Dear Owen Sound DIA Member,

Re: 1Oth Street Bridge Construction Proiect

Recent structural assessments of the bridge indicate that major repairs and rehabilitation were necessary in order to ensure the bridge can continue to service the travelling public reliably. The Municipal Class EnvironmentalAssessment (MCEA) determined that replacement of the bridge is the preferred alternative to rehabilitation.

The City of Owen Sound awarded the contract to reconstruct the 1Oth Street Bridge to Looby Builders. The contractor (Looby) will close 1Oth Street Bridge for reconstruction on September 23, 2019. The new bridge is planned to be open to traffic and substantially completed in December 2020.

The project includes demolition and the complete reconstruction of the 1Oth Street Bridge. The new bridge will be a five lane bridge that includes wider lanes and promenade style sidewalks. The bridge will also strengthen the pedestrian connection with the Downtown River Precinct and Central Business District.

For the duration of the project, the City's main website www.owensound.ca/thebridqe will feature all pertinent information on the project as well as regular updates. The detour routes, parking information and bus routes all can be found on the website. OSDIA business and City sponsored complimentary parking will continue in the downtown - 2 hours on streets and 5 hours in all Municipal Lots.

To support the downtown businesses and services during this time, the City has developed a full marketing strategy in addition to the events that will continue to draw people downtown that includes:

• Radio advertising
• Sun Times Spadia plus an over run to be published September 11,2019
• Social media
• Traditional print materials
• Signage at approaches to the City
• Billboards
• New entrance signage for the downtown
• "Moving Forward" Videos that promote the downtown
• Open Line and Rogers talk show updates
• Promotional give away at Tourism (watch for more information on this)
• Owen Sound Transportation Company - electronic message signage at Springmount and on the Chi Cheemaun.

Events will continue to be a big part of getting people downtown. Mark your calendars and be sure to plan for the following upcoming events:

• Riverside Reunion (September 28th)
• Halloween Haunt (October 26th)
• Moonlight Madness (November 15th)
• Festive First Friday (December 6th)
• 24 Days of Christmas

lnformation on these events will be available on the City or DIA website.