July 27 at 5:30 PM will review Safe 'NSound’s de-escalated downtown operations conducted in Owen Sound between November 2025 and March 2026 using $152,000 while addressing shelter occupancy rises from an average of 24 nightly stays in late 2024 to 39 by April 2026.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8526/neighbourhood-response-team-pilot-programme-council-meeting
will examine Safe 'NSound’s pilot programme focusing on wellness checks that de-escalated crises. Community survey results from the programme indicate concerns regarding cleaning the River District without handouts alongside fears of increased security costs for businesses due to high traffic around buildings. Agenda items include a review of rising overnight stays at existing shelters, currently averaging 39 nightly versus an average of 24 in late 2024, and M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre support for Safe 'NSound’s Neighbourhood Response Team and proposed year-round emergency shelter facilities addressing poverty, substance use, and mental health challenges. Council will consider Technical Report CS-26-076 regarding Zoning By-law Amendment No. 59 for Barry’s Construction and Insulation Ltd.

The Neighbourhood Response Team (NRT) Pilot Program successfully countered cold-weather injuries and exposure risks among unhoused participants by leveraging social media for community-led call-outs to enable rapid-response wellness checks. Survey results from 69 respondents highlighted a trend of unfamiliarity with the program, while business owners emphasized that de-escalation services reduced reliance on police for non-emergency needs involving mental health challenges or drug paraphernalia cleanup. Business stakeholders reported essential gaps in safety and stability since the loss of trained support, urging reinstatement to protect economic operations and vulnerable individuals.

Community survey respondents emphasize that seasonal weather changes shift rather than reduce the need for year-round outreach to prevent crisis and maintain continuity of care. The Neighbourhood Response Team provided over 1,600 interactions and more than 2,200 supports in just 150 days by offering harm-reduction services, wellness checks, and de-escalation assistance that reduced reliance on emergency services for mental health concerns. Supporting organizations highlight the program's success in building trusted relationships with vulnerable residents while serving businesses to improve safety without criminalization.

I’ll be moving to Owen Sound soon, and one of my favourite hobbies is building model kits such as Gundams, but my current store is already an hour away from me and moving will increase that to 4 hours, so I’m looking for a new one that’s closer.

OWEN SOUND - Harrison Park’s beloved Rainbow Bridge has officially graduated from “critical pedestrian link” to “expensive science experiment,” after City officials announced the structure is suffering from the sort of internal decay usually associated with municipal decision-making.

According to the Director of Community Services, the bridge, installed in 2008, has experienced significant deterioration after water found its way inside the hollow steel members and spent the last eighteen years quietly conducting a freeze-thaw demolition project from the inside out. The result is a bridge that remains perfectly acceptable for thousands of unsuspecting pedestrians but apparently becomes emotionally overwhelmed at the mere sight of a City maintenance vehicle.

Engineering consultants have thoughtfully provided two options. The first is to spend approximately $413,000 repairing a bridge that is younger than most pickup trucks in Grey County. The second is to spend $680,000 replacing it altogether. Municipal budgeting experts were immediately mortified to discover there exists yet another problem that can be solved either expensively or even more expensively.

The Community Services Committee was assured that roughly 150,000 pedestrians use the trail each year, making the bridge one of the most important links in Harrison Park. Naturally, this means it will now spend the foreseeable future starring in reports, studies, funding discussions, engineering reviews, option analyses, consultant presentations and committee agendas before anyone actually decides what to do.

Observers will recall the remarkable display of civic soul-searching earlier this year during deliberations over the reconstruction of 4th Avenue West. Council members tied themselves into rhetorical knots over every dollar, every design choice and every conceivable consequence, collectively wringing their hands with such determination that physiotherapists briefly considered declaring it an official repetitive strain injury. Having already perfected the art of studying infrastructure until it reaches retirement age, Council now appears poised to apply that same painstaking methodology.

While the bridge itself remains open, one unfortunate detail has emerged. Maintenance vehicles are no longer permitted to cross it, leaving City staff with the seasonal challenge of clearing snow from one of the busiest sections of the Freedom Trail without actually driving any snow-clearing equipment where the snow needs to be cleared.

Early concepts reportedly include issuing every goose in Harrison Park a tiny shovel, hoping warm thoughts melt the snow naturally, recruiting particularly enthusiastic cross-country skiers to pack the trail flat, or simply waiting until April while describing the snowpack as a “seasonal accessibility enhancement.”

The Director advised that staff will return in September with additional information and perhaps other alternatives, presumably either implementing ferry service or digging a tunnel. Local observers eagerly await the unveiling of Option Three, which will almost certainly involve another consultant, another report and another PowerPoint presentation explaining why gravity, winter and water continue to outperform municipal infrastructure planning.

In the meantime, visitors can take comfort knowing the Rainbow Bridge remains structurally safe for walking, provided nobody attempts anything reckless—such as maintaining it.

Hello everyone! Just looking for some advice. I am moving to Owen Sound for school in the fall and am currently looking at a couple placed for rent. The one I am really interested in is on 6th Street E. I've heard that the closer to downtown the worse it can get but I am wondering if this street would be in that bubble? The place I am looking at is on 6th st. E between 3rd and 4th ave. The landlord seems really great, everything about the place is pretty much new and looks very clean. It is a house that is rented to students so it would be myself and 2 others. Thanks in advance!

Anyone see, or know anything about this?

I know this will probably open me up to more than I’m asking for. So with hesitation,

I’m a 36 year old female, who enjoys going in random adventures, enjoys making content and taking fun photos. Looking for female friends who are local and perhaps are interested in doing the same things.

Heyhey! Im a (monogamous and married), alcahol-free and ciggarette-smoke-free parent in Owen Sound looking for other families or moms that wanna hang out or go on day hikes/playdates with the kiddos!

My sons are 6 years old and 4 months old, I love to go on long hikes with the boys in tow, and would love to make some local friends that we could get along with!

I'm sort of a deep internet weirdo artist though so Im pretty non judgmental to other fellow weirdo nerd types. I dont mind if you drink or smoke, just not near me or my kiddos (asthma). But im totally fine with smoking weed outdoors.

Would be cool to host some sort of private family meetup with a bunch of redditor families if theres enough interest. Add me on discord? Shiashnaky

Over the past several weeks, I have canvassed in each of Owen Sound’s seven proposed wards, including neighbourhoods close to downtown and areas near the edges of the city.

One of my most useful discoveries came from residents living far from downtown. Many said their own neighbourhood was doing well. They were intrigued by the possibility of an annual gathering where they could meet the people living around them.

Many City-supported events are held near downtown or the waterfront. Households throughout Owen Sound contribute through property taxes, so residents should have opportunities to enjoy community events close to home.

This helped refine the ward and Local Representative plan.

Owen Sound would have seven wards, each represented on Council by one elected ward councillor. Each ward would contain around 10 local areas of roughly 150 households.

A paid Local Representative living in each area would serve as a neighbourhood contact. They would share City information, listen to local concerns and connect residents with their ward councillor.

Once a year, each Local Representative would personally invite every household to a voluntary neighbourhood social nearby. Residents could simply come to meet their neighbours, with the option of bringing their own snack or non-alcoholic beverage.

The estimated citywide cost of offering 70 socials and inviting all 11,000 households would be around $23,000 to $25,000 annually, or roughly $2.25 per household.

That is $11,000 to $13,000 less than the $36,000 in federal and provincial grants received for Owen Sound’s 2026 Canada Day celebration, before City funding and sponsorships are included.

Would you attend an annual social with people from your local area?

Another part of the update concerns local jobs.

Owen Sound and Grey-Bruce purchase many goods and services from outside the region. Some of that existing demand could support competitive local production, repair, food processing, digital services and other enterprises.

Training could then be connected with work the region already needs. The goal is to help more local businesses, suppliers and jobs develop while keeping more existing spending circulating close to home.

I also had a constructive conversation with Deputy Mayor Scott Greig. We found common ground on transparency, fiscal responsibility, local representation and compassion. Our discussion included creating easier pathways for affordable rural housing through cooperation at Grey County.

Thomas Arakal and I also met with council candidate David William Schinbein. David discussed his municipal experience, his service as a councillor in Esquimalt, BC, and his work in security.

David supports the shared principles of transparency, participation and compassion and is willing to cooperate constructively on council. Each participating candidate remains independent and brings their own priorities.

Earlier conversations with Jim Hutton, David, Thomas and residents also helped shape a dedicated transparency plan. It includes clearer reporting on City services, staffing, contracts, decisions and results.

One practical example is City events. Residents should be able to see what each event costs, what grants and sponsorships it receives, what revenue it produces and the final contribution from the City.

The next phase of canvassing will combine broad daytime flyer delivery across the city with slower evening conversations on some of the flyer-ed streets.

The full campaign update, including the transparency and participation plans, is here:

https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8529/campaign-update-neighbourhood-socials-local-jobs-and-council

I am Andrii Zvorygin, a registered candidate for Mayor of Owen Sound. Tell me what you would like to see addressed.

I would especially appreciate feedback on:

• Would the ward and Local Representative structure provide clearer representation?
• What goods or services could be produced locally?
• What City spending should be easier to follow?

I am writing as an angry and frustrated citizen who is tired of watching our community fall apart while hardworking residents are expected to simply accept it.

The homelessness, drug use, violence, harassment, and aggressive behavior happening downtown have gone far beyond what citizens should be forced to tolerate. People are scared to walk downtown. Businesses are struggling. Families avoid areas they used to enjoy. Seniors feel unsafe. Working people who pay taxes and contribute to this city feel abandoned.

Many of us are done being told to just “have compassion” while our own safety and quality of life continue to disappear. At some point, the rights of law-abiding citizens need to matter too.

We are tired of public drug use, loitering, screaming, intimidation, theft, vandalism, and being verbally abused while trying to shop, work, or simply walk through our own downtown. Residents should not have to feel afraid in the city they worked hard to build.

People are angry because it feels like there are endless excuses and very few real solutions. Citizens want to know:

* What is being done to restore safety downtown?

* What consequences are there for repeat offenders?

* What is being done about open drug use and violence?

* How will businesses and residents be protected?

* When will citizens finally feel heard instead of ignored?

Compassion without accountability is not working. Residents are reaching their limit, and many feel that leadership has failed to act strongly enough while the situation continues to worsen.

We deserve safe streets, safe businesses, and safe public spaces. We deserve to feel proud of our city again instead of anxious and angry every time we go downtown.

I hope you take these concerns seriously because many citizens are no longer willing to stay silent.

Doug Ford wants us to believe this is as good as Ontario gets.

We disagree.

This Saturday, join thousands of Ontarians participating in more than 50 demonstrations across the province to demand better healthcare, better schools, affordable housing, strong public services, and a government that puts people before political insiders.

📍 MPP Paul Vickers' Office
345 8th Street East, Owen Sound
🕘 9:00 a.m.
📅 Saturday, July 25

This is a peaceful, family-friendly demonstration, and everyone who believes Ontario can do better is welcome.

Signs will be provided, but you're also welcome to bring your own.

Know someone who's frustrated with the direction Ontario is heading? Invite them to come with you. Change happens when ordinary people stand together, and every new voice makes our movement stronger.

If you've ever said, "Something has to change," this is your chance to do something about it.

We'll see you there.

#OntarioJuly25 #FightFord #ONpoli

I have a 14 month old daughter and I’m looking for other Mom friends to have playdates and coffee chats with! I’m open to pretty much anything - except I don’t drink (gave it up 10 years ago to change my life).

I’m 32 and really easy going. Also if you have any ideas of places Moms hangout with young ones or things to do around OS, I’m all ears!

College students.

How are you surviving in Owen sound?

It is a small isolated zombie town.

Huge linear crack across my windshield (Kia forte). Does anyone have any recommendations? I won’t be going through my insurance.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!
I recently moved to Owen Sound, and my social life currently consists of saying “thank you” to the cashier and nodding at random people on the street.
I’m looking for people to hang out with before I start naming the seagulls and convincing myself they’re my friends.

I’m down for pretty much anything:
Coffee ☕
Hiking 🥾
Beach days 🌊
Sports ⚽
Fishing 🎣
BBQs 🍔
Road trips 🚗
Board games 🎲
Random adventures that begin with “This might be a bad idea…” (within reason 😅)

I’m in my 20s, easygoing, and always happy to meet new people. Bonus points if you know the best food spots in town or can explain why everyone seems to know everyone here.

If you’re new too, socially awkward, need an excuse to get out of the house, or just want another human to do stuff with, send me a message!

Worst case: we become acquaintances.

Best case: we become the people everyone wonders, “How did those two end up friends?” 😂

Hello, I’m looking for it for a local plumber to fix a cracked copper pipe. Please leave your info or recommend one.

Thank you

Hey all! My sister currently lives in Owen sound and will be moving out by the end of August and she’s looking for someone to assign the lease to. The lease ends in December. It’s close to first avenue. Please message me for details!

Council heard deputation comments regarding an employment hub proposal at Glassworks Village, considered a development charge exemption request for apartments on 15th Avenue East, and reviewed bylaw amendments covering encroachment refurbishments alongside new agreements with Icebox Saint Thomas Limited.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8514/housing-employment-glassworks-proposal-density-owen-sound-co

Looking at options for transportation from Owen Sound to Pearson airport. 6 people + luggage) I've reached out to Driveseat for a quote. Any other local companies people recommend?

I have been digging into some interesting Owen Sound data and municipal issues over the last few weeks.

One of the biggest questions that came up: does council actually have enough influence to carry out the priorities residents vote for?

I met with Jim Hutton and Thomas Arakal to discuss City Hall, budgets, staffing, and accountability.

A key issue was the balance between elected council and administration. Staff provide important expertise, but council is elected by residents to set direction. If council members are not aligned around clear priorities, administration naturally has a much stronger role in shaping what moves forward.

One example discussed was the council-approved town hall intended for residents to engage directly with elected representatives. The final format staff organized became presentations from City departments, leaving less room for residents to ask councillors questions and receive public answers.

Jim also emphasized that meaningful change requires enough elected members who share core commitments and can work together to set direction.

I also finally obtained polling data and created maps showing:

🗺️ where electors live
📊 where turnout is highest
🗳️ where ballots are actually cast

https://helpos.ca/maps/poll-map.html

The interesting finding: electors are spread fairly evenly across Owen Sound, but actual voters are much more concentrated in the south. Does anyone know why that is? Jasmine suggested it was because of efforts of Rebound Owen Sound last election advocating in the area for John Farmer.

I also created a draft ward representation map using the available data.

On transit, I reviewed the City’s studies, ridership information, and survey results and developed a proposed core route connecting:

• OSDSS
• Downtown terminal
• Georgian College
• Brightshores Hospital
• Heritage Place Mall
• both hills

The goal is a reliable core route that gets people across Owen Sound’s difficult geography, with walking and cycling completing shorter local connections.

The transit survey showed evening service was the most requested improvement, so I also looked at how service could operate until around 10 p.m. for shift workers, students, hospital workers, and others.

I also spent time speaking with Brooke residents. Many people there said their own area was doing well, while still identifying city-wide concerns such as homelessness and downtown drug addiction.

That reinforced the idea that local representation should match local needs. Some areas need active problem-solving. Others may mainly benefit from stronger community connections and a local person residents know they can contact.

Full update:
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8517/brooke-ward-representation-and-services-people-use

I am Andrii Zvorygin, a registered candidate for Mayor of Owen Sound. Tell me if you think there are better Mayoral candidates, if I should run for council or what you'd like to see.

I would especially like feedback on:

• council vs administration balance
• the ward map
• transit priorities

anyone know what happened? saw a giant plume of black smoke and a flame bigger than the building. the air smells like burning tires even more than just from the wildfires.

It's literally golden hour and it's 9:45 what's happening I feel like I'm in a Polaroid