Development Permit Numbers Dip Slightly in November as City Heads Toward Record-Breaking Construction Year
Owen Sound sees record $214.5M in 2025 construction, driven by major apartment projects; 566 new residential units approved so far this year.
Owen Sound issued 19 building permits in November, down slightly from 21 in the same month last year, according to the city’s monthly development update presented to the Community Services Committee last week.
The total construction value of permits issued in November was just under $3.8 million, an increase from $1.9 million in November 2024. Permit fee revenue collected for the month was $9,669, also down from last November. Overall, 2025 remains on track to be a year of unprecedented development in the city.
By the Numbers: November 2025
Permits issued: 19
Building inspections conducted: 48
Construction value: $3,791,518
Permit fees collected: $9,669
Development charges collected (YTD): $365,584
Total permit revenue collected (YTD): $939,899
Affordable housing units approved (YTD): 35
In the first eleven months of the year, Owen Sound has approved permits for construction projects valued at more than $214.5 million. That figure is by far the highest in at least 35 years, according to municipal records.
The previous highest year was 2010, when permit values reached $72 million, led by the construction of the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre.
This year’s total has been driven primarily by a sharp increase in apartment development, much of it on former industrial properties.
Large-Scale Residential Projects Underway
The total number of new residential units approved so far this year stands at 566, the vast majority of which — 540 — are apartment or condo units. This is a sharp increase from previous years, including just 51 units in 2024.
The city issued a permit to Community Living Owen Sound and District for a three-storey, 10-unit supportive housing project on the east side—part of a growing number of affordable housing units approved this year, now totalling 35.
Among the major developments contributing to the surge:
SkyDev’s East Bayshore Road project on the former RCA factory lands, where construction has started on 267 rental units and an amenity building. The full buildout is expected to total 712 units.
Hansa/Kingsley’s West Side Harbour project on the former Black Clawson Kennedy site, where site preparation has begun for six four-storey apartment buildings (224 units total) and an amenity building.
Bayshore Terrace, a long-stalled 30-unit life lease development near the Bayshore Community Centre, has resumed construction under new ownership (R. Graham Construction).
City staff noted that approximately 11 apartment buildings are currently under construction or nearing that stage.
Also in November, a permit application was submitted for interior renovations at the downtown Metro. Staff estimate the renovations are valued at approximately $500,000.
Looking ahead to 2026, St. Mary’s High School is also preparing to break ground on a new facility on 28th Avenue East, with site work already underway.
Owen Sound’s Building Services department is also now assisting the Municipality of Meaford, which is without a Chief Building Official. Owen Sound staff are providing inspections, plans review, and temporary CBO services, in addition to its existing partnership with Georgian Bluffs.
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