Five-Year Capital: General Government

* $750,000 is unfunded ** $50,000 is unfunded *** $50,000 is unfunded

Looking Forward: Downtown River Precinct

Owen Sound’s downtown core along the harbour is one of our most attractive community features. The goal of the Downtown River Precinct project is to improve the area’s character, making it an inviting and inclusive public space that embraces the natural environment of the Sydenham River.

The 2021 Citizen Satisfaction Survey shows that 52% of residents are happy with recent downtown revitalization, and that it has a high impact on overall community satisfaction.

The Downtown River Precinct area wraps around both sides of the Sydenham River along 1st Avenue West and 1st Avenue East, from just south of 8th Street to 10th Street.

Strategic Plan Priority: Prosperous City Phase 3 Budget: $2,016,000

Phase 3 Funding Source: 70% funded through grants, with $36,000 in funding from taxation.

Timeline: Completion of Phase 3 by Q4 of 2024.

Phase 1: Complete Phase 2: Monitoring Phase 3: 2023-2024

The first phase was the realignment of the 800 block of 1st Avenue East, including converting 1st Avenue East to oneway and completing upgrades to the Farmer’s Market building.

This phase focuses on the 900 block of 1st Avenue East. The tender for this work has been issued, including road repaving, sidewalk, drainage, and lighting enhancements.

Moving to the West side, this phase will focus on rehabilitating 1st Avenue West on the 900 block, including plans for trees, benches, concessions and canoe/kayak rack and rentals.

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Phase 4: 2025-2026

The final phase of this project, it will include road rehabilitation and streetscaping on the 800 block of 1st Avenue West, with plans including public art installations and a mini-amphitheatre.