Jan 27 - Public Meetings + Local News

Plus: Why doesn't the City of Owen Sound want to release the results of its Vision 2050 survey?

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The City of Owen Sound has shoehorned two Public Meetings into the regular Council agenda for this evening.

The first of those is regarding the proposed Hampton Inn Hotel development at 1750 16th Avenue East. Owner Ibrahim Dossani is seeking permission to construct a 120-room, six-storey hotel on the northern portion of the property.

Public Meeting on 1750 16th Avenue East Zoning

Grey County Planning and Ecology staff take no issue with the application, and the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority is recommending it be approved.

Given the opportunity to review the application and provide feedback, the Historic Saugeen Métis “some great environmental considerations” and asked that the developer and officials consider implementing Low Impact Design (LID) solutions for stormwater management, adding more green space, and leaving a greater number of existing trees in place.

This Public Meeting is the first order of business in Council’s Committee of the Whole Meeting. It will consist of comments from the City Clerk, a presentation from the Manager of Planning and Heritage, and a presentation from Ron Davidson on behalf of the applicant. Members of the public will then be allowed to share comments on the record.

Materials to review:

• Notice of Complete Application and Public Meeting - ZBA No. 54.pdf

• Planning Presentation - Public Meeting - ZBA 54.pdf

• ZBA No. 54 Agency and Public Comments.pdf

Owen Sound Budget 2025 Public Meeting

Next up, City Council will host the Public Meeting required as part of its budget process. We asked readers recently whether you feel the budget process has improved this year:

If you plan to attend or watch this evening, here’s what to expect…

Council will first hear from the City Clerk, who will share the notice of the meeting and intention to pass the budget. The Director of Corporate Services will give the final budget presentation, and then comments will be accepted from the public (in addition to those shared in advance).

As we reported last week, Summerfolk has requested a last-minute addition to the budget by way of a $10,000 grant and relief from City rental fees. That information will be included under public comments already submitted.

The Mayor will then declare the Public Meeting closed, and Council will not meet again until the final budget bylaw passes at the next regular Council meeting.

Want to learn more? See here:

Owen Sound's Public Budget Meeting 2025: Here's How You Can Participate

One thing you won’t see before the Budget Meeting is the release of Vision 2050 survey results from the City’s summer 2024 community survey.

Here’s why:

You can contact your elected representatives at council@owensound.ca with any questions about the Vision 2050 strategic planning project.

Public Notices

• The Canadian Coast Guard warns of icebreaking operations that may take place near Owen Sound, Ontario, around January 27, to assist with the arrival of the Algoma Compass. They ask the public to please exercise caution in the area and stay well clear of any icebreaker activity.

Police Continue Search for Missing Man with Ties to Owen Sound, Barrie & Southampton

Police Renew Appeal for Public's Assistance in Year-Old Missing Person Investigation

Local News

Keep reading for local events and our original reporting + curated local news updates.

Today, you’ll find big news from a local author whose manuscript will be adapted to a screenplay, the highlights from Grey County’s delegations to the province at the ROMA conference, a notice about demolition work beginning at the old Courthouse property, and a lot more.

If you can’t see the info below, you’re missing out. Upgrade your subscription for full access.

~ Miranda Miller, Editor