One-Sentence Summary

Council heard Zachary McLean report on community centre visitor statistics and upcoming events, reviewed the Arena Operations report regarding the Bayshore Community Centre project scheduled for completion by September 3rd, and addressed the Chief Building Official’s clarification on recent increases in minor variance consents.

Whole Meeting Summary

Zachary McLean of the Community Speaker 05 reported on activities since May 2024, noting five thousand one hundred forty-eight total visitors, forty-two programs with one thousand one hundred participants, partnerships, volunteer contributions totaling one thousand five hours in 2024, and upcoming events including a model show and sale while addressing a question about promoting a harbour wreck which the curator noted was worth investigating. Nicholas Lovell presented an update on the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund’s renaming and a five-year action plan for increasing visitation, confirmed Miriam Faraz’s hiring as part-time facilitator, and noted future applications may include capital projects generating overnight tourism beyond just existing events. Bob Nichol of the AAA Grey Bruce Highlanders Hockey Group deputed before the committee regarding minor hockey landscape changes and requested subsidized ice rates at Bayshore Rink to support non-local teams while addressing jurisdictional boundaries and current scheduling priorities. The City Council received a report from the Manager of Arena Operations regarding the Bayshore Community Centre Arena Floor and Board Replacement Project, which was advanced in 2025 to fix a slab leak and replace infrastructure by installing new brine lines and pouring a concrete slab with an estimated $2.34 million cost. The Planning and Speaker 06 reported on application CS-25-076 for 1047 2nd Avenue East regarding facade and accessibility improvement grants, and The committee supported up to $5,000 for the facade grant plus up to $10,000 for the accessibility grant from the CIP budget. The structured eScribe evidence confirms that the meeting record indicates there were no motions for which notice was previously given, aligning with the designated agenda section heading regarding prior notification. A council member requested clarification regarding the increase in consents for minor variances during the June 2025 Development Update memorandum from the Chief Building Official, and staff indicated they could not confirm a specific cause while suggesting trends may be cyclical and involving infill lots.

Most Newsworthy Items

• Update on Bayshore Arena Floor Replacement Project: The Committee received an update on the Bayshore Community Centre Arena Floor and Board Replacement Project, which was advanced from 2026 to 2025 to address a slab leak discovered in fall 2024. Work began in April 2025 with the removal of existing materials that were repurposed or sold, followed by demolition and excavation to install new piping and insulation. The project, approved for $2.34 million including a grant contribution, is scheduled for completion by September 3rd to allow installation before the team’s home opener on September 27th. The Committee recommends that City Council receive the report for information purposes.
• The Committee heard a report on facade and accessibility improvement grants: The Committee heard a report on facade and accessibility improvement grants for 1047 2nd Ave E to support Toppers Pizza renovations.
• AAA Hockey Boundaries and Ice Allocation Discussion: A presentation addressed the impact of provincial league changes removing geographical boundaries on AAA hockey participation and ice allocation. Speakers discussed the necessity of maintaining a competitive product for local players while acknowledging that non-resident fees apply to teams from Georgian Bluffs and South Bruce Peninsula. The committee noted that current fall schedules are heavily booked, placing AAA organizations lower in the priority list for ice time under existing policy. Discussions highlighted concerns regarding costs, including full-rate charges for summer tryouts versus subsidized rates, and the need to balance availability with affordability for parents. A proposal was made to explore creating an umbrella organization to better integrate various hockey levels and municipalities, ensuring fair access without siloing groups.
• Council Member Moved to Receive a Report for Information on the Bayshore: A council member moved to receive a report for information on the Bayshore Arena Floor Replacement Project, and the motion was carried unanimously without further discussion.

Meeting Recap

5.a Deputation from Zachary McLean of the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre Re

Zachary McLean of the Community Speaker 05 reported on activities since May 2024, noting 5,148 total visitors and 42 programs with 1,100 participants. The centre highlighted partnerships, volunteer contributions totaling 1,005 hours in 2024, and upcoming events including a model show and sale. A member asked about promoting a harbour wreck, which the curator noted was worth investigating.

Zachary Mclean Curator and Manager of the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre Reported

Zachary McLean of the Community Speaker 05 reported activities since May 2024, highlighting significant visitor engagement and program participation. The centre celebrated partnerships, including sponsorship for air compressor repairs and a model show that drew hundreds to the Legion.

Member Asked If a 1938 Scuttled Barge Operated by Keenan Industries Would

A member asked if a 1938 scuttled barge operated by Keenan Industries would be promoted via group dives to highlight it as a point of interest. The presenter Speaker 03 such programs have been done before but agreed the suggestion is worth looking into.

5.b Presentation from Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Re Owen Sound Tourism

Nicholas Lovell presented an update from the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund regarding its new name and a five-year action plan focused on increasing visitation and supporting tourism infrastructure. The committee confirmed the hiring of Miriam Faraz as a part-time tourism facilitator to manage grant applications, with initial funding allocated for marketing existing events. Lovell clarified that while current funds are limited to existing events to streamline processing, future applications will not require an event to be pre-existing and may include capital projects like cycling paths or park improvements if they generate overnight tourism.

Owen Sound Tourism Fund Update and Grant Allocation

Nicholas Lovell presented an update from the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund regarding its action plan and financial status. The fund received $154,749.26 in 2024, with $89,000 reserved for future capital projects, and has allocated $15,000 for immediate marketing support of existing events. A new part-time employee, Miriam Faraz, was hired to manage the granting process, which is currently open for applications focused on summer tourism demand generators. The committee clarified that while current funds are limited to existing events to ensure timely summer spending, future funding rounds will not require applicants to have pre-existing events.

Discussion Clarified That Capital Projects Like Cycling Paths in Thunder Bay Serve

The discussion clarified that capital projects like cycling paths in Thunder Bay serve as examples of funding eligible for tourism-related outcomes, provided they drive overnight visitors. The City retains half of the Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue while sharing the other half with the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund, where a portion is allocated to capital and events. Staff from the City of Owen Sound participate in the MAT Committee meetings to support research and action plan development, ensuring collaboration without duplicating efforts. The facilitator role involves working with the City through media releases and social media channels to manage the application process.

5.c Deputation from Bob Nicol Re Minor Hockey and an Economic Opportunity

Bob Nichol, a director for the AAA Grey Bruce Highlanders Hockey Group, addressed the committee regarding changes in minor hockey landscapes including the formation of the Tri-Centre League and the growth of girls’ hockey. He highlighted that while Owen Sound has historically not provided subsidized ice time to non-local teams due to jurisdictional boundaries, the changing demographics and competitive needs necessitate a cooperative approach. Nichol noted the high costs associated with AAA hockey and proposed that the city offer subsidized ice rates similar to those for local leagues to make the sport affordable for families. He suggested hosting visiting teams at Bayshore Rink on weekends to reduce travel burdens, generate economic spinoffs like hotel occupancy, and demonstrate that Owen Sound is not isolated. A presentation addressed the impact of provincial league changes removing geographical boundaries on AAA hockey participation and ice allocation. Speakers discussed the necessity of maintaining a competitive product for local players while acknowledging that non-resident Speaker 02 teams from Georgian Bluffs and South Bruce Peninsula. The committee noted that current fall schedules are heavily booked, placing AAA organizations lower in the priority list for ice time under existing policy. Discussions highlighted concerns regarding costs, including full-rate charges for summer tryouts versus subsidized rates, and the need to balance availability with affordability for parents.

Bob Nichol Proposes Subsidized Ice Time for AAA Hockey

Bob Nichol, a director at large for the AAA Grey Bruce Highlanders Hockey Group, addressed the committee regarding changes in minor hockey landscapes including the formation of the Tri-Centre League and the growth of girls’ hockey. He highlighted that while Owen Sound has historically not provided subsidized ice time to non-local teams due to jurisdictional boundaries, the changing demographics and competitive needs necessitate a cooperative approach. Nichol noted the high costs associated with AAA hockey and proposed that the city offer subsidized ice rates similar to those for local leagues to make the sport affordable for families. He suggested hosting visiting teams at Bayshore Rink on weekends to reduce travel burdens, generate economic spinoffs like hotel occupancy, and demonstrate that Owen Sound is not isolated.

AAA Hockey Boundaries and Ice Allocation Discussion

A presentation addressed the impact of provincial league changes removing geographical boundaries on AAA hockey participation and ice allocation. Speakers discussed the necessity of maintaining a competitive product for local players while acknowledging that non-resident Speaker 02 teams from Georgian Bluffs and South Bruce Peninsula. The committee noted that current fall schedules are heavily booked, placing AAA organizations lower in the priority list for ice time under existing policy. Discussions highlighted concerns regarding costs, including full-rate charges for summer tryouts versus subsidized rates, and the need to balance availability with affordability for parents. A proposal was made to explore creating an umbrella organization to better integrate various hockey levels and municipalities, ensuring fair access without siloing groups.

Council Discusses Ice Allocation Policy Revision

Council discussed the ice allocation policy and the potential for revising it to address costs for AAA hockey teams and other minor sport groups. Speaker 01 noted that the current policy had settled after controversy and was not planned for immediate revision, though a review could be added to the work plan in 2026 if needed. The discussion highlighted the importance of municipalities working together behind the scenes to share costs rather than passing fees directly to parents, with Bob Nichol expressing willingness to lead discussions with other minor hockey groups and municipalities to find win-win solutions.

Council Member Stated That Shifting Some Tri-centre Kids

A council member stated that shifting some Tri-Centre kids to play in Chesley instead of Owen Sound would not cost anyone more or less money. The speaker Speaker 04 their time and offered contact information. Another member thanked Bob for his dedication before moving to the next agenda item.

8.a.1 Report CS-25-079 from the Manager of Arena Operations Re Arena Floor

The Committee received a report on the Bayshore Community Centre Arena Floor and Board Replacement Project, which was advanced to 2025 to address a slab leak and replace infrastructure at the end of its life. Work began in April 2025, involving the removal and repurposing of existing materials, installation of new brine lines for improved ice quality, and pouring a new concrete slab. The project, approved for $2.34 million with funding from taxation, reserves, and a grant, is scheduled for completion by September 3rd. The Committee unanimously carried the motion to receive the report for information purposes.

Update on Bayshore Arena Floor Replacement Project

The Committee received an update on the Bayshore Community Centre Arena Floor and Board Replacement Project, which was advanced from 2026 to 2025 to address a slab leak discovered in fall 2024. Work began in April 2025 with the removal of existing materials that were repurposed or sold, followed by demolition and excavation to install new piping and insulation. The project, approved for $2.34 million including a grant contribution, is scheduled for completion by September 3rd to allow installation before the team’s home opener on September 27th. The Committee recommends that City Council receive the report for information purposes.

Council Member Moved to Receive a Report for Information on the Bayshore

A council member moved to receive a report for information on the Bayshore Arena Floor Replacement Project, and the motion was carried unanimously without further discussion.

8.b.1 Report CS-25-076 from the Manager of Planning and Heritage Re Facade

The Committee heard a report on facade and accessibility improvement grants for 1047 2nd Ave E to support Toppers Pizza renovations. The recommendation was to approve up to $5,000 for the facade grant and up to $10,000 for the accessibility grant from the CIP budget. Council carried the motion to approve these applications and direct staff to execute the financial incentive program.

10 MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN

The meeting record indicates that there were no motions for which notice was previously given.

11.a Memorandum from the Chief Building Official Re June 2025 Update

A council member requested clarification on the increase in consents for minor variances. The responding staff member stated they could not confirm a specific cause, suggesting trends may be cyclical and involving infill lots.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2025-07-16

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2025-07-16

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=e39963bd-4f65-4e39-be8b-3d1243505c1c

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_CS_2025-07-16-05-30.mp4