Thurs July 17 - Local News & Weekend Events
Plus: News updates from Owen Sound Attack, South Bruce OPP, Owen Sound Emancipation Festival, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, and more
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In Owen Sound, where the challenges tend to feel personal, joy isn’t just welcome; it’s necessary.
This week, columnist Joel Pennington invites us to consider joy not as an indulgence, but as a vital resource. Reflecting on his time supporting refugees on the Greek island of Lesvos, he shares how laughter, play, and human connection sustained people through unthinkable hardship.
As our own community navigates difficult conversations — about housing, addiction, inequality, and local leadership — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But Pennington argues that finding pleasure in the everyday and making space for joy can actually fuel the fire for meaningful change.
In Hard Times, Joy Isn’t Frivolous — It’s Fuel for Change
In a town as small as Owen Sound, you’re rarely more than two degrees of separation from anyone. Which means we’re aware of the challenges we each face as individuals, institutions, and as a whole community. As a result, it can feel almost disrespectful to talk about joy when there’s so much suffering and strain.
Public Notices
The City of Owen Sound has cancelled the Operations Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Notice: Temporary July 18 Road Closure of Sykes St. E. for Freedom of the City Event - Municipality of Meaford
Owen Sound City Council will hold a Special Council meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss several matters in Closed Session.
Local News
Keep reading for community events, our original reporting, and curated local news updates.
Today: Get all the latest updates from the South Bruce OPP detachment; take a look ahead at the 163rd Emancipation Festival in Owen Sound; learn about free swims being offered in Owen Sound and Meaford for National Drowning Prevention Week, and a lot more.
~ Miranda Miller, Editor
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