The City of Owen Sound will close sections of Second Avenue East from May 19 to May 22, 2026, to transition downtown decor from winter lights to summer banners. The work will take place in the River District, with crews closing one block at a time between 6:30 a.m. and noon to minimize disruption for local businesses and visitors.
The seasonal maintenance will follow a block-by-block schedule: the 700 block will be closed on May 19, the 800 block on May 20, the 900 block on May 21, and the 1000 block on May 22. All intersections from 7th Street East to 11th Street East will remain open throughout the project, and access to the hundreds of local shops in the area will be maintained.
To support continued access to the downtown core, the city is encouraging visitors to use public parking. Drivers can access complimentary two-hour on-street parking or utilize five-hour windows in municipal long-term parking lots. There are more than 800 parking spaces available for residents and visitors.
The installation of summer banners marks the annual removal of the Noma cross-street lights. These iconic lights have a history in the community dating back to 1947, when the Noma Electric Co. of Canada opened a branch plant in the city. The lights were later provided for the main street in 1957 to celebrate the city’s centennial.
Residents seeking more information about the seasonal maintenance project can contact Ryne Weppler, the city’s Parks and Open Space Supervisor.
