The City of Owen Sound has been seeking an adaptive re-use project for the former County Courthouse. Council is considering various options with respect to removals of parts of the Jail property and is looking for input from the public on the various options.

The City retained heritage consultant, Taylor Hazell Architects, to complete a Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report (CHER) for the Jail property and a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) to assess the impact of removal of some or all of the buildings from the Jail property. These studies document and evaluate the heritage elements and how removals on the Jail site may impact the designated Courthouse.

The City’s Community Services Department invites the public to attend an Open House and Question & Answer session on selective removals options relating to the jail property. There are a number of options being considered. The demolition of the Courthouse is not being considered at this time.

There are two ways to participate in the public consultation:

1. Online video and survey
A short background video is available on the City’s website at www.owensound.ca/courthouse. Once you have watched the video, take a few minutes to complete the online survey. If you want to read the CHER and HIA, all background reports and studies are available on the City’s website. The survey will be available until Monday, October 26 at 4:30 PM.

2. Online video, Open House and survey
If you watch the video and want more information before you complete the survey, please register to attend one of the Open Houses.

In order to attend one of the Open Houses, you must pre-register with Staci Landry at 519-376-4440 ext. 1256 or [email protected] by Wednesday, October 14 at 4:30 PM. Attendance will be restricted to 50 people per session as per provincial regulations. Face coverings are required while inside the Bayshore Community Centre unless you have an exemption due to medical reasons.

Event Location:
Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre – Rutherford Hall
1900 3rd Avenue East, Owen Sound
Entry and exit through the north doors at the back parking lot

Date & Times:
Monday, October 19, 2020
Session 1 – 3:00 PM
Session 2 – 5:30 PM

source: media release, City of Owen Sound