November already…

November 4, 2009

Wow. It’s hard to believe that November is here. With it comes the getting ready for Christmas season. Many stores are showing off Christmas displays now.
Kids are compiling their wish lists… we’re decorating our homes… we’re doing some shopping and hiding stuff away… the list goes on…

The Festival of Northern Lights kicks off later this month on November 20th with the opening ceremonies at 6:00 pm at the Queen’s Park Bandshell. The festival runs daily from 5:00 – 11:00 pm from November 20 to January 3rd. Check their website for events and celebrations.

On Saturday, November 21, Santa makes his way to Owen Sound for the Owen Sound Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade at 10:00 am Downtown Owen Sound. For info. call Cheryl Govier (519)371-4717.

That’s not all… there’s shopper’s nights and parades in various communities around Grey Bruce, Christmas bazaars and sales, concerts, and so much more. It’s such a great time of the year. Enjoy!

Written by Deb · Filed Under Participation, The Area, fun, theOwen

A few thoughts on Summerfolk- a video series

August 11, 2009

Written by Ryan · Filed Under theOwen

Open letter to Mayor Lovell and Owen Sound City Council

July 27, 2009

July 21, 2009
Open letter to Mayer Lovell and Owen Sound City Council
Re. Sydenham Holdings development proposition and proposed change in zoning

Dear Mayor Lovell and Council,

Last night, I attended a portion of the Council Meeting after reading Christy Hempel’s column in the Sun Times. Unfortunately, I did not read the article until five minutes before my arrival at City Hall, too late to hear the presentation of Sydenham Holdings, citizens input or the debate. Thus if my remarks are redundant, I apologize.

Firstly I wish to acknowledge the very difficult job you are faced with in these difficult economic times and facing challenges of a magnitude such as climate change hitherto undreamed of, or should I say unnightmared of! Additionally, I want to say, knowing several of you personally, I am sure of your sincerity in desiring a sustainable future for the citizens of Owen Sound.

Having said that I wish to share some comments and concerns arising from the reading of Ms. Hempel’s article and subsequent attendance at the Council meeting.

Let me vigorously voice my support for the substance of Ms. Hempel’s column, specifically her call for development in accordance with Ontario’s “Smart Growth” policies. I would as vigorously support her suggestion that council “review the long-range vision for our commercial area on the east side”.

Last night I heard several councilors talk about the responsibility Owen Sound has as regional centre. Hear, hear. I also heard enthusiastic reference for the prospective increased tax revenues that would ensue as a result of this development proposal. One question this raises is this proposal part of a sustainable solution to the economic problems we face as a city?

In about 1965 Owen Sound in what certainly seemed a good decision gave, as in zero cost, a piece of land to PPG to build a plant. It can’t be argued that this did create both revenue from taxes and many jobs for over forty years. With the recent closure, by definition, this has to be deemed, by definition, a non sustainable initiative. Was there an alternative that could have been pursued that would have been sustainable? I don’t know. Could the council of the day been more perspicacious in their decision making? It is hard to imagine given the virtually consonant world view at time.

These same conditions do not maintain today. We have knowledge of climate change. We have knowledge of peak oil and natural gas. With the greatest of respect to LEED(Leadership in Environmental and Sustainable Design) Gold designation, to point to having a big box retail development, epitomizing urban sprawl, achieving a LEED Gold standard as an example of sustainable development is akin to applauding the attachment of flotation devices to deck chairs on the Titanic.

In conversation with local Engineer Jim Farmer today, he told me the cost gap between goods imported from China and those manufactured locally has narrowed to five percent from the previous 20-30 percent. What happens when the products contained in “Big Box” retail are not cheap because of the cost of shipping, regardless of manufacturing costs? What happens when people won’t drive distances to shop because the cost of fuel has doubled tripled or quadrupled in cost. These circumstances, according to lots of people way smarter than me are a when not an if proposition. Not to mention the morality of burning carbon in a climate change crisis world.

May I respectfully suggest that Owen Sound can take a real leadership role in developing a sustainable, region with a healthy economy by helping to develop a regional plan based on self sufficiency and vertical integration That is, we eat food and consume goods and services produce and process and manufactured here. I moved here because I saw in Grey-Bruce the possibility of a sustainable, self-sufficient bio region for my children and future grandchildren to live in.. And I am not saying 100 percent. I want my fair trade coffee too. But could we shoot for 80 percent self-sufficiency.

I would urge you; no beg you, on behalf of the future generations, to be the exception as political leaders and develop a long term vision that is truly sustainable, not just pay lip service to the notion and be complicit in “Greenwashing”.

After attending last night’s meeting I called a friend, a local business man deeply involved with local affairs who cares deeply about a sustainable future for our community. I asked where were the people who share these values at last night’s meeting. He said sadly, “people don’t believe that council will listen”. I am sure that is not true of all of the councilors all of the time, but for it to be said at all, for me, is a problem.

Prove him wrong, please.

Sincerely,
Kevin Best

Written by Deb · Filed Under Community, Guest Post, theOwen

First Annual Owen Sound Cycling Festival

July 9, 2009

Grab your helmet, get on your bike and ride on down to the Bayshore this weekend for the First Annual Owen Sound Cycling Festival.

There will be lots of things to see and do at the festival including demonstrations, organized rides, company representatives, workshops, dirt jump/bmx/trials/xc mtb demonstrations/how to’s, great swag and lots of food. No matter what age or whether you’re a hardcore cyclist or just an around the block a time or two rider… there is something for every cyclist.

Saturday boasts their Special Indoor Feature: Cycling VIDEO NIGHT July 11, 8PM pre-Concert by Andy Sheppard

There are various rides planned for cyclists to participate in. Sunday is the Critical Mass Ride. A critical mass ride is designed to make the general public aware of bicycles….it will be a group ride through the city on Second Ave. to Harrison Park and back to the Bayshore. This ride will complete the festival.

The festival is for anyone interested in cycling whether as transportation, recreation or competitive sport….there will be something for everyone…even hand cycles for disabled persons. The festival is jointly sponsored by The City of Owen Sound, Grey Bruce Health Unit, Owen Sound Cycling Club and Bikeface Cycling.

Hope to see you there!

Written by Deb · Filed Under Community, Concerts, Owen Sound, Participation, theOwen