Messagefrom MayorBoddy
Itismypleasuretointroduce FutureOwenSound:Vision2050,ourcommunity’slong-term strategicplan.Thisismorethanadocument;it’sasharedvisionofwhatOwenSoundcan becomeoverthenextquarter-century.
Along-termvisionisnotarigidblueprint.Instead,itisapathway—aguidetohelpusnavigatethe yearsahead,adapttochange,andseizenewopportunitiesastheyarise. Vision2050 isdesigned tobebothinspirationalandpractical.Itoutlineswherewewanttogoasacityandsetsthe foundationforfutureCouncilstomakethoughtful,strategicchoices.Likeanyjourney,theroadwill haveitscurves,butourdestinationisclear:avibrant,welcoming,andconnectedOwenSound
Thestrengthofthisplancomesfromthepeoplewhoshapedit.Residents,communitygroups, businesses,andpartnersallsharedtheirperspectivesandaspirations.Thisengagementwasn’t aboutlisteningonce—itwasaboutbuildingtogether.Thecommunityiswovenintothisplanasa collaborator,withopportunitiesforeveryonetocontinuecontributingintheyearsahead.
Vision2050 willserveasacrucialtoolfortheCity.Itwillguidebudgets,decisions,anddailywork, whileensuringdepartments,Council,andpartnersareworkinginalignment.Above all,itprovidesaframeworkforcontinuedcollaborationbetweentheCityand thepeopleweserve.
OnbehalfofCityCouncil,Iextendmysincerethankstoeveryonewho contributedtothisplan—ourresidentsandcommunityparticipants,the StrategicPlanAdHocCommittee,Citystaff,andourconsultant,JayPitter, whoseinsightandexpertisehelpedguideusthroughthisprocesswith careandcreativity.
Theworkaheadwilltakededication,collaboration,andpatience,butif wecontinuetomoveforwardtogether,listeningandlearningaswego, theOwenSoundweenvisionfor2050isonewecanbuild,stepbystep, startingtoday.
MovingForwardTogether
LocatedintheeasternregionofSaugeenOjibwayNationTerritory(Saukiing Anishnaabekiing),OwenSoundisalower-tiermunicipalitywithinGreyCounty.Thisisthe ancestralandtreatylandsandterritoriesoftheChippewasofNawashUncededFirstNation andtheSaugeenFirstNation,togetherknownastheSaugeenOjibwayNation(SON).TheCity ofOwenSoundacknowledgesthatitlieswithinthisTerritoryandcommitstoearly engagementandcoordinationwithSONinordertofacilitateknowledge-sharing,support considerationofSONinterestsinlandusedecision-makingandsupporttheidentificationof potentialimpactsofdecisionsontheexerciseofAboriginalortreatyrights.Vision2050 recognizesSONasrights-holdersofSaukiingAnishnaabekiing.
Principles
TheprinciplesguidingtheStrategicPlanareasfollows:
ACCESSIBILITY
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivestobe physically,sociallyandfinancially accessiblesothateveryonehas opportunitiestoconnect,contributeand thrive.
COMMUNITYCARE& COMPASSION
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivesto addresschallenges,differencesand individualsexperiencingdifficultieswith compassionatecommunitycare.
ACCOUNTABILITY& TRANSPARENCY
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivestobe transparentandaccountableina mannerthatcreatesspaceforgrace, learningandcollectiveproblem-solving.
RESILIENCE
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivestobe resilientinthefaceofenvironmental, economicandsocialchangewhile celebratingitsmultiplestrengthsand attributes.
TRUSTBUILDING& COLLABORATION
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivestobuild acultureoftrustandcollaboration betweenCitystaff,electedofficialsand communitystakeholdergroups— extendingbeyondfamiliarsocial networksandechochambers.
COURAGE
OwenSoundisacitythatstrivesto courageouslytrynewapproaches, acknowledgewhenthereisroomfor improvementandembracebig opportunities.
WhyAStrategicPlan?
TheFutureOwenSound:Vision2050StrategicPlanhelpsguideasfollows:
ThisStrategicPlanguidesdecision-makingand prioritysetting;helpsdirecttaxdollarstocommunity priorities;andallowsthecommunitytomeasureprogress.
Keydocumentsthatidentify policiesandprioritiesforourCity.
Keygoalsandfocusareasestablishedbythe electedcouncilfortheirfour-yearterm.
Encompassescoreservice,projects specifictotheStrategicPlanpriorities, aswellaskeydivisionalprojects.
Allocatesresourcestofundwork requiredtoachievethe outcomesintheplansabove.
Themes
ThethemesguidingtheStrategicPlanactionsareasfollows:
ProsperousCity
“InmydreamversionofOwenSound,Idon’thaveto worryifmypaychequewillpaythebills,andIcan eventuallyaffordtoretire.Icantakeabustoworkand back,orjusttoashow.Mykidshavecareer opportunitiesthatpaymorethanminimumwageand livenearby,sotheycanhelpmeoutinmydecline.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Supportinginitiativesthatincreasecompetitiveeconomicadvantagesforcurrentandnew businessesandtheiremployees.Also,addressingotheraspectsofprosperity,suchascontributingtoa goodqualityoflifeforallandrecognizingtheexperienceofelders,thepotentialofyouthandcollective communityknowledgeandpreciouslocalresources.
By2050,OwenSoundwill attractahighlyskilled,inter-generationalworkforceandworkinclose partnershipwithexistingsectorssuchasagriculture,healthcare,andtourismandculture—aswellas newerindustries,particularlyinfuture-focusedsectorssuchastechnologyandsustainability.
METRICS:
Netincreaseinthenumberofbusinessesby50witheveryCensuscycle
IncreasesquarefootageofICI(Industrial,Commercial,Institutional)by25,000square feeteveryyear
Decreasethesquarefootagevacancyrateofcommercial/retailintheRiverDistrictby 5%everyyear
ProsperousCity
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
GeorgianCollegeStrategicPlan2025–2030
GeorgianCollegeStudentHousingStrategy
OwenSound’sOfficialPlan
OwenSoundCommunityImprovementPlan
GreyCountyEconomicDevelopment,TourismandCultureMasterPlan(2023)
OwenSoundandAreaDistrictChamberofCommerce (collaborator)
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedthe importanceofretainingexistingemployment opportunitiesaswellasattractingnew employersthroughdiversifyingthelocal economy,specificallywithinthetourism, healthcare,technology,advanced manufacturingandsustainabilitysectors. PeoplealsowantedtoseetheCitybetter leveragecurrentculturalandnaturalassets, suchasthewaterfrontarea,forboththe enjoymentofexistingresidentsandtourism potential.Additionally,tosupportthelocal economy,therewasadesiretoprovidemore supporttosmallbusinessesandentrepreneurs, particularlydowntown.Finally,peoplewantedto seespecificactionsforyouth,seniors, IndigenousPeoplesandnewcomersthathelp fosteramoreinclusiveandsupported community.
Green&ResilientCity
“Iseeacitythatisbuiltaroundandencourages outdoorandopen-airlivingwithmorevisiblegreen spacesthatencouragefamilygatheringsandsafe walkingtrails/bikelanesinthecitycentreto enhancephysical(andmental)well-being.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Strengtheningthecity’senvironmental,socialandeconomicabilitytomitigateandadaptto theclimatecrisis.Also,leveragingthecity’snaturalresourcesandinfrastructuretosupporthealthy lifestyles.
By2050,OwenSoundwill beacitywithawiderangeofresilientandsustainablepracticesthatprotect theplanet,peopleandeconomy.
METRICS:
Reducecorporate(Co.)andcommunity(Cm.)emissionsasfollows: 2026:15%Cm.20%Co.|2030:30%Cm.35%Co.|2035:50%both 2040:60%Cm.65%Co.|2045:75%Cm.80%Co.|2050:Netzero(Cm.&Co.)
IncreasesatisfactionwithGreenCityServices(parksandtrails,drinkingwater,garbage andrecyclingcollection)by5%eachsurveycycleuntilasatisfactionscoreof80is reachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater
Green&ResilientCity
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
AllplansbelowareCityofOwenSoundplans.
ClimateActionStrategy(2023)
ClimateMitigationPlan(2023)
ClimateChangeAdaptationPlan(2021)(includingClimateChangeRiskAnalysis,completedin 2019)
Treeinventoryproject
Boulevardplantingprograms
EmeraldAshBorerManagementPlan(2014)
Recreation,ParksandFacilitiesMasterPlan (2018–2028)
OfficialPlan
ClimateActionOwenSoundandThe SustainabilityProject
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedthe importanceofimplementingtheCity’scurrent ClimateActionStrategy.Theyalsowantedmore opportunitiesforcommunityengagementand stewardshipopportunities.Specifically,people wantedtosee:moreattentionpaidtotree planting;naturalizationwithnative/resilient species;greeninfrastructuredevelopment; energyefficiencyandtheswitchtorenewable energy;andtransportation-relatedelements likeexpandingtransitserviceandpromoting walkingandcycling.
Celebrating& EmbracingCulture
“OwenSoundisavibrantcommunitythatemphasizesits connectiontothewaterbycreatingsafe,comfortableparks, streetsandpublicspacesthatareeasilywalkable;wherea stronghistoryofarts&cultureiscelebrated,ouragricultural rootsarevalued,newresidentsarewelcomed;diversebusiness ownersareembraced,anddevelopmentisharnessedforthe bettermentofthefuture.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Upliftingallaspectsofthecity’slocalculture,includingIndigenousPeoples’culturalhistories andpractices,theculturalhistoriesandpracticesofallresidents,andformalinstitutionalartsand cultureexpressions.Also,contributingtocreatinganinclusive,welcomingandprosperousculturethat createstheconditionsforharmoniousdemographicandeconomicgrowth.
By2050,OwenSoundwill beacitythatsupportsandcelebratesthelong-standingcultural knowledgeandexpressionsofIndigenousPeoples,itsrichlocalculturalresources-fromartiststo growerstostoriedsites-whilealsoembracingcontributionsfromnewpopulations.
METRICS:
Increaseineconomicimpactbyincreasingtheemploymentnumberinthearts, heritage,andculturalsectorsby20%everyCensuscycleandthenmaintainat3%or greater
IncreaseinthosethatagreeandstronglyagreethattheCityisawelcomingand inclusivecommunityby2%eachsurveycycleuntilthepercentagethatagreeorstrongly agreeis80%andthenmaintainat80orgreater
Celebrating& EmbracingCulture
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
AllplansbelowareCityofOwenSoundplans.
CulturalMasterPlan(2012)
TourismActionPlan(2025)
RiverDistrictActionPlan(2025)
InclusionStrategy2023–2028
YMCASettlementandLanguageServices andWelcomingCommunitiesGreyBruce (collaborators)
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedtheneedto bettersupportexistingartsandculturewithinthe citybyprovidingmorefundingforarts-related activities,spacesforartsactivitiesandamplification oftheirpractices.Specifically,community stakeholderswantedtoseetheestablishmentofan advisorycommitteeorartscounciltohelpresource theirworkandtheywantedtobebetterintegrated intolargerculturalplans.
CityBuilding
“MyidealOwenSoundprovidesanopportunitytorentatwoorthree-bedroomplaceformeandmytwokidsthatwon’t costmetwiceasmuchasImakeinamonth,acitythathasa modernandrobusturbantransitsystemwithinter-township/ interprovincebusservice,aplacewheremykidscan growupandwanttoputdownroots.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Enhancingurbandevelopment,planningandplace-makingprocessestocreateplaces andspacesthatcontributetocompletecommunitiesforexistingresidents,futureresidentsand tourists.
By2050,OwenSoundwill beacitywhoseinfrastructure,communityamenitiesandhousingstock arewellmaintained,accessibleandresponsivetotheevolvingrequirementsofcommunity stakeholdersandvisitors.
METRICS:
IncreasesatisfactionwithCityBuildingServices(library,TTAG,recreationfacilities, recreationprogramming)by5%eachsurveycycleuntilasatisfactionscoreof80is reachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater
IncreasesatisfactionwithRevitalizationoftheDowntownAreaby5%eachsurveycycle untilasatisfactionscoreof80isreachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater.
CityBuilding
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
AllplansbelowareCityofOwenSoundplans.
BuildingConditionAssessment(2024–2025)
ParksAssetAssessment(2025)
AssetManagementLevelsofService(2025)
AssetManagementLifecycleManagementProfiles(2025)
AssetManagementPolicyUpdate(2025)
CommunityImprovementPlan
OfficialPlan
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedtheimportance ofensuringcityinfrastructure(transportation, publicspace,waterandwaste)iswell-maintained, sustainableandcontributestoamoreconnected city,andthatnewdevelopmentsareplannedwith increasedcommunityparticipation.Specifically, peoplewantedtoseemorepublicspaceprojects, revitalizationofthewaterfrontanddowntown, morepublicwashroomaccess,betterheritage retentionandreuse,andincentivesforaffordable housingdevelopment.
ACityThatMoves
“Oneofthewaysthisgoalcanbeachievedisbyfocusingon creatinganaccessiblepedestrianenvironment.Byfocusing onpedestrianusers,theCitywillbecomeaccessibletousers ofallagesandabilities,whichiskeyforouragingcommunity. AnobjectivefortheCityshouldbetoensurethatresidents canaccessallpartsoftheCitybytransit,activetrails,and sidewalks.Thelackofapersonalvehicleshouldnotbea barriertoaccessingpartsoftheCity.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Facilitatingsustainabletransportationoptionsandcreatingcommunityconnectivity.Also, thisentailsensuringthateveryoneexperiencesdignityandaccessibilitywhiletravellingand recognizingthatmovementthroughoutacityisnotsimplyaboutmovingpeoplefrompointAto pointB.Itisalsoaboutensuringthateveryoneisabletoaccessthingstheyneed,community connectionandopportunities.
By2050,OwenSoundwill beconnectedbyacomprehensivetransportationnetwork, accommodatingmultipletypesofsustainableandaccessiblewaysoftravellingthroughthecity.
METRICS:
Improvewalkscoreby10pointsevery5years
IncreasesatisfactionwithCityThatMovesServices(parking,roadsandsidewalks,transit, wintermaintenance-roads,wintermaintenance-sidewalks)by5%eachsurveycycleuntil asatisfactionscoreof80isreachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater
ACityThatMoves
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
AllplansbelowareCityofOwenSoundplans.
TransportationMasterPlan(2010)
RouteOptimizationStudy(2021)
RecreationTrailsMasterPlan(2012)
Multi-YearAccessibilityPlan2024–2028
TransitAccessibilityPlan(2014)
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedthe importanceofensuringroads,trails/pathways, sidewalks,bikelanesandothertransportation infrastructureareaccessible,well-maintained, well-litandconnected.Specifically,people wantedtoseeatransportationplanthat addressesnetworkandservicegaps,expansion ofbikelanesandsidewalks,promotionof sustainabletransit(e.g.,electricbuses,cycling) andexplorationofalternativetransitmodels (e.g.,busdispatchingservice),andaplanthat ensurespublictransit,whichisasignificantpain point,isaccessibleandequitable.
SafeCity
“Asafecommunitywherepeoplehaveplacestogoand connect,andhomelessnessisdecreased.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Contributingtoinclusivity,diversityandaccessibilityinourcommunityandparticipatingin initiativesfocusedonarangeoflong-term,systemicsafetysolutionsthatrespondtocurrentand futureresidents.
By2050,OwenSoundwill beregardedasacitythatacknowledgesmultiplefactors—physical, psychological,historical,etc.—thatimpactasenseofsecurity,andwhereinstitutionsandcommunity membersarecommittedtoprotectingeachother’ssafety.
METRICS:
IncreasesatisfactionwithSafeCityServices(police,fire,by-law)by5%eachsurveycycle untilasatisfactionscoreof80isreachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater
IncreaseinthosethatagreeandstronglyagreethattheCityisanaccessiblecityby2% eachsurveycycleuntilthepercentagethatagreeorstronglyagreeis80%andthen maintainat80orgreater
Increasepercentageofresidentsthathavenotencounteredabarriertoaccessacity ownedfacility,programoractivityby2%eachsurveycycleuntilasatisfactionscoreof 80isreachedandthenmaintainat80orgreater
SafeCity
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
OwenSound’sRiverDistrictActionPlan(2020)
BruceGrey’sCommunitySafetyandWell-BeingPlanning
OwenSoundPoliceServiceOperationsPlan2023–2026
MobileMentalHealthandAddictionResponseTeam(MMHART),BrightshoresWellnessandRecovery CentreandSupportiveOutreachServices(S.O.S.) (collaborators)
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedthe importanceofaddressinghomelessness,drug addictionandmentalhealththroughincreased socialsupportandbettercoordinationwith existingnon-profitorganizationsandsocial serviceproviders.Theyalsohighlightedtheneed forstrategiesforyouth,Indigenousand2SLGBTQ+ individuals.Manycommunitystakeholders wantedtoseetheimplementationofmoresafe consumptionsitestoencourageaharm reductionapproach.Broadpubliceducation campaignsandbetterrelationship-buildingwith Indigenouscommunitieswerealsosuggestedto reducethestigmatizationofindividuals experiencingchallengesand/orengaginginrisky orunsafebehavioursinpublicspaces. Organizationsaddressingissuessuchas homelessnessandharmreductionrequested greatersupportfromtheCityintermsof extendingbeyondtheirstatedscopeof responsibilitytocollaborateonfundraisingand advocacyinitiatives,andbyextendingmunicipalspacestosupporttheirwork.
FosteringMutuallyBeneficial &RespectfulRelationships
“Embracediversity,learnfromthosewhoaredifferentandgo withtheflow.Changeisalwayspositive.”
-SurveyRespondent
Definition: Establishing,reconcilingandcontinuallynurturingrelationshipsthatresultinmutualbenefit, trustandsharedunderstanding.
By2050,OwenSoundwill buildbridgesofmutualrespectandtrustacrossmultiplestakeholder groupstocollaborativelyadvanceproductivedemocraticprocessesandtodevelopamore relational,front-linepresence.
METRICS:
Increasethepercentageofresidentswhoindicatesatisfactionwiththequalityoftheir mostrecentinteractionwithaCitystaffby2%eachsurveycycleuntilasatisfaction scoreof80isreached,andthenmaintainat80orgreater
IncreaseNetPromoterScorebytwopointseachsurveycycleuntilascoreisator abovetheaverageforCanadianmunicipalitieswithapopulationlessthan250,000
FosteringMutuallyBeneficial &RespectfulRelationships
ExistingPlansand/orPotentialCollaborators
OwenSound’sAgreementDevelopmentPolicy(2024) CommunityEngagementPolicyandCommunityEngagementToolkit(setforreviewin2028).
CommunityEngagementSummary
Communitymembershighlightedtheimportance ofincreasedtransparencyandaccountabilityat cityhallaswellasmoreopportunitiesfor communityinvolvement,especiallycreative engagementopportunities.Specifically,people wantedtoseemoreeducationalresources/guides onhowthecityworks,bettercoordinationof individualsandgroupswhocouldworktogether withthecitytowardslocallymadesolutions,and partnershipswithothermunicipalitiestoaddress complexissues,suchasmentalhealth,addiction andhomelessness.Additionally,itwasnotedthat communitymemberscouldalsoamendtheir approachtovoicingconcernsandideasinamore solutions-oriented,collaborativemannertoassist inbuildingbetterrelationshipswithCitystaffand electedofficials.
FutureOwenSound:Vision2050 pathway,notafixedblueprint.Itis designedtoguideourcommunity forward,adapttochange,andsetthe stageforplanningandprioritysetting byfutureCityCouncils. Implementationwillbemonitoredand reportedregularly.Asspecificactions moveforward,individualreportswillgo totheappropriatestandingcommittee outliningtimelines,tasks,andhow fundingwillbeused,whereapplicable. Additionally,overallprogressupdates onactionswillbepresentedtoCity Councileachyear.
Thesuccessof Vision2050 collaboration.Thecommunityisakey partner,withopportunitiesforresidents,businesses,non-profits,institutions,andother levelsofgovernmenttoworkalongsidetheCityinachievingsharedgoals.
Thisisthestartofalongjourney,onethatwillhavetwistsandturns,butalsomomentsof progressworthcelebrating.Bystayingengaged,workingtogether,andkeepingour sharedvisioninfocus,wecanbuildthevibrant,connectedOwenSoundweallimagine for2050.
