Council Approves Court Security Funding, FlixBus Extension, CUPE Agreement & More
Council Highlights: Updates on public transit funding, CUPE agreement ratification, GSCA loan amendment, new community projects, a proposed snow windrow clearing study, and a lot more.
From infrastructure upgrades to regional partnerships and cultural investments, Owen Sound City Council covered wide ground at its April 14 meeting. Councillors approved additional funding for ongoing water treatment plant upgrades, supported new transit and community agreements, and ratified a new collective agreement with outside workers.
The City also confirmed provincial funding for court security services—with Grey County contributing to the shortfall for the first time—and delayed a decision on whether to support a County proposal to centralize some local planning functions. Other decisions touched on arts funding, a new mural project, and a study to explore winter snow windrow clearing for seniors and people with disabilities.
Here are the key takeaways.
Council Approves Additional Funding for Water Treatment Plant Filter Upgrade
Council approved a $216,850 increase to the Water Treatment Plant Filter Upgrade Project budget to cover additional engineering and inspection services needed due to project delays. The decision also authorizes the Manager of Corporate Services to execute change orders required to complete the project.
The upgrades, which include installing a new air scour system, replacing aging underdrains and filter media, and making mechanical and HVAC improvements, were initially approved in September 2023. Director of Public Works and Engineering Lara Widdifield told Council the project is currently 65–70% complete and is expected to be finished by October. Council approved the recommendation unanimously.
Province to Provide $420K for Court Security; Grey County to Share Costs for First Time
Council authorized staff to prepare a by-law enabling the City to enter into a 2025 funding agreement with the Province of Ontario under the Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program.
The City will receive $420,586 toward an estimated total cost of $980,481. For the first time, Grey County is contributing toward the unfunded portion of the service, with the balance covered by the City’s tax levy.
FlixBus to Continue Operating from Owen Sound Transit Terminal Through 2026
The contract extension with FlixBus was also approved, allowing the intercity transit provider to continue using the Owen Sound Transit Terminal through April 30, 2026.
Council also authorized a second one-year renewal, should FlixBus opt to proceed. The service, which operates five days a week between Owen Sound and Toronto, has seen strong ridership since launching in May 2024.
Decision on Joint Planning Model Feedback for County Postponed
The City of Owen Sound received a request from Grey County seeking in-principle support to continue exploring a proposed hybrid planning service delivery model. The model would see the County deliver planning services for both County and municipal planning matters in municipalities that choose to participate.
Council opted to postpone a decision on whether to support the proposal until April 28. Councillors cited uncertainty about how potential Strong Mayor powers might affect planning responsibilities and noted that the City is already scheduled to attend two upcoming meetings where further information is expected to help guide their decision.
Council Supports New Community Projects and Agreements
Council endorsed several recommendations from the Community Services Committee aimed at enhancing community amenities, arts programming, and operational agreements.
A new contribution agreement with the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer (SSOGC) was approved, supporting the development of a new playground and splashpad at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park. A by-law will be brought forward to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreement.
Council also approved a one-year extension for the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre’s use of the former CN train station at 1155 1st Avenue West. The extension continues the expanded community use of the facility.
The Owen Sound Agricultural Society received approval to construct a new building west of the grandstand on the fairgrounds. Council will authorize an amended lease to reflect the updated building and leased area, pending site plan approval and a building permit.
On the cultural front, Council endorsed a staff recommendation to allocate up to $7,500 from the River District Reserve for the design and installation of a new mural at 851 2nd Avenue East, replacing a previous artwork removed in 2022. The project was exempted from the current Public Art Policy due to timing, and staff were directed to create a new policy to guide future mural installations.
Additionally, Council requested an updated version of Policy CE002, which governs flag flying, proclamations, and public awareness campaigns. The revised policy will include guidelines for when and how flags of other nations may be displayed.
Council Reviews Road, Wastewater, and Safety Reports; Supports Windrow Clearing Study
The Operations Committee advanced several reports and motions at its March 20 meeting, recommending that Council receive updates on 2025–2026 road rehabilitation plans, 2024 collision statistics, annual wastewater reporting, and the Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) audit.
The Committee also supported receiving correspondence from the City of Toronto regarding a regional residual waste initiative.
In addition, members approved a motion directing staff to report back within three months on options and costs for implementing a snow windrow clearing program for seniors and residents with disabilities—an initiative aimed at improving winter accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Other Council decisions included:
2025 Provincial Gas Tax: Council approved the funding agreement with the Province; Owen Sound will receive $245,919 to support public transit operating costs.
GSCA Loan Amendment: Council increased the loan to Grey Sauble Conservation Authority from $2 million to $2.1 million to support added costs in its administration centre renovation; all other loan terms remain unchanged.
CUPE Collective Agreement: Council ratified a new agreement with CUPE Local 1189-01 (outside workers), effective April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027, including wage increases of 6% (2024), and 3% in each of 2025 and 2026, with adjustments to benefits, vacation, premiums, and job classifications.
In closed session, City Council reviewed the minutes from previous closed meetings held by the Community Services Committee (March 19) and regular Council (March 24).
They also discussed three confidential matters: the potential acquisition of property on 6th Street East, which involved legal advice; the potential sale of municipal property on 21st Street East; and matters concerning personal information related to public appointments to City boards and committees.