owen_sound_reporter2

owen_sound_reporter2

One-Sentence Summary

Council moved into a closed session during the Motion to enter Closed Session, heard Public Forum comments regarding downtown safety and accessibility within the Public Forum, and addressed additional business involving River District garbage and business concerns in the Discussion of Additional Business.

Whole Meeting Summary

A board member initiated a motion to move into closed session, consulted on whether attendees should depart until its conclusion, and the board subsequently agreed to proceed before returning to open session. Council members discussed shoppers receiving tickets in the River District for exceeding the two-hour parking limit without extensions and suggested solutions including validation codes, mirrors, or utilizing five-hour lots for longer visits. Clark Finley presented a proposal to pedestrianize 2nd Avenue East to revitalize Owen Sound’s downtown by prioritizing pedestrians over cars, addressing delivery concerns and suggesting a review of the River District Action Plan for sustained change rather than one-off trials during discussion on downtown revitalization feasibility. The Public Forum addressed concerns regarding downtown safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for local businesses while discussing homeless encampments, police presence, social programs, seating on Coney Lane, festival pricing, and community efforts. The Council received Report CS-25-073 from the Director of Community Services concerning options to approach the update of the River District Action Plan as presented in the report documents. The report details a proposed process for the River District Board of Management to direct staff regarding Short-Term Rental Licensing Review feedback on removal requirements, noting that any final implementation decision remains with City Council after discussions on trial periods and public input without final approval. During additional business discussion, board members addressed parking limits, garbage management reviewed through the River District Action Plan, community events at the Harmony Centre, and delivered thanks to Allison Penner before moving to adjourn the meeting following reports on vandalism, needle disposal, and business concerns regarding downtown vibrancy.

Most Newsworthy Items

Proposal to Pedestrianize 2nd Avenue East: Speaker Clark Finley presented a proposal to revitalize Owen Sound’s downtown by prioritizing pedestrians over cars on 2nd Avenue East. He argued that creating a pedestrian zone would enhance safety, accessibility, and community life while reducing long-term infrastructure costs associated with car-centric sprawl. Finley addressed common objections regarding deliveries and parking, citing studies that show pedestrians are more likely to make purchases than drivers. He emphasized that the city should offer an authentic alternative experience to compete with big-box stores rather than relying on free parking.
The public forum addressed concerns regarding downtown safety cleanliness: The public forum addressed concerns regarding downtown safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for local businesses.
Discussion on Pedestrianizing Downtown Owen Sound: A presenter argued that Owen Sound needs a vibrant downtown and shared studies supporting pedestrianization to overcome business objections. Council members discussed the feasibility of closing streets for events versus long-term shifts, noting past event closures increased sales but were costly. Concerns were raised about adapting stop-and-go business models and the need for sustained change rather than one-off trials. The discussion concluded with a suggestion to review the River District Action Plan to incorporate these ideas regarding downtown revitalization.
Discussion on Parking Limits and Garbage Bylaws: Board members discussed parking limitations in the River District, noting a two-hour street limit versus five-hour lot limits, and explored communication strategies to guide visitors appropriately. The group also addressed concerns about untagged garbage bags and inconsistent placement, with staff indicating that waste management options are being reviewed through the River District Action Plan. Additionally, invitations were sent for a community stakeholder discussion on a vibrant River District scheduled for July 28 at the Harmony Centre.

Meeting Recap

2 MOTION TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION

A board member moved to enter closed session and asked if attendees should leave until the session concluded. The board agreed to proceed with the closed session and then returned to open session.

10.c Report CR-25-096 from the Deputy Clerk Re Appointment of Director to

A council member raised the issue of shoppers receiving tickets for exceeding the standard two-hour parking limit in the River District without being able to extend their stay or move vehicles, suggesting that business owners could offer validation codes or mirrors as a solution. Another member responded by recommending that individuals expecting longer visits simply use the five-hour lots instead.

7 DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Clark Finley presented a proposal to pedestrianize 2nd Avenue East to revitalize Owen Sound’s downtown by prioritizing pedestrians over cars. He argued that creating a pedestrian zone would enhance safety, accessibility, and community life while reducing long-term infrastructure costs associated with car-centric sprawl. Finley addressed common objections regarding deliveries and parking, citing studies that show pedestrians are more likely to make purchases than drivers. A presenter Speaker 03 Owen Sound needs a vibrant downtown and shared studies supporting pedestrianization to overcome business objections. Council members discussed the feasibility of closing streets for events versus long-term shifts, noting past event closures increased sales but were costly. Concerns were raised about adapting stop-and-go business models and the need for sustained change rather than one-off trials. The discussion concluded with a suggestion to review the River District Action Plan to incorporate these ideas regarding downtown revitalization.

Proposal to Pedestrianize 2nd Avenue East

speaker Speaker 01 a proposal to revitalize Owen Sound’s downtown by prioritizing pedestrians over cars on 2nd Avenue East. He argued that creating a pedestrian zone would enhance safety, accessibility, and community life while reducing long-term infrastructure costs associated with car-centric sprawl. Finley addressed common objections regarding deliveries and parking, citing studies that show pedestrians are more likely to make purchases than drivers. He emphasized that the city should offer an authentic alternative experience to compete with big-box stores rather than relying on free parking.

Discussion on Pedestrianizing Downtown Owen Sound

A presenter Speaker 02 Sound needs a vibrant downtown and shared studies supporting pedestrianization to overcome business objections. Council members discussed the feasibility of closing streets for events versus long-term shifts, noting past event closures increased sales but were costly. Concerns were raised about adapting stop-and-go business models and the need for sustained change rather than one-off trials. The discussion concluded with a suggestion to review the River District Action Plan to incorporate these ideas regarding downtown revitalization.

8 PUBLIC FORUM

The public forum addressed concerns regarding downtown safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for local businesses. Speakers highlighted issues such as homeless encampments, lack of police presence, and the impact of social programs on pedestrian traffic. A resident Speaker 04 installations on Coney Lane as premature given ongoing problems in the area. Discussion also covered the pricing of the Summerfolk festival, with a clarification that it is a private nonprofit event rather than a city-run initiative. Volunteers were suggested as an alternative way to enjoy the festival at no cost. The forum concluded with appreciation for community efforts like vegetable planting and promotion of other local events.

10.b Report CS-25-073 from Director of Community Services Re River District Action

The Board received a report from the Director of Community Services regarding the district.

11.a Matter Postponed from River District Board of Management Meeting held on

The report description included a proposed process for the River District Board of Management to direct staff to forward a memo to City Council either supporting or not supporting the removal of principal residence and rental cap requirements in C1 and MC zones, noting that any final decision on implementation would remain with City Council. The discussion referred to an earlier defeated motion regarding seeking expressions of interest versus using forms for existing inquiries, while members discussed trial periods and public feedback without assigning a final outcome to the current amendment.

14 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

During the discussion of additional business, board members addressed parking limitations in the River District, specifically noting a two-hour street limit versus five-hour lot limits, and explored communication strategies to guide visitors appropriately; the group also addressed concerns about untagged garbage bags and inconsistent placement, with staff indicating that waste management options are being reviewed through the River District Action Plan, while invitations were sent for a community stakeholder discussion on a vibrant River District scheduled for July 28 at the Harmony Centre. Additionally, a speaker Speaker 05 regarding garbage accumulation at 9th Street East and 3rd Avenue East, vandalism of small signs costing approximately fifty dollars to repair, and improper disposal of used needles in mailboxes; the discussion noted that delivery services reduce downtown foot traffic, suggesting community events like concerts are vital for vibrancy, and a request was made for a directory of businesses within the Harmony Centre, which the Chair indicated could be addressed via existing block directories or an inventory, before the meeting concluded with thanks to Allison Penner for her service and a motion to adjourn.

Discussion on Parking Limits and Garbage Bylaws

Board members discussed parking limitations in the River District, noting a two-hour street limit versus five-hour lot limits, and explored communication strategies to guide visitors appropriately. The group also addressed concerns about untagged garbage bags and inconsistent placement, with staff indicating that waste management options are being reviewed through the River District Action Plan. Additionally, invitations were sent for a community stakeholder discussion on a vibrant River District scheduled for July 28 at the Harmony Centre.

Business Concerns on Garbage Needles and Community Vibrancy

A speaker Speaker 05 regarding garbage accumulation at 9th Street East and 3rd Avenue East, vandalism of small signs costing approximately fifty dollars to repair, and improper disposal of used needles in mailboxes. The discussion noted that delivery services reduce downtown foot traffic, suggesting community events like concerts are vital for vibrancy. A request was made for a directory of businesses within the Harmony Centre, which the Chair indicated could be addressed via existing block directories or an inventory. The meeting concluded with thanks to Allison Penner for her service and a motion to adjourn.