The Sydenham Bruce Trail Club will hold its 2026 Spring Social on Sunday, May 10 at Kemble United Church Hall, with three guided hikes and a potluck supper on the schedule.

Place: Kemble United Church Hall
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is open to members, volunteers and newcomers interested in learning about the club’s hiking and volunteer opportunities.

Hike sign-up and potluck drop-off begin at 1:30 p.m. Participants can register for hikes online ahead of time or on arrival at the church. Hike leaders meet groups at 1:45 p.m. for carpooling to the trailheads, and all groups return by 4:30 p.m.

The three hike options are:

• A five-kilometre route along the Kemble Wetland Loop and Cedar Trail Loop, led by Bill Snel.

• A five-kilometre exploratory hike of Kemble Rock, including a stop at the campsite and a section of the east-west road allowance.

• A two-kilometre reflective hike at an easy pace along the Edmonston Loop and Main Trail, led by Marie Knapp and Danuta Valleau.

Social time and munchies follow at 4:30 p.m., with the potluck supper at 5 p.m. The club asks attendees contributing to the potluck to bring a dish with six small servings, or 12 servings per couple.

Attendees should bring their own reusable cup, plate, cutlery and refreshments. The club provides some non-alcoholic drinks and describes the gathering as a zero-waste event.

Questions can be directed to R. Knapp at rmknapp@yahoo.com.

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A 150-year-old building doesn’t maintain itself. In today’s feature, we share a closer look at the dedicated volunteer maintenance crew at Owen Sound’s Harmony Centre—whose weekly efforts keep the historic space running smoothly.

From long-term renovations to day-to-day repairs, their work is essential to the life of this community hub. Read more:

Public Notice

• Sewer Inspections and Hydrant Flushing to Run May 4 through September - City of Owen Sound

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… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on funding approved for a new school in Bruce County, a look back at a weekend event, what to expect around Grey County for road works this summer, a look ahead at Leith Summer Festival, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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Grey County has released details of its 2026 road construction season, with projects planned across the region that will affect travel from May through October.

The county says it is investing millions of dollars into its road network through resurfacing, reconstruction, bridge rehabilitation, and surface repairs. Most project tenders have closed, and schedules are now taking shape, though timelines may change depending on weather and other factors.

Several major road projects are scheduled for the construction season. On Grey Road 2 in Grey Highlands, a 3.5-kilometre stretch from just north of Wellington Street in Feversham to Grey Road 31 will be pulverized and paved between May and the end of June. Traffic will be maintained through intermittent alternating lane closures with traffic control.

Following that work, Grey County bridge crews are expected to complete a deck rehabilitation on the Feversham Bridge beginning in July. The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks and will require single-lane traffic controlled by temporary signals.

On Grey Road 3 in West Grey, a 4.9-kilometre section from about one kilometre north of Concession 16 to Grey Road 4 will be resurfaced between June and mid-August, with intermittent lane closures in place.

In Dundalk, a major reconstruction project on Grey Road 9 (Main Street) will run from mid-May to mid-October. The work will cover approximately 950 metres between Ida Street and Proton Street and is being completed in partnership with the Township of Southgate. This project will require a full road closure with signed detour routes.

Two projects are also planned for Grey Road 12. In West Grey, a rural section near Waudby will undergo localized full-depth reconstruction and paving from mid-May to mid-July, with traffic maintained through lane closures. In Markdale, an urban section will be fully reconstructed from just west of Terra Drive to Wellington Street, though timing and further details are expected to be confirmed later this spring.

On Grey Road 14, a section from south of Southgate Sideroad 3 to Southgate Sideroad 11 will be pulverized and paved from mid-June to mid-August, with intermittent lane closures.

A planned pulverize-and-pave project on Grey Road 30, from Lower Valley Road to Grey Road 13 in Grey Highlands, is still in the tendering stage. Project timing and cost will be confirmed once the contract is awarded.

Several structure replacement projects are also scheduled and will require full road closures with local traffic access only. These include work on Grey Road 40 between Concession 3A and Perdue Road, the Euphrasia-St. Vincent Townline, Concession 2 at Chatsworth Road 24, and the Normanby-Bentinck Townline.

Grey County is advising motorists to plan routes in advance, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel when travelling through construction zones.

Up-to-date information, including road closures and project details, will be available through the county’s Municipal 511 mapping tool at roads.grey.ca. The county notes that its infrastructure planning is guided by an asset management approach that considers road condition and expected lifespan when prioritizing projects.

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Announcing the new 2026 Leith Summer Music Festival season is very thrilling for me as I continue in my third year as artistic director. This summer, we bring a rich palette of internationally acclaimed artists in full bloom, performing music that I know you will cherish, in our idyllic 1865 Leith Historic Church.

Our opening gala concert on June 27^th features the incomparable jazz singer Jessica Lalonde and her pianist fiancée Adrean Farrugia.

I first heard them at the Waterloo Jazz Room last September and couldn’t stop smiling throughout their performance – I knew instantly that Leith had to hear this dynamic team.

Adrean is a multiple JUNO award nominee and winner, and his jazz piano playing is remarkably dimensional and fluid. You will also delight in the many vocal shades of Jessica Lalonde, named “One of Canada’s top women in Jazz” by JAZZ.FM91. Trained in jazz and classical, Jessica channels music through an unaffected purity of tone that is both grounded and boundless.

This gala event also includes the Penderecki String Quartet, Ethan Ardelli on drums, and Roberto Occhipinti on bass. It promises to be a glamourous evening blending classical and jazz with new arrangements for the entire cast. Can’t wait!

Submitted by Jeremy Bell – Artistic Director of LSF

For tickets and more information go to: www.roxytheatre.ca or www.leithchurch.ca

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by Lorraine Campbell for Harmony Centre; reprinted with permission

Harmony Centre is a lively, historic building that’s worn many hats over the years. Now at a venerable 150 years old, it needs regular TLC to keep it in good shape.

Working behind the scenes—or sometimes behind a haze of demolition dust—Frank Greaves and his crew have gathered every week for the past 13 years since Harmony Centre became what it is today.

With cheerful energy, they tackle the day’s to-do list, covering everything from general maintenance and repairs, demolition, painting, yard work, renovations, and, naturally, those necessary dump runs that follow a day of hard work. Their efforts keep Harmony Centre welcoming and functional.

The maintenance jobs are as varied as the building itself—sometimes a task is wrapped up in a single day, while others stretch out over weeks.

Turning a large office into two smaller spaces might take a week or three but removing the pews from the auditorium and swapping them for movable stacking chairs was a two-year undertaking. Recently, new heat pumps needed snow protection, bathrooms were updated, rooms repainted… and the crew was ready for action every step of the way!

When I asked Frank about their biggest project, he recalled the early days of Harmony Centre, when the pipe organ was removed. A local technician helped dismantle the instrument, and instead of scrapping it, salvaged parts were used to repair and restore the organ at Georgian Shores United Church.

Meanwhile, ranks of pipes found new life in Chesley, helping to refurbish another pipe organ there.

Frank originally hand-picked his crew from a circle of friends—Ralph Suke, Randy Wright, Larry Mervyn, Gary Santucci, and others. The group continues to grow, thanks to word-of-mouth and open calls for volunteers at Harmony Centre.

The maintenance crew supports not just the building, but each other, enjoying camaraderie, laughter, and a sense of belonging. They wrap up their working day with a shared lunch, rounding off their efforts with good company.

If you’d like to join the crew—regularly or just for a drop-in—reach out to Harmony Centre for more information. Expertise isn’t required, only enthusiasm! The crew meets Tuesday mornings.

Email: info@harmonycentre.ca
Phone: (519)-376-8880

Profiles is a series of articles written by Harmony Centre Board member Lorraine Campbell and volunteer Tammy Allen, spotlighting the people and community groups who bring this remarkable place to life.

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Happy Friday, Readers.

Today marks the official opening of nominations for the 2026 municipal election, giving community members the opportunity to step forward and shape the future of local leadership.

Individuals considering a run for council or mayor can now begin the nomination process. Maybe you’ve never even considered running for your local council — that’s okay. Municipal councils are made up of people who cared enough to learn the systems and get involved.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario created these educational resources for exactly that reason.

If you’re reading to put your name forward, see the official announcement from the City of Owen Sound here. Other Grey-Bruce residents — check in with your municipal office to get started.

In the meantime, these were your most-read stories and submissions this week:

Public Notice

• Kelso Beach Camping Reservations Opening May 1 for 2026 Special Events - City of Owen Sound

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… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on a local athlete competing as Captain of Team Canada in her sport, a murder mystery for a good cause, a rebuttal to rumours our local OHL team is on its way out of town, a look ahead at this weekend’s Owen Sound Mini Con, an update on Cabot Head Road consultations, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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SUBMITTED

An unforgettable evening of intrigue, laughter, and community spirit is coming to Harmony Centre Owen Sound with Murder in the Commons — an immersive dinner theatre experience where guests are invited to solve a mystery while supporting a vital local hub.

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Harmony Centre will be transformed into a lively scene of suspense and humour. The evening begins with a reception in The Commons featuring live jazz music, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, before guests move into the Greaves Auditorium for a three-course dinner and a twisting, interactive whodunit.

Murder in the Commons promises to be a night to remember with colourful characters, unexpected encounters, and plenty of laughs.

But behind the fun lies a deeper purpose.

Harmony Centre has become one of the region's most active community spaces,
welcoming tens of thousands of visits each year. While worth celebrating, this success has also brought increased wear and tear to the historic building. Floors are in need of replacement, and roof repairs are becoming increasingly urgent.

"This event is about bringing people together for a great night out, but it’s also about sustaining a space that so many people rely on," says Jeff Elie, Chair of Harmony Centre. "Every ticket purchased helps us keep up with the demands on the building and ensures that Harmony Centre remains a vibrant, accessible place for the community."

Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening's noir-inspired theme by dressing in vintage '40s or '50s style, adding to the immersive atmosphere.

Tickets are nearly gone. Community members are invited to gather friends and be part of an evening where entertainment and social impact go hand in hand.

Harmony Centre gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund and event sponsor Benedict Electrical. Tickets and full event details are available at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/murder-in-the-commons.

Submitted by Harmony Centre Owen Sound

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An Owen Sound athlete and business owner is heading back to the world stage—this time with a podium finish behind her and a national leadership role driving the future of her sport in Canada.

Lyndsay Budgell, owner of Total Recovery Massage Therapy & Wellness Studio and founder of True North Kettlebell Club, will represent Canada at two International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF) World Championships in 2026.

The first takes place in Syracuse, New York this May, with a second championship scheduled for Edinburgh, Scotland in November.

Budgell competed at the 2025 IKMF World Championship in Spain, where she earned her first podium finish at the international level.

“It marked a meaningful milestone in my lifting career,” she told The Owen Sound Current.

But this year, her focus extends beyond her own performance.

Budgell has stepped into the volunteer role of Team Canada Captain, overseeing athlete communications, travel coordination, uniforms, social media, website management, and helping create more opportunities for Canadian athletes to qualify for international competition.

“The Team Canada Captain role is a significant responsibility, and I treat it that way,” Budgell said.

“It’s a volunteer position, but I don’t approach anything half-hearted—I’ve made it my mission to build a true representation for Canada within the IKMF.”

She says her efforts have already contributed to an 80 per cent increase in Team Canada qualified athletes.

“In practice, that means creating access and structure where there wasn’t much before,” she said.

Budgell works with grassroots competition organizers and kettlebell gyms across Canada to expand in-person qualifying opportunities while also developing clearer protocols for video submissions.

In a country as large as Canada, she said, travelling to in-person qualifying events is not always realistic.

“I know what it’s like to navigate this sport without guidance, so I’ve made it a priority to change that experience for others.”

The growth, she says, is being driven by access.

“When athletes are given clear information, realistic pathways to qualify, and actual opportunities to step in, they do.”

Budgell believes the momentum could eventually lead to Canada hosting an IKMF World Championship—and she thinks Owen Sound could be part of that vision.

“Long term, I believe we have the potential to host an IKMF World Championship here in Canada—maybe even Owen Sound,” she said.

To make that happen, she says the sport needs greater visibility and significant financial support.

“It takes a significant financial investment—not just to compete internationally, but to bring a World Championship here, with 80-plus countries represented.”

As she prepares to compete in two world championships in one year, Budgell says her training has evolved.

“My approach has shifted from just training hard to treating recovery as equally competitive,” she said.

“At this level, how well I recover directly impacts how well I perform.”

That means balancing her business, her own training, and her leadership role with a more strategic focus.

“Every training session has the opportunity to be productive, not just exhausting.”

Budgell says the Owen Sound community continues to play a key role in her journey.

“I feel incredibly grateful to be rooted in Owen Sound,” she said.

“This community shows up in so many ways—from local businesses offering sponsorship, to donations for fundraisers and silent auctions, to people simply sharing posts or engaging with what we’re doing online.”

She says that support is not just for her personally, but for Team Canada as a whole.

“There’s a genuine pride here in Owen Sound when it comes to Canadian sports, and I’m honored that people continue to take interest in what I’m building and how we’re showing up on the world stage.”

As Budgell heads into the next competition season, she says visibility and momentum matter most.

Supporters can follow her journey, purchase Team Canada apparel through IKMF Canada, contribute to her GoFundMe campaign, or take part in upcoming raffles and local kettlebell workshops this summer.

She says sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses interested in supporting amateur sport and international competition.

“At the end of the day, it’s about building something people want to be part of,” Budgell said.

“And I’m grateful for any level of support that comes along the way.”

Budgell will represent Canada at the IKMF World Championship in Syracuse, New York this May, and again in Edinburgh, Scotland this November.

Those wishing to support her or Team Canada can follow updates through IKMF Canada and Budgell’s social media channels.

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Earlier this week, we asked readers which issues mattered most to you in this upcoming municipal election.

Taxes and affordability are on the minds of most respondents, with 38% identifying this as their top concern.

Housing and development came second (31%), with policing and safety also registering as most concerning to 16%. Thirteen percent chose roads and infrastructure and just 2% are most focused on Owen Sound’s recreation and community services.

A reader also wrote in that climate change is the top local issue for them.

Thank you for participating! Your input — and the understanding it gives us of what matters most to this community — helps inform our own focus here at the Owen Sound Current.

Full subscribers: we have another poll just for you below, under Local News.

Keep Reading

… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on a West Grey man convicted of sex crimes involving children, a multi-vehicle collision in Saugeen Shores, how endoscopy services are evolving at Brightshores, an update from the Ministry on childcare in Bruce County, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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Yesterday, we asked readers: What local issue matters most to you in the 2026 municipal election?

You can still weigh in here.

And before we get to the News, the City of Owen Sound’s Council Meeting on Monday resulted in a flurry of public notices you may be interested in:

• Notice of Intention to Amend the City’s By-law to Govern the Proceedings of Council and Committees

• City Updates to the Short-Term Rental By-law Support Tourism and Community Safety

• Notice of Intention to Amend the City’s By-law to Regulate the Use of Election Campaign Signs

• Notice of Intention to Consider Disposing of Municipal Property

The Municipality of Meaford has also given notice of a Special Meeting of Council and a Public Meeting both happening on Monday, May 4. Click through each link for those agendas.

Public Notice

• Roadside Pesticide Use in 2026 - Bruce County

• Georgian Bluffs is Rolling out Waste Carts Beginning in July - Township of Georgian Bluffs

Keep Reading

… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on updates to the City of Owen Sound’s short-term rentals by-law, charges for a Hanover man, Bruce Trail Conservancy launches its most ambitious campaign yet at the former Talisman Resort, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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A Hanover resident is facing multiple charges after Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 6 near Chatsworth.

Grey Bruce OPP say officers received a report at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Monday, April 27, of a vehicle travelling northbound on Highway 6 toward Chatsworth that was swerving within its lane.

Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

During the interaction, officers detected what they described as a strong odour of alcohol, prompting an impaired driving investigation. The driver was subsequently arrested.

Andrew Veinotte, 42, of Hanover, has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

• Operation while prohibited

• Drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor

Police say the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and a 45-day vehicle impoundment.

Veinotte was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on June 11.

Grey Bruce OPP say they remain committed to road safety and are reminding the public to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911 in emergency situations.

Complaints involving impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) has launched a $7.5-million fundraising campaign to protect and restore a major portion of the former Talisman Mountain Resort property in the Beaver Valley, with plans to transform the long-dormant site into a publicly accessible nature reserve.

The newly named Talisman Forest Nature Reserve includes more than 134 acres of Niagara Escarpment land and 885 metres of the Bruce Trail. The conservancy says it plans to remove deteriorating resort structures, restore the landscape to a more natural state, and reopen the area for public exploration.

The campaign follows BTC’s recent purchase of a major parcel of the former resort lands. The acquisition was announced Dec. 1, 2025, and includes more than 120 acres—closer to 140 acres when buildings and developed areas are included—near Kimberley in Grey Highlands.

The land includes the Niagara Escarpment brow, former ski slopes and base-area structures such as the hotel, ski lodge and restaurant. BTC says the purchase will permanently protect the property from future development while enabling ecological restoration and securing public access to the Bruce Trail corridor.

“For decades, the former Talisman Mountain Resort served as a place of connection in the Beaver Valley community and beyond,” the conservancy said in a campaign announcement.

Once one of Ontario’s best-known ski destinations, Talisman Mountain Resort shut down in 2011 after years of financial trouble and increasing competition from larger nearby resorts.

By the early 2000s, the resort was struggling financially. Unpaid taxes and creditor claims contributed to its collapse, and the property was placed in receivership later that year. The closure left the site with vacant buildings, mounting tax arrears and an uncertain future.

In 2013, the Municipality of Grey Highlands purchased the property following bankruptcy proceedings, tax arrears and foreclosures. The municipality later divided the land into separate parcels and attempted to resell them or attract investors.

A Toronto-based development group purchased the resort portion in 2014 and proposed reopening it as a hotel, spa and conference destination, but the redevelopment plans never fully materialized. In the years since, the property has remained largely dormant and continued to deteriorate.

BTC says the total cost to acquire, protect and restore the lands is estimated at $7.5 million.

According to the conservancy, $1.86 million has already been raised through early donor support. The next $1.5 million in donations will be matched by Environment and Climate Change Canada, doubling the impact of contributions during the campaign.

BTC describes the Talisman project as its most ambitious conservation effort to date.

The organization says restoring the site will preserve an important natural corridor along the Niagara Escarpment and provide habitat for native species, while reconnecting the public with a landscape long closed off.

“For years, Talisman stood as both a cultural landmark and a stunning gateway to nature,” the conservancy said. “With your support, this extraordinary landscape will continue to connect people to nature while providing vital habitat for our beloved native species, forever.”

Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald called the effort a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to save and restore the property for future generations.

More information about the campaign and donation opportunities is available through the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

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One of the men charged in connection with the fatal assault of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman is expected to plead guilty next month and may be in what the Crown described as a “time served position.”

Robert Busby Evans Sr., who has also been identified in court and on a passport as Justin Jones, appeared briefly in Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on Tuesday morning by video from custody.

Duty counsel A. Bernard appeared on Evans’ behalf and told the court he should have had legal representation, but lawyer Katie Scott was not present.

Evans told the court he had spoken with his lawyer the day before.

“I spoke with my lawyer yesterday; she came in to see me,” Evans said.

He told the court he believed the matter would be adjourned until June 5 for an in-person appearance.

Assistant Crown Attorney confirmed the June 5 date had been set as a “resolution date” for a guilty plea.

A plea hearing is now scheduled for June 5 at 10 a.m. in Owen Sound.

None of the allegations have been proven in court, and no guilty plea has yet been entered.

The trial coordinator noted the date falls on a Friday and asked whether it had been properly canvassed through the criminal co-ordination office.

The Crown, reviewing notes from Assistant Crown Attorney Patrick Clements, said a judicial pre-trial was held April 24. During that confidential discussion between Crown and defence, it was indicated Evans would be in a “time served position” by June 5, which is why that date was selected.

Evans is one of three people charged in relation to the fatal assault on Rahman outside The Curry House in downtown Owen Sound in August 2023. Rahman died in hospital days after the assault, sparking widespread public outcry and calls for justice.

Charges against the accused have been making their way through the court system since.

Evans Sr. was charged alongside his son, Robert Evans Jr., who is accused of throwing the fatal punch.

The dispute is reported to have arisen from an unpaid dinner bill in Rahman’s restaurant. At least three men — Barry Evans, Robert Evans Jr., and a brother (who was not charged in this case), are alleged to have dined at The Curry House late the evening of August 17, 2023, and refused to pay their bill.

After Rahman pursued the men out his front door, Evans Jr. allegedly punched the restaurateur with such force that his head struck the ground. A witness described the sound as being like “a bowling ball hitting the pavement.”

Evans Sr. is believed to have been at a nearby hotel while the incident took place. Cell phone records presented in a Scottish court during extradition proceedings indicate there was a “flurry” of activity immediately following the assault as all three men who had been at The Curry House contacted Robert Busby Evans Sr.

Police allege he was picked up by the group after they fled downtown and that they then drove to Collingwood.

The family and at least one other man from the United Kingdom are believed to be Irish Travelers who came to Canada on tourism visas — two with passports issued in other names — and worked for a company called Total Paving through the summer of 2023.

Witness accounts suggest that the men completed at least four paving jobs in Wiarton, north of Owen Sound, the week before the assault.

Evans Sr. is charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly planning his son’s flight back to the United Kingdom and arranging his transport to Pearson International Airport on August 18, 2023. According to police affidavits filed during extradition proceedings, he told a worker at their job site that his son Robert Jr. had to return home day following the assault.

Evans Sr.’s brother Barry Evans, uncle to Robert Evans Jr., is also charged with accessory after the fact. He is alleged to have returned to the Travelodge in Owen Sound twice: first to pick up the group’s cash deposit, and the second time to pick up his ID and registration information.

At his last court appearance on April 22, counsel for Barry Evans indicated his JPT was also scheduled for April 24. The outcome of that discussion is scheduled to come to court at Barry’s next appearance on May 6.

A third JPT on April 24 was to involve Robert Evans Jr., who is charged with manslaughter. He last appeared in court on April 2 and is scheduled to return this Thursday by video.

Busby Evans Sr.’s June 5 appearance could mark the first guilty plea in the case stemming from Rahman’s death, nearly three years after the fatal assault outside his downtown Owen Sound restaurant.

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Don’t put your winter woolies away just yet… after a deceptively sunny (dare I say warm?) start to the week, nighttime temperatures are headed back below zero by the end of the week.

This week also brings us the official Municipal Elections 2026 kickoff.

Municipal voters head to the polls on Monday, October 26, 2026 to elect mayors, deputy mayors, councillors, and school board trustees.

Candidate nominations open May 1 and close at 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026, officially setting the stage for who will be on the ballot in Owen Sound and communities across Grey and Bruce counties.

Municipal politics may not get the same headlines as Queen’s Park or Ottawa, but these elections shape the issues that hit closest to home: housing and development, roads and infrastructure, policing, local budgets and taxes, transit, recreation, and in many communities, the decisions that influence healthcare recruitment and economic growth.

So we’re curious…

Or maybe it’s something else entirely… remember, our call for letters to the editor is open. Email owensoundcurrenteditor@gmail.com and tell us, “What’s the first thing you’d do as Mayor of Owen Sound?”

We’re also hard at work building Owen Sound Current’s 2026 Municipal Election Guide — your one-stop hub for candidate profiles, key dates, local issues, and election coverage across Grey-Bruce. Watch for that launching soon.

Opinion

Public Notice

• Roadside Pesticide Use in 2026 - Bruce County

• Georgian Bluffs is Rolling out Waste Carts Beginning in July - Township of Georgian Bluffs

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… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on a controversial group’s appearance at City Council last night, a wave of thefts from vehicles in Georgian Bluffs, a police appeal for information after a weapons incident in Kincardine, West Grey’s ‘Civic Honour Roll’ for 2026, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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The Dominion Society of Canada, which describes itself as a heritage preservation and Canadian identity advocacy group, appeared at Owen Sound City Council Monday night during the meeting’s Public Forum portion, where residents are permitted up to three minutes to address council on any issue.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has characterized the organization as the “incorporated political arm” of Canada’s white nationalist movement.

The group attended in support of local resident James Blake, who used his speaking time to urge council to consider renaming the former Ryerson Park after First World War flying ace Billy Bishop.

Blake told council that Bishop, who was born in Owen Sound in 1894, “truly reflects the history and spirit of our community.”

He argued Bishop had stronger ties to the city than some of the names currently under consideration through the City’s renaming process.

“I propose the park be named after one of Owen Sound’s greatest sons, Billy Bishop,” Blake said.

“Billy Bishop embodied a spirit of adventure, daring and fearless exploration, the very qualities we see in children at play.”

Blake also criticized one of the shortlisted options, Ningaawendam Miikana (Friendship Land), and questioned why other suggested names—such as one referencing Prince of Wales Public School or a former Owen Sound mayor—had been rejected for lacking locational relevance.

“Seems to me that both of those suggestions have more locational relevance than Friendship Land,” he said.

Owen Sound is located within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and the proposed Anishinaabe name reflects Indigenous language and cultural ties to the land.

After Blake concluded his remarks, Mayor Ian Boddy invited him back to the microphone, explicitly noting he was “breaking my own three-minute rule,” to ask whether he was representing an organization.

Blake then identified members of the DSC in attendance.

“They’re an advocacy group for Canadians, I suppose,” Blake said.

Mayor Boddy then allowed DSC co-founder Ken Jones to address council.

Jones described the Dominion Society as “a Heritage Preservation and Canadian identity advocacy group.”

“Obviously, we see a lot of the renaming of our city parks and memorials across all municipalities of Canada,” Jones said.

“We are here to put this municipality and all municipalities across the country on notice that we will not stand for the renaming of our heritage monuments and memorial sites.”

Jones said the group wished to do so “respectfully” and said he hoped council would be “influenced to make the right decision.”

DSC, a federally registered non-profit, was founded in July 2025 by former People’s Party of Canada executive director Daniel Tyrie, Greg Wycliffe, and Jones. The group has been at the centre of multiple controversies since its inception.

DSC advocates for severe immigration restrictions and what it calls “remigration,” a policy critics describe as the mass deportation of non-European immigrants.

On its own website, the group says it exists to “protect, preserve, and promote Canada’s historical legacy, civic identity, and constitutional heritage.”

In keeping with the City’s Public Forum policy, members of council did not respond directly to the Dominion Society’s remarks.

The appearance comes as Owen Sound continues a years-long process to rename the former Ryerson Park.

Council voted in July 2025 to rename the park under the City’s Naming and Re-Naming Policy after concerns were raised about Egerton Ryerson’s role in the development of Canada’s residential school system.

At a February 2026 meeting, the Community Services Committee recommended public consultation on four possible names for the park:

• Eighth Street Park

• Boyd Street Park

• Old School Park

• Ningaawendam Miikana (Friendship Land)

Council has not yet approved a final name.

The park sign was removed in 2021, and the city has been moving through the formal naming policy process since a renaming application was submitted in May 2025.

Owen Sound is expected to continue public consultation on possible new names for the former Ryerson Park before council makes a final decision later this year.

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Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents in Georgian Bluffs after a series of overnight thefts from vehicles over the weekend.

Police say they received multiple reports of unlocked vehicles being entered and property stolen between April 25 and April 26, 2026.

The incidents were reported in the area of Balmy Beach Road and Old Beach Road in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.

Investigators have obtained images of two persons of interest in connection with the thefts and are asking for the public’s help in identifying them.

Grey Bruce OPP is reminding residents to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming victims of theft.

Police are urging vehicle owners to:

• Lock vehicles at all times;

• Remove valuables and personal belongings whenever possible; and

• Keep any items left inside out of sight.

Police say these steps can help reduce “crimes of opportunity” and better protect property.

Residents in the affected area are also being asked to review security footage from home surveillance systems, doorbell cameras, and dash cameras for suspicious activity or individuals during the timeframe of the incidents.

Investigators say even small details may help advance the investigation.

The OPP is also encouraging residents and businesses to register security cameras through CamSafe, a voluntary camera registry program that helps police identify potential video sources during investigations.

Police note that registering with CamSafe does not provide officers with live access to cameras, but allows them to know where footage may be available if needed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Grey Bruce OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at cstip.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Grey Bruce OPP continues to investigate and is asking anyone in the Balmy Beach Road and Old Beach Road area with surveillance footage from the overnight hours of April 25 to 26 to come forward.

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SUBMITTED

Hoops for Hope returned for a second year on Thursday, April 23 with a much bigger footprint, bringing together 20 boys’ and 16 girls’ student teams to compete in 3 x 3 basketball for a worthy cause.

Founded by Olivia Rourke, a Walkerton District Community School (WDCS) student who passed away in a tragic car accident last year, the tournament raises money for the foundation established in her honour. The Olivia Rourke Foundation funds initiatives aligned with Olivia’s vision, including youth-led community projects, supporting the advancement of women in sport, and raising money for cancer care and research.

Hoops for Hope 2026 wrapped up with approximately $12,000 raised, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event. In its first year, Hoops for Hope generated $10,000 in donations for local cancer care and research and supported the establishment of the Olivia Rourke Foundation.

A jampacked day of intense action saw both the Woodland girls’ and boys’ teams capture gold in their respective categories. Congratulations to these exceptional student athletes, along with all the participating teams who stepped onto the court to demonstrate grit, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

New this year is the tournament’s official status as an OFSAA recognized regional event. Hosted by WDCS and Sacred Heart High School, school teams attended from as far away as Windsor, representing the CWOSSA, SCAA, SWOSSAA, and WOSSAA athletic associations.

Amid the fierce competition came an especially poignant moment during the afternoon when the action paused in the WDCS gym for remarks on behalf of the Rourke family delivered by Olivia’s parents, Jen and Dan, joined by sister Halle. Also representing her brother Keaton, partner Jude, and many relatives, the thankful and heartfelt message exemplified all that Olivia stood for while sharing the origins of her Hoops for Hope dream.

“While her life was far too short, the impact she made on those around her was extraordinary. This foundation exists to keep Olivia’s legacy alive by supporting students and causes that reflect the opportunities, values, and passions that helped shape the remarkable person she became.”

Attendees heard how Olivia was a natural encourager who urged others to try new things, step outside their comfort zones, and believe in themselves. The many leadership roles she assumed and wide range of athletics she participated in were highlighted as examples of her active involvement.

It was through her dream of attending Queen’s University to pursue business studies that the idea of organizing a 3 x 3 tournament started to take shape. With the original goal to recognize her mother’s fight against breast cancer, Olivia also saw an opportunity to support her university application. Blending two things that were incredibly important to her, basketball and her mother’s health battle, Hoops for Hope was born.

While Olivia was unable to see the event become a reality due to her untimely passing, her teachers, other WDCS staff, family, friends, and the Walkerton community continued with her vision, leading to the foundation’s establishment.

“Although Olivia is no longer with us, her spirit lives on through every life this foundation touches. Her legacy is one of joy, compassion, leadership, and encouragement—and it is our greatest honour to carry that forward.

“Olivia would be thrilled to be a part of today, to see so many young people together, having fun, playing basketball, and supporting one another. The energy today is truly what she was all about.”

The Rourkes also thanked friends, family, volunteers, athletes, coaches, and spectators for their participation. Special thanks were extended to this year’s event organizers, who include Vince Yenssen, Woodie Brown, Josh Bartlett, Michelle Mancell, Tanya Byers, Drew Bomhoff, Carrie Bujold, and Emma Winder. Jenna Yenssen was also acknowledged for organizing the Facebook auction that ran in conjunction with the tournament.

To learn more about Hoops for Hope and the Olivia Rourke Foundation, visit www.hopehoops.net and www.oliviarourke.ca.

Submitted by Bluewater District School Board

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

The Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Electoral District Association of the New Democratic Party adds its voice to those kindred caring community voices that mark with sadness April 28, the 2026 Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed, injured or made unwell in the workplace.

We recognize and grieve over the loss of lives, of well-being, and of family and community integrity that workplace injuries and illnesses have imposed during this past year and all previous years.

At the same time, we recognize with joy and appreciation those in our community, province and nation who work tirelessly and daily to make our workplaces safe. Today’s heroes stand on the shoulders of those who have done this crucial work in the past, and today’s heroes are the shoulders on which future heroes will stand.

We hold it to be true that workers are not mere units of production, nor are we simply units of consumption. Workplace safety rests ultimately on a foundation of justice, fairness and compassion across our society.

A quarter of a century ago, Indigenous activist Gary Night Owl wrote, “Our ancestors taught us that every single member of our community is too valuable to forsake. We do not shoot our wounded.”

His words mean much to all of us on this Day of Mourning because workers who have survived workplace trauma, and the families of those who have died or been injured, are owed our support as a matter of justice, not charity.

As a society, we can respect and honour the memory of those who have died by saving the lives of those still working in dangerous conditions, reducing injuries, providing adequate support for grieving families and those disabled, and charging employers and inspectors when they are negligent.

James Harris
Vice President
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound New Democratic Party

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Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.

We kick this week off with a new letter to the editor.

Meaford-area resident Norah Beatty is questioning the province’s recent $4.2 million primary care funding announcement for Bruce and Grey counties, arguing it does not go far enough to address ongoing doctor shortages and broader healthcare challenges.

In this letter, Beatty raises concerns about access to family doctors, the role of nurse practitioners, healthcare privatization, and recent provincial legislation she says weakens accountability.

Keep Reading

… for weather updates, obituaries, upcoming local events, and the most comprehensive weekday reporting on what’s happening in Owen Sound, and across Grey & Bruce.

Today, you’ll find reports on the Sauble Beach rebrand, Bruce County Road 15 repairs, costs awarded after ownership of Hibou Conservation Area was contested in court, a group of classical musicians from across Grey-Bruce exploring the works of a German composer, and a lot more.

Miranda Miller
Editor

Local News

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Grey and Bruce counties have appointed seven municipal representatives to the Grey Bruce Public Health Board of Health as the province continues rebuilding the board following last year’s unprecedented takeover.

At recent council meetings, Grey County appointed councillors Shirley Keaveney, Dane Nielsen, Barbara Dobreen and Scott Greig to serve for the remainder of the current council term.

Bruce County appointed councillors Rod Anderson, Ken Craig and Steve Hammell.

The province dissolved the former board in August 2025 after Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore cited “serious concerns” related to governance, leadership and financial management.

An internal assessment that prompted the intervention has not been released publicly.

The Owen Sound Current filed a Freedom of Information request for the report last year. After unsuccessful mediation, the matter is now before an adjudicator with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The counties and province say the new board is being built using a jointly developed “skills-based matrix” designed to identify the collective expertise needed for effective governance.

The matrix, unanimously supported by both Grey and Bruce councils, assesses skills relevant to overseeing a board of health, including governance, oversight and community relationships.

Officials have said no individual member is expected to have all of the identified skills, but the board as a whole should collectively meet the criteria.

“These appointments will provide strong and effective leadership for public health in Grey and Bruce,” Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs said in a statement.

“We appreciate the commitment of our council members, both past and new, who choose to serve on the Board of Health.”

The county appointments follow the province’s March 12 appointment of two board members: David Nusko and Chad Richards.

Nusko is a lawyer and a director on the Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound Progressive Conservative Association executive.

Richards is a senior strategist with Bruce Power and served for seven years as legislative assistant to former Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller before seeking the BGOS Conservative nomination himself in 2019. He also served as a provincial appointee on the former board before it was dissolved.

Richards’ reappointment raised questions locally because he was part of the previous board during the period now under provincial review.

With Keaveney from Grey County and Craig from Bruce returning as well, there will be three familiar faces around the table at the board’s first meeting, which is expected to take place this spring.

The province has said up to four more provincial appointees may still be named.

The appointments come amid broader leadership changes at Grey Bruce Public Health. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra is set to leave his role effective May 4, 2026.

Brittany Graham, the health unit’s Public Health Physician Consultant, has assumed the responsibilities of Medical Officer of Health on an acting basis.

Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau said the new appointments are part of strengthening the board.

“We remain committed to working with our partners at Grey County and the Ministry of Health,” Charbonneau said.

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