Owen Sound's Municipal Engagement Group

Our group is a community-based, non-partisan initiative focused on strengthening civic engagement in Owen Sound ahead of the next municipal election. This initiative to engage residents in municipal affairs was started by Lesley Etchegary-Nicholson and Jim Hutton. Our mission is straightforward but urgent: increase voter turnout and encourage a wider, more representative range of candidates to run for city council.

In the 2022 municipal election, only 39% of eligible voters cast a ballot  -  the lowest turnout in the city 's recent history. This level of participation undermines the democratic process and leaves too many decisions in the hands of too few. We believe a more engaged electorate will lead to better leadership and more responsive governance. We would like to see a turnout in the 2026 election greater than 50%.

We are not affiliated with any political party. In fact, we reject the idea of party politics at the municipal level. While our members hold a wide range of political perspectives when it comes to provincial or federal issues, these topics are not part of our discussions. Instead, we are united by a shared concern for the future of Owen Sound.

Our city faces significant challenges. Taxes remain high due to fiscal inefficiencies, and studies have shown that our municipal administration is top-heavy  -  overstaffed by at least 10 management positions. Homelessness continues to grow while city council has failed to accept any responsibility for solutions and instead claim that helping the unhoused on Owen Sound streets is the exclusive purview of the County. Council was content to spend over $100,000 on studies for a $25 million Art Gallery expansion that we can't afford but consistently rejected calls to install public washrooms downtown.  They also fail to recognize that half of households in Owen Sound have after-tax incomes below $57,600, by improving public transit. It is interesting to note this demographic remains poorly represented in council chambers.

We believe that Owen Sound needs a council that truly reflects its population  -  in lived experience, economic background, and community priorities. Achieving that requires both informed voters and a pool of candidates who are willing to step forward to represent the city 's diverse residents.

Our work is rooted in conversation, education, and outreach. By connecting neighbours, sharing information, and encouraging participation, we aim to reverse the trend of low voter engagement and ensure Owen Sound 's next election is a turning point toward stronger, more accountable local government.