City Reports Record $214.5 Million in Owen Sound Construction for 2025
Owen Sound reports $214.5M in 2025 construction so far, more than triple its 2020 peak, with major housing and retail projects underway.
The City of Owen Sound says building activity has reached $214.5 million so far in 2025, more than triple the city’s previous high of $67 million in 2020.
The figures were presented at last week’s Community Services Committee meeting and included in the City Manager’s monthly update. They were also highlighted in a media release issued on September 22.
According to the City, the surge reflects a mix of residential and retail development, with several major projects driving construction values:
East Bayshore Road: A 712-unit rental community on the former RCA lands, with 267 units now under construction. (Developer: SkyDev)
West Side Harbour: Six purpose-built rental buildings on the former BCK site, now in site preparation. (Developer: Hansa/Kingsley)
Bayshore Terrace: A 30-unit life lease building currently under construction. (Developer: R. Graham Construction)
Heritage Grove Shopping Centre expansion: Including a new FreshCo and larger PetSmart, Princess Auto, Winners and HomeSense stores.
Rockview Apartments: Repairs and restoration following the 2024 fire on 7th Ave. East.
City staff also reported issuing 264 building permits this year, collecting more than $900,000 in fees, and completing 920 inspections.
City Manager Tim Simmonds told councillors the growth reflects years of internal work to make development approvals more efficient and said new investment will be important for maintaining services.
Mayor Ian Boddy called the level of investment “unprecedented” for Owen Sound and a sign of developer confidence.
The City has not provided timelines for when the projects will be completed, nor details about the mix of housing types or affordability levels within the new builds.