A series of major projects have helped propel building permit values in the City of Owen Sound to historic highs.

The city reported last month that construction values reached $214.5 million for the year to date. By comparison, the city’s previous high for construction activity in a single year was $67 million – in 2020.

“This level of growth doesn’t happen by chance,” said city manager Tim Simmonds. “It’s the result of years of effort to align our staff and foster a culture of ‘getting to yes.’ By working together and removing barriers, we’ve created a cross-department environment where development can succeed and where investment in Owen Sound makes sense.”

Highlights from this year’s development so far include a mix of residential and retail development. Key projects include:

• East Bayshore Road, a residential rental community of 712 units, with 267 units and an amenity building now started in construction.
• West Side Harbour, a multi-building, purpose-built rental project of six three-storey buildings and an amenity building on the former Black Clausen Kennedy Factory site.
• Bayshore Terrace, a new 30-unit life lease-building under construction
• Expansion of the Heritage Grove Shopping Centre with the addition of FreshCo, and larger locations for PetSmart, Princess Auto, Winners and HomeSense retail spaces.

"This level of investment is unprecedented in Owen Sound,” said mayor Ian Boddy. “To see more than $200 million in construction value this year is a powerful sign of confidence in our city. It reflects years of thoughtful planning and preparation, and it shows that Owen Sound is a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

The city credits the boom in part to strategic technology investments in planning and building services with the introduction of Cloudpermit for building permits in 2024.

To date in 2025, the city has issued 264 building permits, collected more than $900,000 in permit fees, and completed 920 building inspections.