Lacrosse Turf, Derby Camping & Tree Policy Among Key Topics at Owen Sound Community Services Committee
Owen Sound’s Community Services Committee tackled trees, turf, a commemorative forest, and Bill 60 at its Nov. 19 meeting.
From lacrosse turf and boulevard trees to provincial planning reforms and hospital monument design, the City of Owen Sound’s Community Services Committee covered wide ground during its November 19 meeting, passing several motions and setting the stage for upcoming decisions at Council.
Here’s a quick look at what happened and what it means going forward:
Lacrosse Turf Proposal Referred to Capital Budget
Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse and the Owen Sound North Stars appeared before the committee requesting $25,000 toward the purchase of used turf from the Albany Firewolves, via Calgary.
The total cost of the turf — valued at approximately $50,000 — would be split evenly between the City and the lacrosse community through sponsorships and donations.
The groups argued that acquiring turf would make it possible for Owen Sound to host future national tournaments, such as the Founders Cup, while enhancing local player development and event hosting. The turf is expected to have a usable lifespan of up to 25 years.
Committee members supported the proposal in principle but agreed to refer the request to a future Council meeting during the City’s capital budget deliberations in December. If approved, staff confirmed that an agreement would outline ownership responsibilities and clarify that the City is not committing to replacing the turf in the future.
Tree Planting Policy to Be Reviewed in 2026
Local resident Tasha Schmidt presented a deputation asking the City to take a more proactive approach to boulevard tree planting and to improve how programs are communicated to the public — including to tenants who may not know they can request a tree.
Among her suggestions were:
Establishing an “opt-out” rather than “opt-in” planting system
Providing clearer information online
Launching a community engagement campaign like “Hug a Tree Month”
The committee responded positively, and a motion was passed to include a review of the boulevard tree planting policy in the City’s 2026 work plan.
Quilters’ Guild Flags Hall Rental Fee Hike; Committee Discusses Support for Grassroots Groups
The Committee received a letter from the Bluewater Quilters’ Guild raising concerns about increased hall rental fees and their impact on the Guild's ability to continue programming.
The correspondence did not result in any changes to the fee schedule, but it prompted a brief discussion about how the City supports small community groups facing affordability pressures.
One member questioned whether the City does enough to ensure grassroots organizations have access to public space. Staff responded that they would follow up with the Guild to ensure they are aware of grant opportunities through agencies such as Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
The discussion also touched on whether the City still acts as a “flow-through” for organizations that are not registered charities — something staff said they would need to clarify with the Finance department.
The committee formally received the correspondence, but no motion was brought forward.
City to Forward Concerns Over Bill 60 to Province
The committee also reviewed a detailed staff report responding to the Province’s proposed Fighting Delays, Building Homes Faster Act (Bill 60), which would impose new planning rules across Ontario, including standardized official plans and limited municipal control over land use decisions.
The report raised concerns about:
Reduced local authority over development
Ongoing instability in the provincial planning framework
The use of omnibus legislation that restricts consultation
The committee approved sending the staff report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the City’s formal comment. In addition, an amendment was passed to send the report to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and leaders of all political parties at Queen’s Park.
A separate motion was passed directing the City to send a follow-up letter to local MPP Paul Vickers, specifically calling attention to the cumulative strain of ongoing planning changes and the use of omnibus bills to limit public input.
Derby Camping Pilot Deemed a Success, Improvements Coming
Staff presented a review of the 2025 Regulated Derby Camping program — a one-year pilot that allowed for up to 40 RV and trailer sites during the spring salmon derby. The program generated $6,000 in revenue and received positive feedback, with no major complaints or enforcement issues.
Based on user and staff feedback, proposed changes for 2026 include:
Increasing the maximum trailer size from 32 to 36 feet
Allowing dining tents within site boundaries
Releasing camping information earlier in the year
Reducing contracted security presence
Improving maps, signage, and handouts
The committee passed a motion directing staff to prepare a bylaw amendment to implement the proposed changes for next year’s derby.
Monument Design Approved for Commemorative Forest at Bayshore
Staff unveiled a new design for the Commemorative Forest program monument to be installed at Bayshore. Unlike previous iterations, the monument will not feature individual name plaques. Instead, it will include a steel sign with a QR code that links to an interactive map showing tree donors and locations.
The design also includes benches and landscaped surroundings. Some discussion occurred around the orientation of the benches — currently facing inward — and staff committed to consulting with a landscape architect before finalizing layout.
The committee approved the monument’s general design and location.
Other Items: Development Updates, Public Forum, and Upcoming Advocacy
Additional items included:
A development update from the Chief Building Official
Site plan approvals for:
A new U-Haul facility at 2010 16th Avenue East
A minor amendment to a project at 1650 20th Street East (Baumberger)
In the public forum, local resident Anne Finlay-Stewart raised concerns about the lack of shade at new playgrounds, the status of 911 signage at Ryerson Park, and the possibility of the City using donated trees from nurseries for public spaces. Staff confirmed new trees are scheduled to be planted at park sites in the spring.
Finlay-Stewart also asked about the status of a proposed cricket pitch. Staff responded that it is unlikely to be included in the 2025 capital budget due to report delays.
Councillor Travis Farmer informed the committee about an upcoming “We Vote Local” initiative aimed at increasing awareness and turnout in the 2026 municipal election.
Finally, staff clarified that if capital budget meetings are delayed or rescheduled under strong mayor powers, time-sensitive items like the turf request could be brought forward at a regular Council meeting instead.
See the meeting recording on the City website for more.