Community Town Hall on Downtown Safety: Key Takeaways

Chamber of Commerce event on October 30th brought Owen Sound businesses, organizations, and residents together to talk safety and inclusivity

The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce hosted a 90-minute Community Town Hall event this morning, in partnership with The River District Board of Management and The City of Owen Sound. The event was designed to provide information to local businesses and residents about steps being taken to address safety and security issues in the downtown core.

The invitation to the event at the Bayshore Community Centre stated, “You asked the questions: learn what steps and strategies are in place and what you can do to help for a safer more inclusive Owen Sound!”

It was a follow-up to a meeting held in September where community business leaders expressed their concerns and frustration about how homelessness, drug use, and crime are impacting the local community.

Some business owners in attendance today expressed frustration about vandalism and drug usage in the downtown. Some fear for their personal safety and that of employees, and are requesting security cameras and additional foot patrols by police. Others said they feel perfectly safe downtown. The impact of these issues on customers and therefore revenue is a concern for many.

These are complex issues to which there are no fast or simple answers, which was reflected in the somewhat limited scope of the meeting. The City and local social organizations shared information about their services and programs, but those who came looking for assurances or answers to specific questions left disappointed.

Today’s Town Hall included presentations from:

• Scott McKay, Director Of Client Services at CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addictions Services 

• Naomi Vodden, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Brightshores Health Systems

• Craig Ambrose, Chief of Police with Owen Sound Police Services

• Tim Simmonds, City Manager, and Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services, City of Owen Sound

We followed up with speakers after the event to get their key takeaways for members of the public who weren’t able to attend. Unfortunately, it does not appear the event was recorded.