Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Deb Haswell's avatar

Good on OS Police Services for recognizing this issue as a community issue -and OS staff for responding and holding this forum. It is complex and requires decisive action by all support services , particularly the city’s own bylaw enforcement.

I was unable to attend- however - from some conversations w a few small business owners that attended- the evening was quite uneventful , lacked focus on the issue of open drug use, safety of citizens visiting the downtown , enforcement plans of city bylaw department and lack of enforcement of property standards downtown along with need for increased lighting to enhance community safety , location of used needle receptacles , location and target date for installation of 24 hour public washroom.

One thing I do not understand is the governance , funding and management of Safe n Sound. If this group receives any public money from Grey County ( I understand approx $140,000.00) why is there no accountability and/ or representation by way of OS Mayor & Deputy Mayor- as Owen Sounds county representatives. The crisis has passed , yet , there is still no plan of action from city leadership to partner and support OS police and community support services to ensure downtown is safe for all people. The board of Directors of Safe n Sound would benefit greatly ( and the residents of OS) with mayor / deputy mayor as active members on their board of directors at this critical time.

As a citizen I have met with Safe n Sound management - unfortunately my offer to volunteer was rejected with no response. This is concerning and speaks to the need for transparency and accountability.

The issue is here - now-

on Owen Sounds streets , negatively affecting our small business community, our visitor numbers , our perception of a safe and proactive community. Inaction and lack of accountability combined with inaction on behalf of council continues to drift - while small businesses struggle in an increasingly complex environment locally . An action plan with target dates and perhaps some real discussion around a facility to house all services , overnight shelter , support services and Oshare would be a start . What is needed is some leadership .

Expand full comment
Mary Anne Alton's avatar

The meeting hosted by the City of Owen Sound was facilitated by Joel Pennington based on a community engagement model with 4 steps; respect, connect, reflect and direct. The facilitator's goal for the evening was “for participants to leave the meeting desiring more formal and informal dialogue to build collaborative relationships to address complex challenges.”

From what I have heard and read that goal was met. Hard topics were addressed in a collaborative and respectful manner and a sense of working together with the city was evident. There was no expectation that a 2 hour meeting would solve downtown's problems. Social agencies, businesses and people downtown are concerned about homelessness and drug issues and actively advocate for more supports. Some tangible suggestions such as downtown bathrooms, a men's shelter and a campaign to show a thriving downtown were shared. There is an openness to ongoing discussions and a report will come back to council in September.

I have faith in the capacity of people, in the community I am grateful to call home, to find positive paths forward.

Expand full comment
1 more comment...

No posts