Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy said council and staff accomplished a lot in 2024.
Boddy said the city has to balance fiscal responsibility with a level of service the residents need.
He added the recent service review is being implemented and the savings are starting to add up.
"The initiatives have achieved approximately $950,000 in direct savings so far," Boddy revealed. "Overall, the service review is projected to deliver $2 million in combined direct and indirect savings, demonstrating the real benefits of these projects."
Boddy also pointed to partnerships as a way to keep costs down, such as shared agreements for leaf and yard waste collection with Georgian Bluffs and Meaford, as well as new agreements for fire and building inspection services with Georgian Bluffs. There was a partnership with the Kiwanis Club for repairs at the skateboard park. Plus, discussions are underway with West Grey about the possibility of a joint municipal police service. As well, the city has a new 20 year deal with the YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce to operate the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre.
Boddy also highlighted a ten year deal between the Attack Hockey Club and the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Meantime, repairs are expected to be completed at the Bayshore as the result of a leaking brine pipe. There are plans to replace the pipes, the floor, the boards and the glass in 2025.
Boddy said the cost of court security has been a long-standing financial strain for the city to bear alone, but Grey County stepped up to take on the $240,000 a year cost.
"Under the leadership the past few years of Warden Brian Milne and CAO Wingrove, Grey County Council has a mindset of finding a way to collaborate services that we all provide (but) could do more efficiently together," Boddy pointed out. "At the Grey County table, we are county first to benefit all lower tiers, not just ourselves."
Boddy expects to see shovels in the ground on several developments in 2025.
"Flato's Greystone Village, across from the hospital, has commenced site grading and storm water work. Overall, 2000 residential units have been approved with Sydenham Heights planning area up on Eighth Street," he explained. "The work and approvals towards the development of former courthouse and jail have continued with the formal site plan approval coming before staff to be completed in early 2025."
Other notable accomplishments of the year included the launch of the Owen Sound Vision 2050 project, and the implementation of a short term rental licensing program.
As well, the city has entered into a new waste collection disposable services agreement with Miller Waste, including source separated organic pickup. Starting June 1, 2025, there will be weekly pickup of source separated organics and bi-weekly solid waste, blue box and cardboard pickup.