuing minor capital upgrades to prepare the building for potential tenants. A motion to defer the matter to a September meeting was proposed but defeated by Council, allowing the report’s recommendations to proceed.
A member of the public raised concerns regarding garbage cans at OSHaREe: A member of the public raised concerns regarding garbage cans at OSHaREe, street cleaning frequency, signage for Harrison Park, and water safety.

Meeting Recap

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

City Manager Tim Simmonds presented a monthly update highlighting successful Canada Day attendance exceeding 7,000 people and ongoing summer art camps at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. He noted the installation of a massive LEGO replica of the Chi-Chi-Mon Ferris wheel at the visitor centre and reported that summer tourism ambassadors are actively assisting visitors with information and free bike rentals. The update also covered collaborative efforts to create additional ice time for minor sports groups, completed upgrades to St. George’s Park baseball diamond, and recent open houses regarding playground replacements at Comeret and Own Heights Parks.

11.h Report CR-25-101 from the Deputy Clerk Re Public Appointment to the

Tim Simmonds provided an update on upcoming committee meetings and city events, noting that the Corporate Services Committee is scheduled for September 11th at 5:30 p.m., led by Director Kate Allan, with reports including draft audited financial statements and a recruitment update. He also mentioned the Operations Committee on September 18th led by Lara Widdifield, the Community Services Committee on September 17th led by Pam Coulter, the Service Review Committee on September 10th at 9 a.m., and Strategic Planning on September 24th at 9 a.m. Additionally, he highlighted August festivals such as the Emancipation Festival (August 1-3), Summer Folk Festival (August 15-17), Salmon Spectacular (August 22-31), and Concord Elegance (September 12-14), while directing residents to owensound.ca for news, public engagement via ourcity.owensound.ca, and reporting concerns at owensound.ca/report-a-concern.

8 PUBLIC FORUM

A member of the public raised concerns regarding garbage cans at OSHaREe, street cleaning frequency, signage for Harrison Park, and water safety. Staff responded that trash cans with lids were recently replaced, pressure washing is planned for summer, drinking water in park washrooms is potable, and fishing rules will be clarified on the website.

10.a Report OP-25-034 from the Fire Services Administrator Re Approval of Non-Standard

Council approved a non-standard procurement for a fleet management program from Enterprise Fleet Management Canada to replace aging light-duty vehicles with a leasing model projected to reduce costs and maintenance. The agreement allows flexibility for future fuel alternatives like hydrogen without mileage restrictions or penalties, while staff will focus on preventative maintenance for the existing fleet. A motion was carried directing staff to bring forward a bylaw authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreement.

Nichol Fire Services Administrator If We Wait Until the September Meeting We’ll

The Speaker 02 explained that delaying action until the September meeting would hinder operations by mid-October, necessitating an extra month to prepare for winter. They requested approval for a non-standard procurement from Enterprise Fleet Management Canada to transition to a fleet leasing model, which is projected to reduce overall costs and handle maintenance and disposition. When asked about electric vehicle charging stations owned by the city, Speaker 01 inquired if any exist or could generate revenue; the Administrator responded that there are none on city sites currently, noting the only station used is across the parking lot.

Council Approves Electric Vehicle Fleet Management Program

Council approved a non-standard procurement for a fleet management program from Enterprise Fleet Management Canada to lease electric vehicles and charging stations for city staff use over a five-year pilot period. The agreement allows mechanics to focus on preventative maintenance of the existing fleet while providing an exit option if future green fuel technologies become available. Council directed staff to bring forward a bylaw to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreement.

10.e Report CR-25-104 from the Director of Corporate Services Re Rice House

Council reconsidered a defeated motion to seek expressions of interest for the Rice House interim use strategy and carried a new recommendation to proceed with a simple request form followed by an RFP. The process will evaluate proposals based on community need, organizational capacity, and lease terms, limited to nonprofit or government enterprises. Council approved minimal unbudgeted capital improvements while noting that future tenants would bear operating costs. A motion to accept the staff recommendation as presented was carried.

Council Approves Motions to Save Rental Caps and Add Insurance

Council postponed the Service Review Implementation Ad Hoc Committee minutes to allow River District Board comment before reconsidering Item 10A regarding short-term rental licensing in C1 and MC zones. A motion to approve recommendations retaining principal residence and rental cap requirements was defeated by a vote of 3-2. Subsequent motions were moved to save and accept those same requirements, which carried, followed by a motion directing staff to bring forward a bylaw amendment removing the requirements and adding insurance clauses, which also carried.

16 MOTION THAT COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RISE AND REPORT

Council confirmed the committee of the whole report and approved Bylaws 2025-077 through 2025-094, which include amendments to zoning bylaws, executed agreements for infrastructure projects, and various other municipal bylaws. The meeting concluded with no further business.