Listening at the Door: What I’m Hearing From Owen Sound Residents 

Aug-08-2026

As I continue knocking on doors and meeting residents across Owen Sound, I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to speak with me.

The most important part of door-knocking is not talking — it is listening.

Here are some of the common concerns and ideas residents and local businesses have shared with me so far.

Property Taxes & Responsible Spending

Property taxes are one of the most common concerns I hear. Residents want good municipal services, but they also want confidence that their tax dollars are being spent wisely and that Council looks for efficiencies before asking taxpayers for more.

Better Public Transit

Residents have raised concerns about the reliability and accessibility of public transit. Better transit can benefit seniors, youth, people without vehicles and those travelling to work, appointments and essential services.

Transit can also be an affordability issue. Some families need two vehicles because of work and family schedules. A more practical and reliable transit system could give some households the option to rely less on a second vehicle, potentially reducing transportation costs.

More Opportunities for Youth

Families have told me they would like to see more affordable activities and places for young people, including playgrounds, basketball courts and other recreational spaces.

Providing young people with safe and accessible places to be active is something worth considering as we plan our parks and recreation services.

Supporting Seniors & Yard Waste

Some seniors living on their own have raised a very practical concern with me.

They may be able to maintain their yard, rake leaves or trim small tree branches, but physically getting that material to the compost site can be difficult. Not everyone has a truck, trailer, family nearby or the physical ability to transport branches and yard waste themselves.

I believe we should look at whether there are practical and financially responsible ways to better assist seniors and residents with mobility limitations with seasonal yard-waste disposal.

Sometimes improving a municipal service doesn't require a huge project — it starts by listening to the everyday problems residents are experiencing.

Downtown Safety & Vibrancy

Residents have talked about feeling safe downtown and wanting to feel comfortable bringing their families there.

I have also heard concerns about how quiet parts of downtown become after approximately 5 p.m. We should look for practical ways to support local businesses, encourage more activity downtown and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires both compassion and practicality.

We need to support people who are struggling while also recognizing concerns surrounding safety, businesses and the use of public spaces.

The City cannot solve homelessness alone. It requires cooperation with Grey County, healthcare and community organizations, and other levels of government.

Supporting Local Businesses

Some local business owners have raised concerns about changes to recycling collection for commercial properties and the additional costs or responsibilities this can create.

Council should continue listening to affected businesses and examine what practical and financially responsible options may be available while recognizing the role of provincial recycling regulations.

Backyard Hens & Small-Scale Food Production

Some residents have asked whether Owen Sound could consider allowing a limited number of backyard hens for eggs and rabbits for household food production.

I believe this is something worth examining carefully rather than simply saying yes or no. Any potential changes would need to consider property size, appropriate setbacks, neighbours, cleanliness, animal welfare and reasonable regulations.

For some households, small-scale food production can provide another opportunity to become a little more self-sufficient.

Listening Before Promising

I will not promise that every idea I hear can or should be implemented.

One councillor is one voice and one vote at the Council table. Getting things done requires listening, researching the facts and costs, asking questions, bringing good ideas forward and working respectfully with other members of Council.

As an independent candidate, I will consider each issue on its merits and work with others when it benefits our community.

I will continue knocking on doors, meeting residents and listening.

Whether we agree on every issue or not, I want to hear what you have to say.

This is your city. Your voice matters.

— Thomas Arakal
Candidate for Owen Sound City Council