FREE SUMMER 2021 OWENSOUNDTOURISM.CA
©The Grey Roots Archival Collection.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA We are all happy to shed our mitts and toques and to see the 2021 Sound Outlook Summer Guide! The City of Owen Sound is a year-round, vibrant, active community that is committed to fostering a welcoming, safe and healthy place for all to live. As the summer begins we welcome the opportunity to enjoy some outdoor fun, walk the trails, sit on a patio, and enjoy the tranquility of Georgian Bay. We are excited that the Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area has partnered with the City to rebrand the downtown core as ‘The River District’. This will be a place for celebration and community, a place you will want to gather with your family and friends and be part of the thriving social hub. There are still some limitations due to COVID-19 and we continue to take the necessary and required precautions to keep everyone safe. We know you will find some wonderful recreational, cultural, and leisure activities in our beautiful city over the summer months. To those who are visiting from out of town, I encourage you to check our website www.owensound.ca for the latest COVID-19 updates that affect our region. On behalf of members of Council and staff, I hope you have a wonderful summer. There is something here for everyone! Stay active and involved, but most of all, stay healthy.
Set sail on a voyage through OSTC history
Regards,
Celebrate the Owen Sound Transportation Company’s centennial and explore our interactive augmented reality display, located along the Owen Sound Harbour’s west wall.
Ian Boddy Mayor of the City of Owen Sound
Learn more at ontarioferries.com/100-years
John Fearnall photo.
Table Patio Season in the Scenic City
PUBLISHER
Owen Sound grew a serious patio game over the course of the pandemic. Pg 4
Nelson Phillips
EDITOR Jesse Wilkinson
CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Goldman, Andy Elliott, Zak Erb, John Fearnall, Ian Boddy, Melissa Crannie, Nelson Phillips, Jesse Wilkinson
DESIGN & LAYOUT Nelson Phillips, Marcie Riegling
........ PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF OWEN SOUND BY RRAMPT CO, LTD. Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Views expressed herein are those of the respective author(s) exclusively. All content herein was produced in accordance with all applicable and up-to-date provincial public health safety protocols pertaining to COVID-19 and is intended for entertainment purposes only. Sound Outlook is published twice annually, in early summer and early winter. To learn more about all the great opportunites to explore the great outdoors, build a family, open a business, or invest in Grey County’s regional cultural hub, visit the City of Owen Sound in person, or online at owensound.ca or owensoundtourism.ca. For feedback, contact feedback@owensound.ca The City of Owen Sound lies on the shores of Georgian Bay, just two and a half hours northwest of Toronto at the base of the beautiful Bruce Peninsula. She’s also known as the Scenic City, Corkscrew City, and the Chicago of the North - but you’ll have to spend some quality time here to learn why. *wink* Cover photo by John Fearnall / Good Noise photography @cityowensound
facebook.com/owensoundtourism
Making OS Look Great They say the grass is always greener... but it wouldn’t be without our City Parks staff. Pg 18
of
Contents
Salmon Tour
Bike, hike, and paddle this incredible spawning route of Georgian Bay’s Chinook Salmon. Pg 8
The River District Is Born
The downtown core of Owen Sound is getting a new identity. Pg 20
The Unsung Greenspaces of Owen Sound The Parks here are nice, but we have some incredible green spaces that are seldom talked about. No more. Pg 14
Outside Hotspots
We ask locals where they choose to spend their time outdoors and how best to enjoy the Scenic City. Pg 24
LIFESTYLE KICK BACK & ENJOY
A NEW LEASE ON
PATIO SEASON IN THE SCENIC CITY Story by Jesse Wilkinson
They say there are only two seasons in Ontario: winter and patio season. Winter’s clearly over, so that means it must be patio time. Another way to tell is by taking a tour around town to see if local restaurants have put up their new outdoor seating areas. It’s something that has always existed, but was enhanced during the past year’s desire to embrace outdoor experience. There’s a good chance it’s here to stay. And why not? Every Canadian wants to spend as much time outside while they can. Especially since we’ve been cooped up in our homes for a winter of multiple snowstorms and lockdowns.
4 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
You might have noticed that the patio season looked a little different around the Scenic City last summer – tents popped up along the 16th Street commercial area, while The River District parking spots turned into gathering places for residents and tourists to sip their morning coffee and eat their meals outdoors. The City streamlined the process of applying for a patio permit last spring and waived the fees, which led to the increase in applications, and it’s one good thing that has come out the pandemic. Businesses around Owen Sound are ready to get their patio on again, and so are patrons.
The province-wide restrictions have overridden the municipal applications for the month of May and into June, but if the province allows patios this summer, there will certainly be a number of business owners taking part.
Other restaurant owners around town will be using parking spaces again to put up tents and picnic tables. East Side Mario’s will be installing a tent in their parking lot again to increase their outdoor seating from 50 to 98.
“Last year it was the best thing ever,” says Birgit Wright of Birgit’s Bakery Café located in the heart of The River District. Both she and the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts had adjacent outdoor seating and really complimented the downtown experience. “Our patios brought an amazing vibe to the downtown. Right here on the street where cars drive by, people walk by. Folks were using their downtown - I think that was special.”
“We will be extending our patio with tents and heaters so rain or shine it can be enjoyed,” says manager Sherry ClaytonBazinet. “We are excited to be the place where your laughter and smiles are shared once again.” It certainly brought a genuine vibe to areas around Owen Sound, and a noticeable one. “It made everyone happy to see that atmosphere, like Europe a bit,” says Birgit. “Just the comfortable civility of it. It was a visceral experience.”
TITLE PAGE, Top CW: Mudtown Station’s iconic OS patio nestled in front of a Great Lakes freighter in the harbour. John Fearnall photo | Out front of Birgit’s | Jazzmyn’s alley-accessible patio is a local favourite for late night blues and good eats. John Fearnall photo | The patio in front of the Palette Cafe at the newly founded Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts was first laid out in 2020 when the City of Owen Sound saw numerous patios pop up on the main drag of 2nd Ave. ABOVE: Casero Kitchen Table’s Mexican-inspired patio on the east end of the Artist’s Alley. Spring Morris photo. OPPOSITE: 2nd Ave has never looked better.
Riverside Yarns on 2nd Avenue East has also applied to put a patio in, as have The Boot & Blade, Boston Pizza, and A&W. Mudtown Station and Jazzmyn’s patio’s are other local favourite spots that always impress. They’ll be back up and running this summer as well. Casero’s in The River District is extending their existing patio to the parking lot where they will add eight tables from JuneSeptember.
“Having a patio last year meant a lot as we were able to continue to serve guests and maintain a part of our industry’s culture that we love, which is serving guests,” says Jesse Gibbons of the Casero Crew.
“We will continue to pivot between a service and counter service model as restrictions dictate and what feels right and safe for our team and community.” “Bring back outdoor dining!” says Gibbons, and we agree. It was something positive that came out of last year and many businesses and patrons hope it’s here to stay.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
EXPLORE THE
OWEN SOUND SALMON TOUR Story & Photos by Zak Erb
One of the defining features of Owen Sound is its accessibility. You can tour around the city, the whole city, on four wheels, two wheels, or no wheels. You can even tour it with a paddle. It’s one of the best things about this growing city. The Owen Sound Salmon Tour demonstrates the accessible nature of Owen Sound beautifully, and it does so while highlighting another of our best features: Chinook Salmon! First things first, aren’t Chinook Salmon Pacific fish? Well yes they are, but they were introduced to the Great Lakes in 1967. That same year, the Sydenham Sportsmen built the first fish ladder in Ontario right here in Owen Sound, and since then, the Sportsmen have stocked the Sydenham River with countless Chinook. Here’s how the tour works: you’ll be following the route taken by mature salmon up the Sydenham River (see map). They undertake this journey in the fall to spawn, but you can undertake it any time at all by following these simple steps!
8 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
Step One: Select your means of conveyance. Got a busy day lined up? Hop in the car. Looking to rack up your 10,000 steps? Strap on your runners and get stepping! Cycling your jam? Grab your bike. Or, if you want to experience the tour exactly as the salmon do, throw the canoe or kayak on your car and get set for a beautiful paddle. Step Two: Get started at the west side harbour wall. No matter how you’re touring, you’ll be heading south, following the Sydenham river upstream. Cars will take 1st, then 2nd Ave. Cyclists and walkers take the footpath atop the harbour wall. Paddlers can put in at the boat launch at the north end of the harbour. The River District, formerly downtown Owen Sound, is lovely from any of these three vantage points. You’ll see anglers along the harbour, historic buildings, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, shops and restaurants.
All of this is part of the tour, as well as a beautiful stretch of greenspace with mature trees lining the riverbank as it meanders right through The River District. Step Three: Stop at the Mill Dam and Fish Ladder The Mill Dam and Fish Ladder, at 601 2nd Ave West, are an essential stop on the Salmon Tour. Photo ops abound, with scenic views up and down the Sydenham, water rushing over the dam, and a gorgeous willow swaying downstream. If you’re visiting late in the season, you may spot salmon jumping as they make their way upstream to their spawning grounds! From here, you too will continue upstream. Cars will follow 2nd Ave West before joining 2nd Ave East and heading south, while cyclists and walkers cross the dam and head south-east to take 5th Street East, following the river along the east bank now. Paddlers will have the most fun at this stop as a short portage is required to pass the dam.
Brandon Green photo.
Step Four: Harrison Park The park is where a lot of the action happens for the Chinook. The Sydenham Sportsmen release around 90,000 salmon into the river right here in the park every spring. Then, as older salmon reach the end of their life cycle, they return back to their origin to spawn in the fall. The salmon are released right beside the bridge east of the restaurant and parking lot, and this makes a great location for viewing the returning salmon come fall. Grab an ice cream cone and see who can spot the biggest salmon! With a network of trails, oodles of play equipment, and a full service restaurant offering take out, you may wish to wrap up your tour right here. In fact, paddlers will find they can go no further up the Sydenham than Harrison Park, as the river becomes too shallow at this point. But, if you’re an adventurous cyclist or hiker, or you’d like a short drive with an incredible payoff, then continue to …
Bonus Step: Inglis Falls The tour officially ends at Harrison Park but we recommend putting in some extra effort for our bonus step: Inglis Falls. To reach the falls by car or bike, follow 2nd Ave South to Inglis Falls Road. It’s about 3.5 km to the falls. Hikers will follow the Harrison Park Side trail and Bruce Trail. It’s a great hike through spectacular woodland along the Niagara Escarpment. The true conclusion to the Salmon Tour is here, and while the salmon (and kayakers) generally conclude their journey in Harrison Park, once you see the falls, you’ll be glad you put in the extra effort. The best of the best in an area known for waterfalls, Inglis Falls is a jaw dropping sight and makes the perfect end to your tour. Now that you’ve completed the Salmon Tour and you’re a world class Chinook salmon expert, head back to The River District - you’ve earned a refreshing drink or a hearty meal. And best of all, everything is just a short drive, walk, ride, or paddle away.
Your locally owned grocery stores. We don’t just work here, we live here too. We’re a friendly neighbour, and an active member of the community.
ONLINE ORDERS & HOME DELIVERY 105 Toronto St S Markdale ON N0C 1H0 519-986-3683 Open: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm markdaledelivery.ca
202520 Highway 6 & 21 Owen Sound ON N4K 5N7 519-376-8871 Open: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm owensounddelivery.ca
CITY GREENSPACE
CELEBRATING OUR UNSUNG
GREEN SPACES Story & Photos by Sarah Goldman
Owen Sound is known for water, with its picturesque location right on Georgian Bay (Gitche Namewikwedong), its historic harbour, and the Pottawatomi and Sydenham rivers flowing through it. Take a step back from the shoreline and banks, though, and you’ll be struck by just how much greenspace there is. The Scenic City boasts almost forty parks and beaches! From sprawling green spaces and winding trails to hidden pockets of respite, the natural beauty of the land within the city is so abundant that we might even find ourselves taking it for granted and missing what’s right in front of us. To fix that, we’ve put together a selection of some of the unsung greenspaces in and around Owen Sound; places that can often be overlooked but are worth seeking out. We always recommend gems like Harrison Park and Inglis Falls, but for some equally beautiful places, grab your mask and get outside to explore these unsung spaces! For a list of all the parks and beaches Owen Sound has to offer, visit facilities.owensound.ca Greenwood Cemetery The historic Greenwood Cemetery is one of the most serene greenspaces in Owen Sound. Situated adjacent to Harrison Park with access points off 2nd Ave E, 1st St SW and 4th Ave W, it is a beautiful cemetery that offers an abundance of open space for summer activities. With lush trees shading the expanse of stone and grass, this place invites people to wander along the paths or find a bench and simply bask in the stillness. It’s a place where countless kids have learned to ride their bikes, frisbees have been tossed back and forth, 14 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
and where couples have spent many morning walks together. At Greenwood, present and past constantly intertwine. It’s seen in the mix of headstones, in the creeping moss and new-growth blooms; it’s felt in the air where memories of loved ones float. Steeped in local history, with roots stretching back more than 160 years, Greenwood also offers self-guided tours. The Owen Sound Tourism website (https://www. owensoundtourism.ca/en/explore/Cemetery-Tour.aspx) has all the information you’ll need to complement a walk through the grounds and delve into the stories behind notable burials and structures. In 2021, the Potter’s Field Memorial was constructed to remember the more than 1200 people buried at Potter’s Field, including many of the city’s historic black community and those who escaped through the Underground Railroad.
So, whether you’re in the mood for immersive learning, craving some quiet solitude, or would like to teach your child to ride their bike, make sure you stop by Greenwood Cemetery. It’s sure to fill your cup. Memorial Forest Tucked along the edge of the Pottawatomi Conservation just outside of Owen Sound, Memorial Forest is marked by the remnants of a stone house and a forest of conifers. It has storybook curb-appeal, but beyond the initial view, there’s even more magic to discover in the wide adjacent fields and on the Memorial Forest Side Trail. The trail is a loop that takes you along the base of the escarpment and all the way up to Jones Falls, where you can follow it along the top of the escarpment and back to your starting point. This is definitely a place that will keep calling you back to explore. Find the entrance at the end of Youngs Drive off Grey Road 17B.
R R A M P T. C O M Mill Dam Perhaps best known for its salmon ladder, the Mill Dam pulls in spectators every autumn to witness countless fish leaping up to the top of the dam in their annual migration. The charm of this green space is year-round, though. From the bench overlooking the Sydenham to its grassy riverside expanse, everything about the Mill Dam welcomes you to stay a while and enjoy the open air and music of rushing water. Don’t miss this tranquil haven off 2nd Avenue West. Queen’s Park When the snow is falling, this little park is ablaze with the Festival of Northern Lights. During the summer, however, the towering trees create a sweet spot of shade for relaxing on those sunny days. Right across from the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, it’s the ideal place to lay out a blanket and picnic basket on the grass, kick off your shoes, and while away an afternoon beside the river. Queen’s Park offers the best of both worlds as a mellow slice of greenspace right in the heart of The River District. CMHA Fresh Roots Food Forest and Gardens If you’ve never stumbled upon this little oasis, it’s time you pay a visit. Not only is it a thriving community garden between 10th Street East and 4th Avenue East, it also features an enchanting labyrinth for quiet reflection or just taking a
moment to breathe. Conceived by Thomas Dean (who is known for his healing-focused landscape design) and marked by rings of greenery, the labyrinth’s layout is meant as a meditative walking path. A visit to these gardens could be exactly what you need to find some release from the daily hustle and feel grounded. Community Waterfront Heritage Centre & Owen Sound Tourism Centre This former CN Railway station on 1st Avenue West has long been a familiar landmark in town and the space surrounding it offers a scenic view of the Owen Sound harbour. It’s a natural spot for a pause as you stroll along the waterfront. It’s also the venue for the TD Harbour Nights concert series, which runs on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. The wide, grassy lot beside the Centre is a great place for kids to kick a ball around (for all the parents and grandparents out there), or to grab a bit of shade under the trees. For information about the TD Harbour Nights series, visit owensound.ca
MAGAZINE
EVENTS
ART
MUSIC
C U LT U R E
FOOD
LIFESTYLE
CURB APPEAL
Story by Andy Elliott Photos by Melissa Crannie
Owen Sound is often referred to as the Scenic City, and it didn’t just get that way on its own. Sure, the waterfalls and views from the escarpment might contribute to that title somewhat, but those of us who live here know that it refers to the beautiful green spaces the City offers, and there are many – Harrison Park comes to mind, and let’s not forget Greenwood Cemetery. Did you know that Owen Sound has 30 kilometres of trails, Class A baseball diamonds, and a seven-field soccer complex? These are places we appreciate most during the warmer months (hard to play baseball in January!) but they don’t just maintain themselves – when you walk across a manicured landscape, clean trail, or freshly cut lawn, you have the Parks and Open Spaces Division to thank for it. When you take a tumble on the soccer field and land on a soft bed of manicured grass, you know the Parks crew has been there. And if the birds at Harrison Park are in a good mood because they’ve just been fed, you know who to thank for that too. Manager Adam Parsons and his crew have been busy all spring getting the places we love ready to enjoy. They’ve been busy aerating, mowing, cleaning, trimming, watering, planting, weeding, and widening. If it helps us enjoy the outdoor spaces in Owen Sound, his team is on it.
18 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
The sports fields alone get cut twice per week, while Harrison Park and Kelso Beach get one weekly cut. Trail accessibility is a central focus so that all residents can enjoy the many kilometres of outdoor walks, with an emphasis on social distancing. Such amenities as the Georgian Bay Trail, Mile Drive Trail, Waterfront Trail, Tom Thomson Trail, and CP Rail Trail have remained open throughout the pandemic for users to enjoy all day long. And if families need a place to cool off after an afternoon hike, the Splash Pad at Kelso Beach is an option, as well as the Harrison Park pool pending Public Health guidelines. Both are maintained by the Parks crew. There may not be any sports fields in The River District, but there are many green spaces and beautifying practices that take place every summer to make walks along the river enjoyable. The hanging baskets and large pots of flowers that line the streets of the River District are the most obvious example. They’re brought out during the first two weeks of June, and after they’re out, they need to be watered every day of the week. A two-person rotating crew starts at 5:30 every morning to get most of the watering done before the morning commute.
“We know that Parks are so key in allowing people the freedom to get out their homes and get some recreation and exercise,” Parsons says. And he recognizes the significance of getting outside this summer especially.
“We have people starting pretty early in the morning, and working really hard to get downtown looking fit for the work day!” Parsons says of his team. Behind every green space in the Scenic City, there’s a City worker to thank. Owen Sound’s Parks crew works day in and day out to make it a place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
His crew of 31 employees takes pride and puts a lot of effort into creating outdoor experiences for residents and tourists. His team is proud to say that the sports fields will be ready when it’s permitted. And once permitted, people will appreciate the regular maintenance that occurs all the way until Fall. There is a team of eight who keep the green spaces looking trim and full.
So don’t hesitate to visit many of beautiful spaces the City has to offer. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the trails, riding your bike through Greenwood, or hitting a homerun out of the park, take a moment and remember how much work went into making that a reality. But most of all, enjoy the experience. After all, summer never lasts forever.
IDENTITY
WELCOMING THE
Story by Nelson Phillips All cities are judged and tried by their respective downtown core. When people talk about Toronto, Los Angeles, or Vancouver for example, what comes to mind? The industrial park? The suburbs? Nah. When you think about a city and what makes it great to its people, you’re thinking about its cultural experience and where people gather. There’s a lot riding on that subjective perception. With that mentality in mind, the City of Owen Sound and the DIA Board of Management decided to roll up its sleeves and dig into the downtown core in 2020. What has transpired in the last year, and what will transpire in the next few years, is all about investigating who we are as a city, what we value as a people, and how to elevate the perception of our downtown - not always for newcomers, visitors and tourists - but for ourselves as locals, too. We live here, work here, and play here - and the newly reimagined River District aims to epitomize the quintessential Scenic City experience.
OPPOSITE: An illustration of downtown OS, made by Nelson Phillips with elements courtsey of Vecteezy. ABOVE: The River Precinct, encompassing the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market, a space for live music and gathering (when safe), and the mighty Sydenham River that splits OS right down the middle. John Fearnall photo.
The River District - it has a decent vibe to it, no? Giving these central city blocks an identity of their own has been a long time in the making. There are over 400 downtowns in Ontario, so as more and more people move and visit this one, the justification for a revamped home court became all too clear. “About 16 months ago the OSDIA came to the City with a desire to create a new identity and a plan we could work on collaboratively. We created a plan and the goals were twofold,” says Brent Fisher, Manager of Community Development & Marketing with the City of Owen Sound. “One was to create a refined downtown identity, a new brand that captures the story of our downtown in a way that rallies people together, and then two, develop an actionable marketing plan that identifies clear actions and objectives to help tell that story.” That’s a tall order. Step one was to get to know the existing scope of the community in a new, deeper way so City staff and the OSDIA could look it dead in the eye. If you’re a local, you’ve likely heard people asking ‘what are we going to do about the downtown? What’s being done?’ Well, the talk is finally over and we’re seeing action. “We had extensive consultation with stakeholders, each board member was interviewed in a workshop, key downtown stakeholders were interviewed, we had about 400 responses to our various surveys that we used to bring that data together, ” says Fisher.
20 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
What became of that data and those insights was a threeyear gameplan called the River District Action plan. It’s unique in that it comprises the critical objectives of the City of Owen Sound with the core values of the OSDIA. Some tasks are
worked on individually, some collaboratively, and some bring in other partners like Public Health and Grey County to lend a helping hand and expertise where applicable. The River District Action Plan encompasses four main pillars: branding, management, experience development, and promotion. The branding aspect will focus on creating that fresh new identity, how the aesthetics of the locale will function and work together. Management will look deeper into how the space is effectively run, i.e. garbage collection and infrastructure. Experience development is all about activating and animating newly realized public spaces that attract people with concerts, proper wayfinding signage, interpretive plaques, benches, etc (remember, long before the 10th Street Bridge Construction or a pandemic, the River Precinct project helped create a new public space by the Farmers’ Market). Finally, promotion; the big annual marketing plan that includes a new website, branded digital media, social media presence, and a stronger focus on River District content. “[It’s about] continuing to have a space where businesses can be successful, and the River District is a place that people want to come to,” says Fisher. “We’ve seen that transition over the last year and a half - people explor[ing] their own backyard and an increased focus on shopping locally. We’ve seen that in 2020, with all the patios popping up. It creates an atmosphere where people want to bring their families and spend time. It’s an experience rather than a space where people just stop to shop.” If we take a step back and choose to see the advantages COVID19 has brought us, one thing that stands out is having the ability to pause and look at life through a different lens.
ABOVE: City councillors, business owners, and stakeholders stand at the grand opening of the newly rebuilt 10th Street Bridge, Gitche Namewikwedong Bridge, that intersects the River District. Melissa Crannie photo. BOTTOM: The southern block of 2nd Avenue East between 8th and 9th Streets’. John Fearnall photo.
It’s clear that a sense of community is going to continue to be critically important here. The first whisper of an idea to overhaul the downtown area came to the City’s attention back in 1985 - one could argue 2020 was the perfect time to jump into a project so hellbent on giving back to the culture and identity of this place. As a rural city, we’re incredibly fortunate the OSDIA Board of Management and Council went ahead and approved the three-year strategy to revamp the River District. OSDIA President Dave Parsons says he sees and hears how big of a draw the river really is. “I made notice of the cars over the last year and a half, and at least half of them aren’t from here,” explains Parsons over the phone. “Their license plates read Orangeville, Collingwood,
Toronto, Guelph, Waterloo… When we develop the River District, it becomes more of a destination for these people.” He says it’s always been about providing a good experience as a business owner, but recent times have created a complex customer/owner experience that’s as much about shining a light on the community and playing host to visitors and newcomers as a collective population. “We’ve needed to develop something that’s not just about our businesses. Using things like entertainment at the market, and certainly last summer - places like the sidewalk cafes, helped to keep people around longer. More entertainment to the area, events, really fostering a culture of collaboration.” Here’s to pulling ahead in the same direction, together.
LIFESTYLE
We asked local business owners to offer up their favourite places to go and things to do during an Owen Sound summer. Aiyana Hartan: owner of Eternal Bee I’m definitely spending more time outside during these lockdowns enjoying the abundance of nature trails and waterfalls in our area. My favourite spots for hiking and mountain biking are the Owen Sound West Rocks, Palisades Trail, Harrison Park, the Arboretum, Inglis falls and the Creemore side trail. Some of my favourite quiet hiking trails that are close to town are the Hibou Trails with the beautiful board walks and swampy areas, great for spotting eagles and other wildlife.
HOW TO:
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
These are just a few of the countless trails we have available to us. I feel very blessed to live in this area. I recommend getting a good map of the area and starting a list of all the cool places you’d like to check out. Google offers many locations that aren’t necessarily on the map. Don’t forget the bug repellent. I make the good natural stuff and it works like a charm. Always bring water and snacks, the trail sometimes is longer than you expect. Good quality hiking shoes are a must. The West Rocks and many of the trails are great for foraging wild foods like leeks, violets, mushrooms, dandelion etc. Winnifred Walcott, owner of Owen Sound Wellness Whenever I get the chance, I will do exercises outdoors as this is crucial for our mental health and wellbeing especially during this pandemic. I do not have a specific location everywhere is stunning! Wherever is convenient I will do my exercises. A few benefits of regular exercise are that it improves our mood, helps with weight loss, boosts our energy, and improves our sleep. Be responsible when spending time outdoors in this area, and continue to practice social distancing (6 feet away from people who are not living in your household), wear face covering when required, stay away from crowded areas, continue to practice safe hygiene, and wash your hands on a regular basis. Let’s beat this pandemic by doing our part to protect ourselves and others.
24 | SOUND OUTLOOK SUMMER 2021
Owen Sound harbour. John Fearnall photo.
Riel Warrilow, manager at Artists’ Co-op I’ve been spending a lot of time at the Mill Dam lately. It’s a bit out of the way for me, but it’s a beautiful spot to start my morning before heading in to the gallery. Do yourself a favour and pick up a Grey Sauble parking pass for the summer. It’s a revenue stream for a very deserving organization and it gives you access to all kinds of amazing properties like Hibou Beach, Inglis falls, and so many other places to hike or swim.
LIVE MUSIC IS BACK
Kim and Adam Cooke, owners of Lucky Dog Motors We are huge fans of Kelso beach, especially in the summer and usually walk back along the waterfront (we live downtown)...and sometimes, okay - almost always, we stop at Ted and Grace’s for ice cream. Another fun one is to ride bikes through Kelso and make your way past the grain elevators to the pier. That structure is so incredible up close and in person. Love a good Saturday morning stroll to the Market downtown. Most of our treats never make it home, haha! We frequent the Market year round, but it’s especially fun in the summertime.
Achilles Stavrous, owner of Europa Restaurant What a destination Owen Sound is! If you like the arts, there are many places to visit downtown Owen Sound! There are so many unique destinations for gastronomy and those who love the trails. Oh my, this place is a hidden gem. As a person who lived half my life overseas in the cradle of civilization - glorious Hellas, Greece - there were two places I never forgot about growing up in Canada and this area: Harrison Park and Inglis Falls. Those are still a mustvisit when friends come up north. I will always find time to introduce them to the beauty this area has.
All summer long, the City of Owen Sound will be filled with free world-class live music in two of its most idyllic and iconic outdoor settings connected by the Sydenham River. Catch the TD Harbour Nights series on the west harbour wall in front of the Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum every Sunday night. Bring your own chair, bask in the evening sun, and take in some of the finest laid back tunes around. Don’t forget to check out Music at the Market, a new concert series that began in 2020 as a way to bring people together while socially distancing after a long winter of being cooped up inside. Music at the Market takes place all summer long at
www.owensound.ca/en/exploring/ harbour-nights-concert-series.aspx
the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market in a local gathering place known at the River Precinct. Presented by the City of Owen Sound, this free physically distanced series of outdoor musical concerts, featured live music performances every Thursday & Friday, 12pm – 2pm. Music at the Market features some of the best musical talent from Owen Sound, Grey County, and the surrounding area, reinforcing Owen Sound’s rightful place as a major hub for Ontario’s music and arts scene. For full schedules and artists’ biographies - scan the QR codes or visit their respective URLs.
musicatthemarket.ca/event-dates/