Nov 25 - Local News, Views & Events

Plus: Owen Sound Police ask the public's help in identifying a driver and vehicle after a hit-and-run on Friday night

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BWDSB recently hosted its second Black Student Forum, which brings Black students from across the board together to engage with and get inspired by speakers who inspire them to pursue their dreams through education, diverse perspectives, and motivation. Read more under Local News Headlines. Photo credit: BWDSB.

We’ll start with a quick follow-up before we get into today’s news headlines and the many events coming up in and around Owen Sound this week.

A few readers responded to our ‘Addressing Tough Truths in Our Community’ newsletter Friday, and two permitted us to share their thoughts with you:

“About a year and a half ago, as a Markham employee speaking as a guest lecturer at a college event, Janet Ashfield used the "n" word. That was bad enough, but then she defended herself before apologizing, saying, "I need to know what they [the person in the scenario she was using] said. I need to understand what they said in order to go forward." She was placed on administrative leave. I don't know if she left the position after that, or was shown the door.

However, now she's head of HR here in Owen Sound. The City says, "she has shown dedication to learning and has made valuable contributions to the City." 

Is anyone else curious about this learning? As I understand it, City staff use this Ontario Human Rights 30-minute self-directed online training.

Personally, I don't find that adequate for anyone, but especially for someone with that experience in her recent past.

Sincerely, Joan Beecroft

Another community member wrote:

Perhaps (if this is true), Janet Ashfield could write to the full group, outlining
why she has changed how she thinks, how she recognizes what she did, understands the harm it may have caused, and add a sincere apology to ALL. If she cannot do this, the City should rescind its offer to her and find an anti-racist for the job.

~ Terri Hope

So, listen… when it comes to addressing complex and emotional issues such as racism and equity, silence is not the answer. Yet, once again, the City of Owen Sound has opted to say nothing in the face of rising community concern.

It’s another missed opportunity—and an important one, at that—to engage residents, show leadership, and demonstrate a genuine understanding of what matters to Owen Sounders.

The City could have addressed the valid concerns around this openly and constructively. A meaningful response could have looked something like:

• Acknowledging concerns: The Mayor could have released a statement affirming the community’s concerns and inviting residents to share their views directly with Council.

• Facilitating a conversation: Hosting a public discussion and transparently sharing its outcomes with the community would build trust and demonstrate commitment to accountability.

• Outlining progress: The City could have provided an update on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism programs, including specifics on who is involved, how they are working, and tangible improvements already made.

• Offering support: Sharing resources and information for residents experiencing racism or discrimination would show the City’s dedication to supporting all members of the community.

• Creating a DEI Ad Hoc Committee: Establishing a committee with significant BIPOC representation to evaluate how this situation was handled and recommend concrete actions for the future would underscore a commitment to listening and improving.

Instead, we collectively ran into the brick wall of City Hall—again. Refusing to engage unless on preapproved topics and avoiding uncomfortable conversations do little to build trust and much to foster division.

The good news is that we can always do better. The question is: how?

We’d love to hear your ideas. Send your letters to the editor to owensoundcurrenteditor@gmail.com.

Public Notice

• The City of Owen Sound is accepting applications for committee members on the River District Board until Thursday, December 12.

Full subscribers - keep reading for our original reporting + curated local news updates, including:

• Police search for witnesses after a Friday night hit-and-run in Owen Sound

• Bluewater District hosts forum celebrating Black culture and student connections

• Meaford marks 150 years with a special tree-planting ceremony

• Local theatre company brings romantic comedy to Woodford Hall

• And more!

If you can’t see the info below, upgrade your subscription for full access.

~ Miranda Miller, Editor

P.S. Email owensoundcurrenteditor@gmail.com or reply to this email with any questions.