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Owen Sound is beginning to gather feedback to help create a roadmap for where the city wants to be in the future.
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On Tuesday, the city announced it was launching a survey as the first initiative under Future Owen Sound – Vision 2050. The project, which will build on the work that informed the city’s last strategic plan refresh, “will create a roadmap for where the city wants to be, and every four years, a Term of Council set of priorities will be developed that are focused on delivering that Vision.”
“This survey will provide important groundwork as we work to create a future vision and roadmap for Owen Sound,” Mayor Ian Boddy said in a news release. “Everyone’s lived experience is important. We want to hear from all community stakeholders, including the business community, home businesses, students and seniors, service providers and social service hubs. Let’s create our city’s future together.”
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The city is working with Jay Pitter Placemaking on the project. According to a May 8 report to the city’s strategic planning ad hoc committee, the approved capital budget for the project is $100,000, with a contract issued to Jay Pitter Placemaking with an upset limit of $80,000. The report notes that $5,00 has been spent on physical tools that will be used during the survey.
Jay Pitter Placemaking is “renowned for its innovative approach to amplifying community stakeholders’ involvement and capturing unique perspectives,” the release said, allowing the city to “co-create a community vision and deepen engagement centred on local knowledge.”
The survey can be accessed online on the project page at OurCity.OwenSound.ca. Paper copies of the survey will be available at city hall, the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library, the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. There will also be a mobile survey station at some upcoming community events, the release said.
The survey is open until July 12.
The city is also reaching out to groups or clubs that could support the survey’s distribution. They are asked to get in touch with the city at communications@owensound.ca
The project timeline has the first phase of gathering feedback running until September, with the second phase of shaping the vision running through October and November. Phase 3, the development of the vision document is slated to occur between November and the end of January 2025, with Phase 5, Consideration of the Vision, taking place in February and March of next year.
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