Municipal elections are often overlooked, yet they directly shape the day-to-day lives of residents. In Owen Sound, Ontario, this reality is especially true—and especially urgent. The current City Council has taken steps to restrict public input, silencing the voices of the very people they were elected to represent. With a majority of councillors having served for more than eight years, the city's leadership has grown stagnant, disconnected, and resistant to change.

Voter turnout in municipal elections is typically low, but this only benefits entrenched power. When people don't vote, the status quo continues unchallenged. In Owen Sound, the status quo is not serving all residents equally. Nearly half of all households in the city earn less than $57,600 a year. Yet this large and economically vulnerable portion of the population has little to no real representation at the council table. Council decisions on housing, transit, public services, and taxation have profound effects on these households—but the people making these decisions often do not reflect their lived experiences or priorities.

The only way to break this cycle is through informed participation. Voters must take the time to study the candidates, attend public forums, ask hard questions, and look beyond familiar names. They should ask:

Who truly understands the challenges facing low — and middle-income residents?

Who is committed to restoring public engagement and transparency? and,

Who is ready to challenge outdated thinking and bring new energy to City Hall?

Owen Sound needs a council that listens, adapts, and serves all of its citizens—not just a long-serving few. Real change begins with the ballot box. In the upcoming election, every voter has the power to help remake council into one that truly reflects and represents the community. The first step is to pay attention. The second step is to show up and vote.

This election is an opportunity to change the Status Quo Two major, pressing issues illustrate why informed voting matters:

1. Art Gallery Expansion—A $16–$25 Million Price Tag?
   Council recently approved a fundraising feasibility study for expansion of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery (TTAG), proposing a combined facility for gallery, library, and tourism. The study itself is based on financing concepts without taxpayer support so far—but the price tag has been reported in the ballpark of $16 million, with community discussions hinting at the real cost in a range closer to $25 million (owensoundcurrent.com).      
   
   That's a substantial long-term investment. Who ensures taxpayers—especially lower-income households—aren't left holding the bag?  Who evaluates whether those funds should instead address under-served needs?

2. Downtown Drug Use Crisis—Skyrocketing Overdoses & Public Safety Concerns
   Downtown Owen Sound is facing a visible and dangerous crisis of substance use:     

• On an ordinary day, business owners witness people shooting up or smoking drugs in plain view; some remain unconscious on sidewalks, others behave erratically with weapons—even police response can be slow to none (owensoundcurrent.com).

• Overdose incidents have surged: in one recent ten-day span, there were 15 opioid overdoses—including one fatal—in the city (owensoundcurrent.com).

• In early 2025, major policing efforts (Project Backboard) removed nearly 850 potential fentanyl doses and hundreds of fentanyl- and cocaine-based substances from circulation, along with cash and a firearm (Owen Sound Police Service).

This isnt an abstract issue—its one affecting downtown safety, property values, business viability, and community well-being.

Why Voter Awareness and Engagement Is Crucial

1. Representation Matters:
   With nearly half of Owen Sound households earning under $57,600—and downtown residents especially affected by the drug crisis—these voices are poorly represented by a long-standing, unchanging council.

2. Budget Priorities Should Reflect Community Needs: 
   An arts expansion may be culturally valuable—but not at the expense of downtown safety, housing, mental-health supports, or addiction services. Voters must ask: What are our real priorities?

3. Demand Accountability and Action: 
   Council's closure of public feedback channels makes voting—and electing receptive, responsive representatives—one of the few effective ways to demand meaningful, compassionate action.

Change begins with the ballot box. Vote wisely!

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