Owen Sound faces a leadership challenge. We are the highest-taxed municipality in Southern Ontario, yet we have some of the lowest household incomes in the region. This unfortunate distinction has not happened by chance - it is the result of years of cautious, risk-averse decision-making by councils unwilling to challenge staff recommendations or reject budgets that raise taxes faster than inflation. For more than two decades, many members of council have relied too heavily on staff reports and costly consultant studies rather than making timely, informed decisions based on the information already available. This pattern has slowed progress, increased costs, and weakened public confidence.
Just before the last election, Councillor John Tamming introduced a motion to explicitly ban short-term rentals (STRs) owned by non-resident property owners in residential zones. His motion did not ban all short-term rentals - just those owned by corporations and others not residing in Owen Sound. This proposal aligned with Owen Sound 's existing zoning bylaws and mirrored successful measures taken by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, which had dramatically reduced complaints through licensing and enforcement. Yet, the majority of council members appeared to support the non-resident owners right to run STRs in Owen Sound, regardless of the impact on Owen Sound residents. Instead of adopting a proven approach, council voted to delay action. Only Councillors Scott Greig and Carol Merton joined Tamming in supporting the motion. The majority decided to wait for yet another staff report, postponing the issue for another year. This “kick the can down the road” approach left neighbourhoods to contend with disruptive “party houses” for another season and encouraged more non-resident investors to purchase local properties - reducing the supply of housing available to residents. What Decisive Leadership Looks Like
Risk-averse bureaucrats, on the
other hand, delay action in pursuit of “perfect” information. They
shield themselves with consultant studies so that, if things go wrong,
responsibility is deflected. While this may protect reputations, it
slows progress and weakens community trust. During my career as a commanding officer overseeing the construction and trials of five ships on the West Coast, timelines were short and budgets limited. Success required clear, timely decisions - often with incomplete information. Had I adopted the kind of delay-driven, “kick the can down the road” approach seen in this council, those ships would still be in dry dock today. Owen Sound 's population and prosperity have been declining for years. Taxes have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation, while neighbouring communities have grown steadily. This is the cost of leadership that avoids risk and defers responsibility. When Councillor John Tamming chose
not to run in 2022, the city lost one of its strongest results-focused
leaders. His determination led to tangible savings, such as the
approximately $250,000 annually from closing the airport - savings that
likely would not exist without his persistence. His absence leaves a
leadership gap that must be filled. A Call to Candidates and Voters If you are considering running for council, ask yourself:
If you are a voter, look closely at the candidates in the 2026 election. Seek out those who are results-focused, willing to act, and capable of challenging the status quo. Avoid those who will stall progress with endless demands for studies and reports. Owen Sound needs leaders prepared to take on risk, make decisions, and guide our city back toward prosperity. |
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Missed Opportunity: Short-Term Rentals
