Ian Boddy. *supplied image)
Fiscal responsibility, infrastructure projects and progress on developments are some highlights for Owen Sound’s mayor from the past year.
Ian Boddy says several major projects were advanced in the city in 2024, including the $5.25-million reconstruction of a section of Alpha Street and the second phase of the Downtown River Precinct project. The Alpha Street reconstruction has wrapped up, while the River Precinct project is nearing completion as we head into the new year.
The city also invested in recreation infrastructure this year, Boddy says. About $100,000 in spending was approved to fix up the Kiwanis Sk8 and Bike Park near the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. And more than $1.6-million for a new arena floor and boards at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre was fast-tracked by council and will be completed in 2025.
Boddy also spoke about “fiscal responsibility” in his year-end address. He says the city’s 2024 budget included a 2.81 per cent levy increase, while a similar number (2.65 per cent) is projected in 2025. He notes more than $950,000 in savings were achieved this year through the implementation of recommendations from the Service Review Implementation Ad Hoc Committee.
“We continue to strategically manage our finances to consistently move our tax rates to be competitive with comparable municipalities, without cutting services,” Boddy says.
Boddy also highlighted some progress by developers in Owen Sound on a few housing projects. Flato has commenced site grading and storm water work on its Greystone Village development south of 8th Street East. More than 60 apartment units were approved for a proposed life-lease development off 10th Avenue East. A long stalled development near the Bayshore was purchased by a builder with plans to complete it as a multi-level building.
And there are several other noteworthy stories from Owen Sound city hall over the past year. Owen Sound implemented a Municipal Accommodation Tax for the first time. A short-term rental licensing program was put in place. A new 10-year agreement was reached between the city and the Owen Sound Attack, ensuring the OHL club’s future in the Scenic City. Public surveillance cameras were installed in downtown Owen Sound, in an effort to improve public safety. And a green bin program was approved to bring curbside source separated organics collection to Owen Sound, starting in June 2025.
Looking ahead, Boddy pledged to “make the best decisions we can” in 2025 in the “best interest of the city as a whole, even if some of those decisions aren’t popular with everyone.”