Several Owen Sound city services and buildings will be closed on Canada Day, July 1, as an Orange Heat Warning stays in effect for the region. Environment Canada warns that maximum temperatures could reach 37 degrees Celsius through the end of the week, with humidex values making it feel like 41 to 43, and low nighttime temperatures will bring little relief.
The City is reminding people that four cooling centres are open for anyone who needs a break from the heat. These are the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library, the YMCA Shared Corridor at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre, the Bayshore Community Centre, and Owen Sound City Hall.
On the holiday, City Hall and the Public Works building will be shut, reopening Thursday, July 2. The local bus service, Owen Sound Transit, and Mobility Transit will not run. However, the Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) will keep its regular schedule. The Transfer Station is closed and there is no garbage or recycling pickup on July 1, with collection moved to June 30. The Leaf and Yard Waste Compost Site stays open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The library, Tom Thomson Art Gallery, and Owen Sound Tourism Services are all closed July 1 and reopen July 2. The Bayshore Community Centre is closed June 30 and July 1, but the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre is open with rentals. The YMCA will be open on Canada Day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with some changes to its programs. Public washrooms at Harrison Park and Kelso Beach at Nawash Park are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the long weekend.
Emergency services like fire and police will operate around the clock as usual. While many facilities take a break, the City is hosting a two-day Canada Day party at Kelso Beach on June 30 and July 1, with live music, over 60 vendors, more than 15 food trucks, and fireworks on July 1 at 10 p.m. The event also includes the city’s first drone show on June 30 at 10 p.m. Officials encourage everyone to stay hydrated, use cooling centres if needed, and check on neighbours who may be more at risk in the heat.
