To: Owen Sound City Council
Stop Planning. Start Doing. Launch Owen Sound’s Vision 2050 This Fall.
We, the undersigned residents, businesses, and community partners of Owen Sound, call on City Council to move from planning to action on the Vision 2050 Strategic Plan.
Why is this important?
For months, the community has contributed ideas, surveys, and feedback to shape Vision 2050. The plan outlines a bold vision for housing, jobs, healthcare, safety, culture, and sustainability. But residents are growing frustrated with delays, reports, and endless meetings.
It’s time to act.
We believe Owen Sound can and must:
It’s time to act.
We believe Owen Sound can and must:
- Finalize the plan at the Sept. 24, 2025 full-day working session with council, staff, and community leaders.
- Approve the plan at the Oct. 6, 2025 Council meeting, and mandate a new Owen Sound Community Strategic Leadership Action Team to oversee its rollout.
- Launch and communicate Vision 2050 at the Oct. 27, 2025 Council meeting, with a clear roadmap, evaluation plan, and public accountability.
This three-step path is achievable, because the work is already done: the draft plan is strong, consultations are complete, and Owen Sound has the partners and expertise to succeed.
What’s missing is urgency.
As Juha Kaakinen, architect of Finland’s housing strategy, reminded us:
“You can’t KPI your way out of a crisis. Sometimes you just have to give a damn.”
We urge Owen Sound City Council: Stop the hamster wheel. Stop planning. Start doing. Launch Vision 2050 this fall.
What’s missing is urgency.
As Juha Kaakinen, architect of Finland’s housing strategy, reminded us:
“You can’t KPI your way out of a crisis. Sometimes you just have to give a damn.”
We urge Owen Sound City Council: Stop the hamster wheel. Stop planning. Start doing. Launch Vision 2050 this fall.