- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

Our trails, bikepaths and parks are critical to our active lives, recreation and tourism in Owen Sound.

High water, combined with storms and high winds, are damaging infrastructure and affecting the use of waterfront spaces for individuals and special events.

This fall the City of Owen Sound has had to place sandbags at Kelso Beach on the west side and pylons on the Tom Thomson Trail on the east side of the harbour. The “Summerfolk tree” is well out into the water, and the cairn to which the Metis of Mudtown interpretive plaque is attached has been knocked off its base.

More frequent maintenance, repairs and emergency public safety actions are expenses that will have to be paid for out of City property taxes. As we approach budget deliberations, the cost of extreme weather events must be considered.

Thanks to Francesca Dobbyn for the use of these photographs.