City Transfers Forfeited Land Near Bayfield Landing to Non-Profit for New Affordable Housing Build
The City of Owen Sound is transferring municipally acquired land to the Owen Sound Housing Company to support future affordable housing near Bayfield Landing.
On July 21, 2025, Owen Sound City Council approved the transfer of three municipally owned properties on 8th Avenue East to the Owen Sound Housing Company Limited (OSHC), advancing plans for the development of new affordable rental housing.
The parcels—located at 2181, 2207, and 2229 8th Avenue East—were acquired by the City earlier this year from the Ministry of Infrastructure. The properties had been forfeited to the Crown following the dissolution of the previous corporate owner.
The Ministry granted Owen Sound the first right of refusal, allowing the City to purchase the parcels at their assessed value. Staff noted that the opportunity was “exceptionally rare, as direct municipal acquisition of forfeited provincial lands is uncommon.”
The total purchase price was $260,000, partially offset by a $45,000 grant from Grey County. Council has directed staff to execute a funding agreement with the County and begin the legal process of transferring the land to OSHC.
The properties are located adjacent to the Bayfield Landing housing complex, which is also operated by OSHC. According to City staff, the proximity will allow for shared operational efficiencies in maintenance and tenant services.
While detailed development plans have not been finalized, OSHC has expressed its intent to develop deeply affordable one-bedroom rental units, which are currently the most in-demand housing type on Grey County’s Coordinated Access waitlist.
The Owen Sound Housing Company Limited, in which the City is the sole shareholder, is a non-profit housing provider that operates alongside the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Both organizations share board membership and administrative functions and are involved in managing a range of affordable housing units throughout Grey County.
The land acquisition, finalized in May 2025, was made possible through a combination of City reserve funds and external funding. In addition to the $186,000 paid to the Ministry, the City paid $72,000 to discharge outstanding liens and $2,000 in Crown administrative costs.
Approximately $50,000 in unpaid taxes tied to the properties will also be written off, funded through the City’s annual tax write-off budget.
The transfer will be completed directly, without a competitive process, due to the non-arm’s-length relationship between the City and OSHC.
The properties were acquired with the stipulation that they be used for housing purposes, and the transfer to OSHC aligns with that condition. A bylaw authorizing the land transfer and execution of related legal agreements will be brought forward in the coming weeks.
This is very good to hear. It's an excellent use of municipal resources, and even better with a contribution from the County. OSHC has a great track record of building and managing affordable housing in our city. That it is an adjacent property to Bayfield Landing will make the whole project more efficient. Very positive action on the affordable housing front from our council!
Is this the property that BK wanted?