owen_sound_reporter2

owen_sound_reporter2

One-Sentence Summary

At the April 16, 2025 Owen Sound Committee meeting, Council heard Public Forum comments where no members were present to speak, reviewed a new Community and Business Development Advisor report on developing an innovative profile, and addressed Notices of Motion as none existed before adjourning.

Whole Meeting Summary

The Council proceeded with a Public Forum session wherein a speaker Speaker 01 reported that no members were present to submit remarks during this item. The Extended Parking Committee received a report from the Director of Community Services concerning Report 2 on changes to the draft Derby Camping Regulatory By-law regarding fees and scope, recommended bringing forward the bylaw with short form wording, appointing officers, amending traffic and fees bylaws, which the Committee carried to approve. The source records a recommendation to authorize a five-year memorandum of agreement permitting public use of multi-use courts at Owen Sound District Secondary School, with capital ownership remaining with the school board and operating costs estimated at approximately $11,500 to be addressed in 2026 budget deliberations. Rebecca Ellerdm, Community and Business Development Advisor, presented Report CM-25-011 regarding a new Owen Sound community profile utilizing an innovative web-first approach with premium print materials, which members received for information despite suggestions to reposition it under the website’s About section. The Manager of Planning and Heritage delivered a verbal report on fully spent 2024 Community Improvement Plan grants, a presentation updating the Committee on processed planning applications including east side subdivisions, and detailed shovel-ready developments such as the SkyDeck project and former BCK site. speaker Speaker 02 correspondence including Site Plan DA-25-004 regarding 10th Avenue East Graham as part of item 11.b without any motions or Council decisions. The chair declared that there were no notices of motion to be considered before formally adjourning the current municipal meeting session without further procedural consideration or public input required for this agenda item.

Most Newsworthy Items

Update on Planning Applications and Shovel-ready Developments the Presentation Highlighted a Significant: The presentation highlighted a significant increase in planning applications processed in 2024, including three draft-approved subdivisions on the City’s east side proposing 1,410 residential units. Staff explained that site plan approvals are now delegated to the Province under Bill 109, though approved plans remain shared with Council for transparency. Several shovel-ready developments were detailed, including the SkyDeck project at 3195 East Bayshore Road with over 700 dwelling units and the former BCK site at 1,144 1st Avenue West providing 20 to 24 units. Other projects under construction or nearing completion include a grocery store and pet food store at 2125 16th Street East and an office building at 10th Street East and 16th Avenue East. Conditional approvals are being fulfilled for the existing Walmart site with 477 units in two phases, the 94-unit 10th Avenue Estates development, a mixed-use building at 9th Avenue East.
Speaker Presented Community Profiles for Dennis Crude CEO of Hydrogen Optimized: A speaker presented community profiles for Dennis Crude, CEO of Hydrogen Optimized, and Chef Zach Kesich, noting their local contributions and backgrounds. The presentation highlighted the use of QR codes to direct viewers to a website containing evergreen print content alongside updatable online data tables. The speaker demonstrated the website’s accessibility features, including alt text, and discussed how the timeline honors Indigenous history by referencing the original Nez Wash village. Data pages were shown, displaying drive-time radii for regional context, Walk Scores for specific districts, interactive population projections, and a Grey County Census Dashboard covering nine municipalities.
Eleven Applications Were Approved Totaling Approximately $360 000 in Project Value Leveraging: The Manager of Planning and Heritage provided a verbal report on Community Improvement Plan grants approved in 2024, noting that the $60,000 operating budget was fully spent with an additional $20,000 withdrawn from reserves. Eleven applications were approved totaling approximately $360,000 in project value, leveraging private investment of over five dollars for every city dollar. The report detailed specific grants for accessibility improvements, startup space leasehold upgrades, and facade restoration projects, including before-and-after examples of heritage building rehabilitations. A subsequent presentation updated the Committee on Planning Act applications processed in 2024, covering draft approved subdivision plans, site plan approvals, zoning by-law amendments, pre-consultations with developers, and work involving the Committee of Adjustment.
Source Records That Site Plan Approvals Represent Only a Fraction: The source records that site plan approvals represent only a fraction of the development timeline, with external financing and land acquisition processes significantly influencing duration before building permits are issued. The source states that once a permit is granted, a time limit exists for commencing work, after which the permit may be revoked and reapplication required. Regarding affordable housing, the source indicates that some projects rely on market forces while others depend on subsidies from federal or provincial governments. The source notes that certain lending conditions require developers to include affordable rental units within their projects.

Meeting Recap

6 PUBLIC FORUM

A speaker Speaker 05 forum but noted that no members were present to speak.

8.a.1 Report CS-25-036 from the Director of Community Services Re Report 2

The Committee received a report from the Director regarding changes to the draft Derby Camping Bylaw, including new fees and scope adjustments. Staff recommended that the body direct staff to bring forward the bylaw, apply for short form wording, appoint specific officers, and amend related traffic and fees bylaws. The Committee carried the recommendation to approve the report.

Committee Reviews Draft Derby Camping Bylaw

The Committee received a report from the Director regarding extended derby parking and an update on the draft Derby Camping Bylaw. The bylaw’s short title was changed to ‘Derby Camping Bylaw’ and its scope covers four specific harbour areas, including Georgian Shores Marina and Westside Boat Launch. Staff recommended removing the fee for extended parking at Georgian Shores Marina and adding a $25 replacement fee for lost passes. The report also proposed appointing Niels Jensen and Kevin Linthorne as bylaw officers to enforce the new regulations.

Source Records a Recommendation to Issue a Notice of Proposed Amendment

The source records a recommendation to issue a notice of proposed amendment to the Fees and Charges Bylaw, which includes directing staff to submit the notice and applying for short-form wording from the Ministry of Attorney General. The source states that a report will be submitted after the first year of implementation to evaluate successes and potential changes. Regarding enforcement, the source indicates that regulatory compliance is handled by building division staff and Fairmont personnel, while criminal code offenses would involve police response. The source also notes that camping on properties owned by Transport Canada, such as the Rainbow Boat Club site, would not be permitted under the proposed rules.

8.a.2 Report CS-25-037 from the Manager of Parks and Open Space Re

The source records a recommendation to authorize a five-year memorandum of agreement permitting public use of multi-use courts at Owen Sound District Secondary School, with capital ownership remaining with the school board and operating costs estimated at approximately $11,500 to be addressed in 2026 budget deliberations.

Council Considers Partnership Agreement for Public Use of Multi-use Courts

A draft five-year memorandum of agreement with the Bluewater District School Board to permit public use of multi-use courts at Owen Sound District Secondary School was presented following capital renewal in 2024. The report includes city responsibilities for security, maintenance, and operations estimated at $11,500. A recommendation directs staff to bring forward a bylaw authorizing the mayor and clerk to enter into this agreement and considers an increase in the 2026 Parks and Open Space operating budget of $11,500 to support these new costs.

Council Approves Partnership and Clarifies Staff Duties

A speaker Speaker 06 a partnership agreement with other organizations. A question was raised regarding whether the security company would be responsible for cleaning hazardous materials or graffiti. Through Chair Kepki, it was stated that staff will be responsible for these tasks, noting that minor time is allocated for this in the schedule and that such issues are not expected to be as prominent as historically because the site is secured most of the time. The motion was carried.

8.b.1 Report CM-25-011 from the Community and Business Development Advisor Re New

Rebecca Ellerdm, the new Community and Business Development Advisor, presented a report on developing a new community profile for Owen Sound using an innovative web-first approach supplemented by premium print materials. The creative process utilized available in-house tools rather than a no-code builder to address data accuracy challenges and improve user experience for stakeholders like physicians and industry professionals. The presentation showcased specific neighbors identified by name, demonstrated a website featuring QR codes that direct viewers to evergreen print content alongside updatable online data tables, and included accessibility features such as alt text. Members praised the community profile for its storytelling and real-time imagery of healthcare facilities but suggested placing it under the ‘About Owen Sound’ section on the website. A motion to receive the report for information purposes was moved and carried.

Rebecca Ellerdm the New Community and Business Development Advisor Presented a Report

Rebecca Ellerdm, the new Community and Business Development Advisor, presented a report on the development of a new community profile for Owen Sound. The profile utilizes an innovative web-first approach supplemented by premium print materials to tell the city’s story through cinematic photo series and personal testimonials. This creative process was informed by community engagement sessions conducted over the last year as part of the Vision 2050 process. The team addressed challenges regarding data accuracy, noting that typical tools rely on Statistics Canada data updated every five years, and aimed to improve user experience for stakeholders like physicians and industry professionals attending conferences. While referencing other municipalities’ profiles, the committee decided to keep development in-house using available tools rather than pursuing a no-code builder option.

Presentation of Owen Sound Community Profile

The speaker Speaker 07 of the team reviewing proofs at a cafe, Sophie taking a shot of Dennis Crude at Hydrogen Optimize, her ducking behind a bridge in a virtual reality simulator at Georgian College, and Nash and Terry at Quick Print discussing paper stock types and binding options. The content highlights design goals focused on curiosity and space, featuring images of canoeing at Harrison Park and a sunrise ceremony at Naywash Park. Specific neighbors featured in the profile were identified by name individually, including Justin McMillan, Dr. Mike Collins, Tiffany McMillan, Arjun Goel, Hillary Coburn, Arthur Murgatroyd, and May Ip.

speaker Speaker 03 for Dennis Crude CEO of Hydrogen Optimized

A speaker Speaker 03 for Dennis Crude, CEO of Hydrogen Optimized, and Chef Zach Kesich, noting their local contributions and backgrounds. The presentation highlighted the use of QR codes to direct viewers to a website containing evergreen print content alongside updatable online data tables. The speaker Speaker 04 accessibility features, including alt text, and discussed how the timeline honors Indigenous history by referencing the original Nez Wash village. Data pages were shown, displaying drive-time radii for regional context, Walk Scores for specific districts, interactive population projections, and a Grey County Census Dashboard covering nine municipalities.

speaker Speaker 08 of Grey County As a Data Expert Who

A speaker Speaker 08 of Grey County as a data expert who hosted monthly meetups to help municipalities integrate tools into their websites and reports. The community profile, which includes real-time data and imagery of healthcare facilities, received praise for its storytelling and ability to showcase the region’s assets beyond municipal boundaries. Members noted the importance of contextualizing the population within the greater Owen Sound area and suggested placing the profile under the ‘About Owen Sound’ section on the website. A motion to receive the report for information purposes was moved and carried.

8.d.1 Verbal Report from the Manager of Planning and Heritage Re 2024

The Manager of Planning and Heritage provided a verbal report on Community Improvement Plan grants approved in 2024, noting that the $60,000 operating budget was fully spent with an additional $20,000 withdrawn from reserves. Eleven applications were approved totaling approximately $360,000 in project value, leveraging private investment of over five dollars for every city dollar. The report detailed specific grants for accessibility improvements, startup space leasehold upgrades, and facade restoration projects. A subsequent presentation updated the Committee on Planning Act applications processed in 2024, covering draft approved subdivision plans, site plan approvals, zoning by-law amendments, pre-consultations with developers, and work involving the Committee of Adjustment. The presentation highlighted a significant increase in planning applications processed in 2024, including three draft-approved subdivisions on the City’s east side proposing 1,410 residential units. Staff explained that site plan approvals are now delegated to the Province under Bill 109, though approved plans remain shared with Council for transparency. Several shovel-ready developments were detailed, including the SkyDeck project at 3195 East Bayshore Road with over 700 dwelling units and the former BCK site at 1,144 1st Avenue West providing 20 to 24 units. Other projects under construction or nearing completion include a grocery store and pet food store at 2125 16th Street East and an office building at 10th Street East and 16th Avenue East.

Eleven Applications Were Approved Totaling Approximately $360 000 in Project Value Leveraging

Update on Planning Applications and Shovel-ready Developments the Presentation Highlighted a Significant

The presentation highlighted a significant increase in planning applications processed in 2024, including three draft-approved subdivisions on the City’s east side proposing 1,410 residential units. Staff explained that site plan approvals are now delegated to the Province under Bill 109, though approved plans remain shared with Council for transparency. Several shovel-ready developments were detailed, including the SkyDeck project at 3195 East Bayshore Road with over 700 dwelling units and the former BCK site at 1,144 1st Avenue West providing 20 to 24 units. Other projects under construction or nearing completion include a grocery store and pet food store at 2125 16th Street East and an office building at 10th Street East and 16th Avenue East. Conditional approvals are being fulfilled for the existing Walmart site with 477 units in two phases, the 94-unit 10th Avenue Estates development, a mixed-use building at 9th Avenue East.

Adaptive Reuse Projects and Committee of Adjustment Updates

The presentation highlighted adaptive reuse projects like Royal Rose Court and Frost Manor, alongside new developments at Heritage Grove and Hadera. Staff explained that while pre-consultation is no longer mandatory under the Planning Act, it remains essential for efficient processing of applications. The Committee of Adjustment processed 22 minor variance and consent applications in 2024, with 14 already handled in 2025.

Planning Update on Variances Consents and Development Timelines

The source records that minor variances allow slight regulatory shifts for specific properties while consents create infill lots and easements. Themes over the last 12 to 18 months included adjusting site regulations for severing infill lots and adding to residential developments. Anticipated applications include Telford Creek Square site plan approval in three or four months, Georgian Heights rezoning for apartments, a Bruce Grey Districts Catholic School Board zoning amendment within four weeks, and a Hampton Inn site plan application in four to six weeks. A recommendation was made that Council receive the verbal report from the Manager of Planning and Heritage for information purposes. Questions were raised regarding the ability to encourage denser development given reductions in units for Hadera Phase Two and Georgian Landing projects; staff explained that developers chose townhouses over apartments due to market fit and that developments meet minimum density provisions, though potential future increases were noted. Causes of development delays beyond red tape were discussed, with staff stating that Planning Act approvals are efficient but external factors like financing, interest rates, and supply availability have a more serious impact.

11.b Site Plan DA-25-004 - 10th Avenue East - Graham

A speaker Speaker 09 motions were being used for the items and noted that none were present. Following a statement that there were no further questions, the speaker Speaker 10 to receive two items of correspondence, which was carried.

13 NOTICES OF MOTION

The chair declared there were no notices of motion to be considered before adjourning the meeting.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2025-04-16

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-community-services/2025-04-16

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=9db36f76-0a46-4079-bb68-a9af9b4f8571

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_CS_2025-04-16-05-30.mp4

Six Month Permit Revocation Concerns — Owen Sound Committee - Community Services Transcript — April 16, 2025