u/aizvo

Had an interview with candidate for council Thomas Arakal yesterday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCv76fcvDo

Thomas discusses various community concerns including transit reliability, infrastructure maintenance, park amenities, municipal transparency, downtown safety, affordable housing, and waste management services. Thomas notes that residents often walk to work due to unreliable transit and expensive taxi fares, suggesting a need for more consistent service and better road conditions. Regarding parks, the speakers say there is a desire for more active options for children and seating for seniors. On financial matters, Thomas suggests that budget information should be transparent and accessible without requiring specialized knowledge, while noting they cannot comment on specific mismanagement until official numbers are released. The discussion includes suggestions for affordable housing initiatives, such as utilising existing developments for low-cost sustainable dwellings, and the need to prioritize community resources over hiring external consultants.

Disclaimer: I'm Andrii Zvorygin candidate for mayor of Owen Sound.

The City finally provided at least a partial 2025 outstanding debt schedule.

It shows:

• $28.62 million in external debt
• $3.58 million in annual debt payments
• about $17.19 million tied to clearly identified water and wastewater projects

That last part matters because the City says water and wastewater services are supposed to be fully funded through user fees.

So I’ve asked the City to clarify which debt payments are being funded through:

• property taxes
• water/wastewater user fees
• other revenue sources

There is also a reporting gap.

The City’s own debt policy says the annual report should include the interest rate, principal-versus-interest breakdown, and funding source for each debt instrument.

Appendix E is missing those items.

Once the City provides them, we should be able to separate tax-supported debt from rate-supported debt and get a much clearer picture of the actual burden on property taxpayers.

Full update and source documents:

https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8659/update-on-owen-sounds-286-million-external-debt

I emailed every mayor and deputy mayor candidate in Grey County about a shared proposal for affordable rural living geared to local incomes.

The working model could enable:

• Single adults: home + 1 ha (2.5 acres) for about $500–$750/month

• Couples/families: home + 2 ha (5 acres) for about $900–$1,050/month

The idea is one clear County-wide framework that farmers, families, co-ops, land trusts and others can use to create affordable rural communities on suitable land with a straightforward approval path.

Would you or anyone you know be interested in this kind of living in Grey County?

I am candidate for Mayor of Owen Sound.

Here is the email I sent to the other mayor and deputy mayor candidates in Grey County with the proposal in more detail:

https://helpos.ca/c/grey-county-council/8551/a-shared-grey-county-affordable-rural-housing-proposal

Council heard zoning comments on Amendment No. 59 near 10th Street West, reviewed a deputation from Annette Pedlar regarding emergency shelter services at 612 2nd Avenue East, and addressed passing by-laws to execute agreements with Graverts Museum for transportation funding matters.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8538/152k-pilot-for-river-district-sleeping-owen-sound-council-me

• Annette Pedler presented a report on the Neighborhood Response Team pilot program which operated in the River District plus M’Wikwedong from November 1st until March to address non-criminal calls involving people sleeping in doorways or crying on benches. She argues that emergency services are financially strained by these situations and requests council support via a letter of endorsement for the Trillium Grant application, noting initial funding of $152,000 with projected annual costs under $300,000 to prevent physical harm like frostbite or loss of limbs caused by exposure during brutal winters. Speaker 02 questioned how the team differs from United Way services while another councillor opposed funding without statistical proof that police call volume reduction claims are accurate.
• Council Approves $100 000 Funding Agreement with Georgian College for Owen Sound Campus: Council approved a motion directing the City Manager and Treasurer to enter into a funding agreement with Georgian College for $100,000 payable in installments over four years starting in 2027 to support the Owen Sound campus; Councillor Kukreja declared a conflict of interest because she is employed by the college. Councillor Farmer opposed waiving notice due to concerns about tying future councils’ hands on multi-year capital commitments and argued that municipal funds should not fill gaps left by provincial starvation rations without requiring operational retention from the college. The motion was carried after a vote where one councillor opposed, despite arguments regarding fiscal responsibility compared to hospital donations.
• Community Events and Poverty Task Force Updates: Councillor Farmer reported on the successful third annual Bandit Fest organized by local teens and highlighted an upcoming candidates education session hosted by the Poverty Task Force for Friday, September 18th.

Over the past several weeks, I have canvassed in each of Owen Sound’s seven proposed wards, including neighbourhoods close to downtown and areas near the edges of the city.

One of my most useful discoveries came from residents living far from downtown. Many said their own neighbourhood was doing well. They were intrigued by the possibility of an annual gathering where they could meet the people living around them.

Many City-supported events are held near downtown or the waterfront. Households throughout Owen Sound contribute through property taxes, so residents should have opportunities to enjoy community events close to home.

This helped refine the ward and Local Representative plan.

Owen Sound would have seven wards, each represented on Council by one elected ward councillor. Each ward would contain around 10 local areas of roughly 150 households.

A paid Local Representative living in each area would serve as a neighbourhood contact. They would share City information, listen to local concerns and connect residents with their ward councillor.

Once a year, each Local Representative would personally invite every household to a voluntary neighbourhood social nearby. Residents could simply come to meet their neighbours, with the option of bringing their own snack or non-alcoholic beverage.

The estimated citywide cost of offering 70 socials and inviting all 11,000 households would be around $23,000 to $25,000 annually, or roughly $2.25 per household.

That is $11,000 to $13,000 less than the $36,000 in federal and provincial grants received for Owen Sound’s 2026 Canada Day celebration, before City funding and sponsorships are included.

Would you attend an annual social with people from your local area?

Another part of the update concerns local jobs.

Owen Sound and Grey-Bruce purchase many goods and services from outside the region. Some of that existing demand could support competitive local production, repair, food processing, digital services and other enterprises.

Training could then be connected with work the region already needs. The goal is to help more local businesses, suppliers and jobs develop while keeping more existing spending circulating close to home.

I also had a constructive conversation with Deputy Mayor Scott Greig. We found common ground on transparency, fiscal responsibility, local representation and compassion. Our discussion included creating easier pathways for affordable rural housing through cooperation at Grey County.

Thomas Arakal and I also met with council candidate David William Schinbein. David discussed his municipal experience, his service as a councillor in Esquimalt, BC, and his work in security.

David supports the shared principles of transparency, participation and compassion and is willing to cooperate constructively on council. Each participating candidate remains independent and brings their own priorities.

Earlier conversations with Jim Hutton, David, Thomas and residents also helped shape a dedicated transparency plan. It includes clearer reporting on City services, staffing, contracts, decisions and results.

One practical example is City events. Residents should be able to see what each event costs, what grants and sponsorships it receives, what revenue it produces and the final contribution from the City.

The next phase of canvassing will combine broad daytime flyer delivery across the city with slower evening conversations on some of the flyer-ed streets.

The full campaign update, including the transparency and participation plans, is here:

https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8529/campaign-update-neighbourhood-socials-local-jobs-and-council

I am Andrii Zvorygin, a registered candidate for Mayor of Owen Sound. Tell me what you would like to see addressed.

I would especially appreciate feedback on:

• Would the ward and Local Representative structure provide clearer representation?
• What goods or services could be produced locally?
• What City spending should be easier to follow?

On July 9, the Committee of the Whole for Grey County convened to address pressing fiscal realities, transit stability, and community safety concerns following an audit confirmation year-end.
https://helpos.ca/c/grey-county-council/8519/2026-budget-fiscal-approval-grey-county-committee-of-the-who
The meeting moved quickly past procedural formality into substantive financial updates that reveal a county navigating inflationary pressure on construction materials while protecting vulnerable services like court security and rural transit. Staff confirmed a clean 2025 audit opinion with net assets of $36 million, yet specific departments face immediate variances driven by timing differences in insurance payments and unanticipated costs for IT infrastructure. A significant debate emerged regarding traffic safety along Grey Road 13 and the viability of existing bus routes, resulting in decisions that prioritize data collection over hasty capital expenditure

Council heard deputation comments regarding an employment hub proposal at Glassworks Village, considered a development charge exemption request for apartments on 15th Avenue East, and reviewed bylaw amendments covering encroachment refurbishments alongside new agreements with Icebox Saint Thomas Limited.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8514/housing-employment-glassworks-proposal-density-owen-sound-co

I have been digging into some interesting Owen Sound data and municipal issues over the last few weeks.

One of the biggest questions that came up: does council actually have enough influence to carry out the priorities residents vote for?

I met with Jim Hutton and Thomas Arakal to discuss City Hall, budgets, staffing, and accountability.

A key issue was the balance between elected council and administration. Staff provide important expertise, but council is elected by residents to set direction. If council members are not aligned around clear priorities, administration naturally has a much stronger role in shaping what moves forward.

One example discussed was the council-approved town hall intended for residents to engage directly with elected representatives. The final format staff organized became presentations from City departments, leaving less room for residents to ask councillors questions and receive public answers.

Jim also emphasized that meaningful change requires enough elected members who share core commitments and can work together to set direction.

I also finally obtained polling data and created maps showing:

🗺️ where electors live
📊 where turnout is highest
🗳️ where ballots are actually cast

https://helpos.ca/maps/poll-map.html

The interesting finding: electors are spread fairly evenly across Owen Sound, but actual voters are much more concentrated in the south. Does anyone know why that is? Jasmine suggested it was because of efforts of Rebound Owen Sound last election advocating in the area for John Farmer.

I also created a draft ward representation map using the available data.

On transit, I reviewed the City’s studies, ridership information, and survey results and developed a proposed core route connecting:

• OSDSS
• Downtown terminal
• Georgian College
• Brightshores Hospital
• Heritage Place Mall
• both hills

The goal is a reliable core route that gets people across Owen Sound’s difficult geography, with walking and cycling completing shorter local connections.

The transit survey showed evening service was the most requested improvement, so I also looked at how service could operate until around 10 p.m. for shift workers, students, hospital workers, and others.

I also spent time speaking with Brooke residents. Many people there said their own area was doing well, while still identifying city-wide concerns such as homelessness and downtown drug addiction.

That reinforced the idea that local representation should match local needs. Some areas need active problem-solving. Others may mainly benefit from stronger community connections and a local person residents know they can contact.

Full update:
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8517/brooke-ward-representation-and-services-people-use

I am Andrii Zvorygin, a registered candidate for Mayor of Owen Sound. Tell me if you think there are better Mayoral candidates, if I should run for council or what you'd like to see.

I would especially like feedback on:

• council vs administration balance
• the ward map
• transit priorities

The July 13, 2026 Council Meeting - Regular agenda includes Housing Supply And Development Charges.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8413/housing-supply-and-development-charges-council-meeting-regul
The upcoming civic meeting on July 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM will consider Report CS-26-060 regarding ZBA No. 58 for East Court Residences Apartments at 1201 15th Avenue East, where pedestrian connectivity and cultural heritage concerns from Saugeen Ojibway Nation meet proposals for 128 rental units to address housing supply needs in Grey County alongside archaeological safety requirements. Staff will also review Deputation CS-26-067 concerning Glassworks Development Co-operative Board President Kristopher Stevens regarding the conversion of approximately 18.6 hectares at 1919 26th Street East, noting that an Employment Land Needs Assessment reveals surplus vacant land capable of supporting over 4,300 jobs even after residential rezoning discussions proceed under Official Plan Amendment No. 14 potential changes.
Development Charge Exemption Request - 1201 15th Avenue East: Andpet Realty Limited requests exemption from City development charges for 124 senior rental units at 1201 15th Avenue East, arguing that provincial affordability thresholds render construction financially unviable. Staff report notes the project would forego approximately $985,000 in revenues needed to fund infrastructure like roads and wastewater systems under the ‘growth pays for growth’ principle. While acknowledging previous phases added units without relief, staff warn that granting this specific exemption outside current by-law criteria creates a dangerous precedent for future developers facing similar market challenges.
Request to Lease Lands to the West of 612 2nd Avenue East: Safe 'N Sound, the new owner of the property at 612 2nd Avenue East, requests a lease renewal for lands to the rear designated as Hazard zoning. The City proposes updating an expired agreement originally tied to Family Y daycare operations to support Safe 'N Sound’s development of a year-round low-barrier emergency shelter and crisis residence. This arrangement provides eight required parking spaces on existing easement infrastructure while designating adjacent outdoor areas for amenity use, ensuring the facility meets operational needs without impacting neighbouring properties.

On July 7, 2026, the Owen Sound Committee of Adjustment debated replacing wooden fences with cedar trees to address fire safety concerns near propane barbecue areas while denying dog restraint modification requests for public safety.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8409/tawanda-muzzle-order-upheld-owen-sound-committee-of-adjustme
Concerns were raised regarding fire safety protocols and the placement of wooden fences near propane barbecue areas, prompting debates on substituting them with cedar trees or hedges to mitigate potential spread from back porches. A separate appeal addressing an animal control order mandated specific restraints for a dog named Tawanda following an incident where the animal lunged at another resident, causing surgical injuries requiring treatment for a fractured finger. Evidence presented by the appellant highlighted instances of safe behaviour in high-stress environments to argue against stricter physical controls during solo walks or harness use; however, the board ultimately denied requests to rescind the leash and muzzle requirement as reasonable measures necessary for public safety. While authorities acknowledged the dog’s performance record elsewhere, including work at London hospitals, they maintained that current restrictions remain essential until a future review occurs six months from now. Animal Control Officer testimony confirmed the severity of the bite incident involving a Bull Mastiff mix named Tawanda, reinforcing the need to balance individual care with community safety standards established by municipal orders in 2026-001.

On July 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Council will consider a new framework proposed by staff to replace the 2007 system with experts overseeing rules covering property maintenance, vehicles, business licences, and public safety up to the 2040s.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8405/property-standards-and-vital-bylaw-committee-corporate-servi
This shift aims to protect vulnerable residents from unsafe conditions like mould and cold exposure while streamlining enforcement against landlords cutting off essential utilities without written notice. The agenda will explore updates defining adequate heating at 20°C, expanding authority to inspect hazardous exterior structures for public safety, and introducing swift penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 daily upon Attorney General approval. Concurrent applications regarding fine structures will be reviewed as feasibility discussions continue toward a mid-2026 implementation start, without finalizing decisions yet. Discussions may include regulating shopping carts, managing encampments, controlling fireworks near sensitive zones like deer hunting areas, addressing wildlife feeding conflicts during winter debris issues, establishing rules for mobile home parks, preventing snowmobile conflicts, and setting permit requirements at derby camping events.

On June 23, 2026, Owen Sound Council deferred revenue figures while approving a two hundred thousand dollar replacement play structure at Parkview alongside strategic asphalt reallocations.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8394/nine-bends-trail-emergency-funding-approved-owen-sound-counc
The June 23 municipal meeting addressed urgent infrastructure deficits threatening public safety through a lens of equitable resource allocation. Funding was directed toward replacing the Kenny Drain’s failing segment to stop hazardous brown sediment plumes from contaminating Bayshore Road water intakes, preventing future boil advisories that disproportionately impact vulnerable neighborhoods. Simultaneously, capital investments targeted aging recreational assets at Parkview and Westmount playgrounds with a systematic replacement plan prioritizing universal accessibility for children of all abilities. Strategic reallocations also funded critical rehabilitation of Second Avenue West in collaboration with Grey County while modernizing traffic signals to ensure pedestrian safety against poor hydro pole placement. The council acknowledged severe budget constraints but committed resources to upgrading drainage systems at Harrison Park and Greenwood Cemetery, ensuring safe access to essential community spaces despite muddy conditions. Finally, comprehensive upgrades were approved for the water treatment plant roof and Tom Williams Park fencing, aiming to maximize asset value recovery while mitigating long-term liability risks for residents.

On June 15, 2026, Owen Sound Council discussed how police officers manage crises caused by failing services after reviewing rising downtown weapons incidents and pending regional encampment funding agreements.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8243/police-fill-service-gaps-owen-sound-council-meeting-special
Current police leadership emphasizes the growing burden of addressing crises after other municipal services fail to intervene. Data indicates a sharp year-over-year surge in downtown calls for service within the River District, driven by economic distress manifesting as violence and domestic disputes. Specific statistics reveal alarming trends including a 320 percent rise in weapons-related incidents alongside a doubling of mental health contacts compared to previous periods. Strategic discussions focus on shifting enforcement targets toward trafficking sources while acknowledging that existing social navigator pilots failed due to winter timing conditions. Regional comparisons highlight a lack of uniform tools for managing encampments and communal living situations across small jurisdictions compared to larger counterparts. Although Grey County leads provincial funding efforts, no finalized agreements currently exist to screen non-police matters before they escalate into critical emergency calls.

I recently sent an email to the Prime Minister, premiers, and Team Canada housing leaders proposing a national stream for land-based prefabricated villages.

I wrote it in the “Team Canada” housing style because it is meant to fit the structure Carney is already building: prefab and modular construction, public land, federal financing, and housing built at scale.

The basic argument is that Canada needs housing ordinary people can carry, not just more units priced far above ordinary incomes. The proposal uses four-season yurts, cabin-yurts, small cabins, modular homes, shared infrastructure, and productive land.

Email/proposal:
https://helpos.ca/c/advocacyemails/8244/a-team-canada-housing-stream-for-land-based-prefabricated-vi

I also wrote a related piece trying to track down where people got the impression that apartments are affordable housing.

And the answer is: they stopped being affordable decades ago.

Apartments share land, walls, roofs, plumbing, heating, roads, and infrastructure, so under older cost structures they really could be the cheaper option. But measured against income, that affordability broke in stages. For single working adults, new conventional housing was already out of reach by around 1990. For broader median households, the break came around 2007 to 2010.

Article:
https://helpos.ca/c/grey-county-news/8246/when-did-apartments-stop-being-affordable

My main point:

A dense unaffordable building is still unaffordable.

Cities, apartments, co-ops, townhouses, and non-profit housing all still have roles, and with vacant home tax can free up more units that were built when construction was still affordable.

But Canada needs at least one serious supply stream aimed directly at lower delivered cost, productive land access, food security, shared infrastructure, and dignity.

I would love practical feedback from people thinking seriously about affordability:

What would actually make new housing affordable for ordinary working people again?

What models are already working that Canada should copy or scale?

If land-based prefab villages are part of the answer, what would make the first pilots stronger?

And if you like the direction, share the proposal, send it to your MP/MPP/councillor, or adapt the idea for your own community.

On June 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM, leaders will examine how the River District absorbs rising weapons incidents, suicide threats, and assaults that in the first five months of 2026 comprised thirty percent of city police activity.
https://helpos.ca/c/owen-sound-council/8237/river-district-emergency-call-surge-council-meeting-special
Emergency calls now comprise 30% of all city police activity, a trend associated with significant declines in routine proactive patrols and community checks since 2023.
Severe spikes in weapons incidents up 320%, suicide threats jumping 200%, and assaults rising 133% are primarily concentrated in the River District, which has absorbed a growing share of total department workload despite fewer officers performing standard enforcement duties there. The presentation highlights a community increasingly reliant on emergency response for welfare checks rather than preventative engagement, with severe threats and domestic disputes driving most recent volume increases.