One-Sentence Summary

Council heard a report on an external communications strategy project, reviewed a recommendation to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, and addressed confirmation that no notices of motion were presented before the meeting concluded.

Whole Meeting Summary

The Communications Advisor presented Report CM-25-025 outlining a project plan to develop an external communications strategy for the City of Owen Sound that replaces current lack of coordinated goals with a unified playbook informing residents and empowering staff after surveying municipalities and interviewing fourteen city staff members. The Corporate Services Committee recommends City Council direct staff to bring forward a bylaw adopting electronic signature policy AF011 as presented in report CR-25-129 following minor edits correcting a section reference and confirming no specific software platform is required. Council received a financial update predicting an overall surplus despite winter control costs exceeding budget, offset by positive variances and wage gapping savings, leading to approval for allocating WSIB rebate funds to ash tree remediation and EAB programs while monitoring increased penalty interest on unpaid taxes. The Human Resources Specialist recommends Owen Sound join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities to advance diversity and inclusion through partnerships with over 120 Canadian municipalities, develop a 2026 action plan involving policy updates and training without annual fees or membership costs, while Council members question the operational model and value of initiatives like shoreline cleanups while emphasizing the need for consistent community support during Pride events. Bethany presented the 2024 Human Resources metrics report highlighting a significant increase in retirements and job applications up 186% since 2019, while noting that declined offers are driven by gaps in candidate expectations regarding compensation, housing availability, and work-life balance compared to private sector roles. Council proceeded to item ten regarding motions for which notice was previously given, found no motions requiring prior notice, and moved to item eleven without any submitted correspondence. Council confirmed that no notices of motion were presented under agenda item thirteen prior to the conclusion of the meeting proceedings.

Most Newsworthy Items

  • HR Metrics Show Rising Retirements and Declined Offers: Bethany presented the 2024 Human Resources metrics report highlighting a significant increase in retirements and job applications up 186% since 2019. The report identified a rise in declined offers driven by gaps in candidate expectations regarding compensation, housing availability, and work-life balance compared to private sector roles. Strategic initiatives include the ServiceU Project One C One framework for knowledge transfer, streamlined recruitment via PICSMA, and expanded wellness programming. Council discussed the impact of remote work policies on attracting specialized talent versus maintaining service coverage, noting that flexible arrangements are manager-discretionary up to 50%. Exit interviews revealed resignations often stem from limited advancement opportunities or higher pay in neighboring municipalities.
  • Council received a financial update predicting an overall surplus despite winter control: Council received a financial update predicting an overall surplus despite winter control costs exceeding budget, offset by positive variances and wage gapping savings.
  • The Communications Advisor presented Report CM-25-025 outlining a project plan to develop: The Communications Advisor presented Report CM-25-025 outlining a project plan to develop an external communications strategy for the City of Owen Sound.
  • The Human Resources Specialist recommends Owen Sound join the Coalition of Inclusive: The Human Resources Specialist recommends Owen Sound join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities to advance diversity and inclusion through partnerships with over 120 Canadian municipalities.

Meeting Recap

8.a.1 Report CM-25-025 from the Communications Advisor Re External Communications Strategy Project

The Communications Advisor presented Report CM-25-025 outlining a project plan to develop an external communications strategy for the City of Owen Sound. The initiative aims to replace the current lack of coordinated communication goals with a unified playbook that informs residents and empowers staff. The team has already surveyed over twenty municipalities and interviewed fourteen city staff members, with public engagement launching October 17th via an online survey open until November 7th. Committee members were asked to support the project by participating in these feedback opportunities before the report was received for information purposes.

8.b.1 Report CR-25-129 from the Manager of Information Technology Re Electronic Signature

Corporate Services Committee recommends City Council direct staff to bring forward a bylaw adopting electronic signature policy AF011 as presented in report CR-25-129. Kelly moved the recommendation after minor edits corrected a section reference and confirmed no specific software platform is required.

8.c.1 Report CR-25-126 from the Director of Corporate Services Re 2025 T2

Council received a financial update predicting an overall surplus despite winter control costs exceeding budget, offset by positive variances and wage gapping savings. The Director recommended allocating WSIB rebate funds to ash tree remediation and EAB programs, which Council approved. While penalty interest on unpaid taxes increased revenue, it signals community financial health concerns requiring monitoring.

8.d.1 Report CR-25-127 from the Human Resources Specialist Re Joining the Coalition

The Human Resources Specialist recommends Owen Sound join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities to advance diversity and inclusion through partnerships with over 120 Canadian municipalities. Staff will develop a 2026 action plan involving policy updates and training without annual fees or membership costs. Council members question the operational model and value of initiatives like shoreline cleanups while emphasizing the need for consistent community support during Pride events.

2024 HR Metrics Show Rising Retirements and Declined Offers

Bethany presented the 2024 Human Resources metrics report highlighting a significant increase in retirements and job applications up 186% since 2019. The report identified a rise in declined offers driven by gaps in candidate expectations regarding compensation, housing availability, and work-life balance compared to private sector roles. Strategic initiatives include the ServiceU Project One C One framework for knowledge transfer, streamlined recruitment via PICSMA, and expanded wellness programming. Council discussed the impact of remote work policies on attracting specialized talent versus maintaining service coverage, noting that flexible arrangements are manager-discretionary up to 50%. Exit interviews revealed resignations often stem from limited advancement opportunities or higher pay in neighboring municipalities.

10 MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN

Council proceeded to item ten with no motions requiring prior notice and moved to item eleven without any submitted correspondence.

13 NOTICES OF MOTION

Council confirmed no notices of motion were presented at number thirteen before the meeting adjourned.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-corporate-services/2025-10-09

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-corporate-services/2025-10-09

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=be513958-5690-4a74-9965-36d77cdfcb4f

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_CR_2025-10-09-05-30.mp4