- Hub staff
As we step deeper into another double election year, the Owen Sound Hub is going to show you where we were in 2014 and where we are today, in a number of different ways. We're neither going to lay blame nor give credit to our current municipal or provincial representatives - we are simply going to provide some local and provincial data.
In June 2014 Kathleen Wynne, former Minister of Education, became the first woman Premier of Ontario, leading a majority Liberal government. Bill Walker, Progressive Conservative, returned as MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. In October that year, Ian Boddy became mayor of Owen Sound after one term as councillor, defeating two previous mayors. Five new councillors were elected to Owen Sound council.
In 2022, Doug Ford, Progressive Conservative, is seeking re-election as Premier. Bill Walker will not be running in the June 2 election, and a local BGOS Progressive Conservative candidate was appointed by Ford. The Liberals, Greens and New Democrats have nominated local candidates. On May 2, nominations open for the municipal election in October. Seven councillors, a deputy maypr and mayor will be elected by on-line and telephone vote. No one has declared their candidacy.
In 2014, there were twelve schools in Owen Sound, with a total student enrolment of 5088. After accomodation reviews, there are now nine schools, and in the 2020-21 school year the enrolment was 4765. Not all students are residents of Owen Sound - they come to schools here from at least five other municipalities. When Derby School in Kilsyth was closed, some students were bussed to Eastridgee - some went to Arran-Tara.
The province recently approved additional funds for a $36-million grade 9-12 high school to replace St. Mary's over the next three to four years. The school currently has nine portables and more will be added this summer. Notre Dame, a grade 3-8 school on the east side, is currently at 160% capacity.
source: Ontario Data Catalogue
Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Ontario