City

: Published: 14 January 2015

chamber-reg This summary report has been sent directly to Mayors, Deputy Mayors and CAO's of Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth and Meaford.

The report is also available on the Chamber's website www.oschamber.com direct link to article http://www.oschamber.com/advocacy-opinion.cfm

: Published: 13 January 2015

By Anne Finlay-Stewart

The meeting began with the room full and single-minded. They had come to bury development charges, not to praise them.

Gary Scandlan had no doubt been in such a situation many times. The consultant from Watson and Associates gave a clear and concise summary of the purpose and limits of development charges (DCs) and the policy matters and calculations involved, but those who were waiting to speak already knew their response.

Essentially all the speakers – developers, real estate agents and investors, and sub-trades – spoke as one: development charges will stifle the new building that will grow the city's tax base. One-time charges will send new growth and long-term taxpayers to other municipalities. Some doubted the consultant's projections of growth and capital expenses; others questioned the expense or need for the consultant's work.

The recently created Owen Sound Community Association presented the results of an on-line poll, which although statistically insignificant included comments both for and against DC increases.

: Published: 10 January 2015

This document was issued by the City of Owen Sound, ahead of a public meeting scheduled for January 12.
(Click images to enlarge)

: Published: 07 January 2015

cold-reg Officials at the City of Owen Sound remind the public that municipal buildings are open in the city during the cold snap.

With the current low temperatures and wind chill factor, the City of Owen Sound advises people to take care against the cold weather by seeking shelter.

The following municipal buildings are open to the public:

The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Bayshore Community Centre 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and City Hall 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All four locations have rest areas where the public can take a break from the cold.

: Published: 05 January 2015

construction-reg Owen Sound – Building permits issued in December were valued at $3 million, according to Owen Sound Chief Building Official Kevin Hicks. The total value of construction for 2014 was higher than the previous year.

The major projects issued permits last month were construction of a Princess Auto store at Heritage Grove, valued at $1.9 million; alterations to a cardiac diagnostic suite at Grey Bruce Health Services, valued at $360,000; a new industrial building, valued at $300,000; a single detached dwelling, valued at $150,000; and a residential addition, valued at $125,000.

Attached are the 2014 Building Stats for the City of Owen Sound. The table below compares the number of building permits issued last month with the same month last year, as well as construction values and number of new homes: