The City of Owen Sound is reviewing and updating its Official Plan. The Official Plan contains goals, objectives, and policies intended to guide land use development and growth in the City over a 20-year time horizon.

The Official Plan affects everyone in Owen Sound and the involvement of community members is an important component of an Official Plan update. Opportunity for public input was available through an engagement session held on March 2, 2020, and an online survey. Staff have been receiving comments from the public throughout the process.

A series of Discussion Papers were prepared to assist with the review and focus on key policy areas. The following Discussion Papers are available at www.owensound.ca/OfficialPlanUpdate:

· Sustainability and Climate Change
· Housing and Affordability
· Transportation and Infrastructure
· Land Use and Design

If you require a hard copy of any of the Discussion Papers or wish to comment on the Official Plan Review, please contact [email protected].

The next step in the Official Plan Review process includes the preparation of the draft Official Plan based on policy recommendations from the Discussion Papers and comments received through City staff and public consultation completed to date. The draft Official Plan will be prepared for public agency consideration at the upcoming Open House and Public Meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2021.

The Draft Official Plan will be available at www.owensound.ca/OfficialPlanUpdate and at City Hall during the week of December 21.

source: media release, City of Owen Sound