Owen Sound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Owen Sound
|
||
|---|---|---|
| City of Owen Sound | ||
Owen Sound Harbour
|
||
|
||
| Nickname(s):
The Scenic City
|
||
 Owen Sound
Location in Southern Ontario
Owen Sound
Location in Grey County
|
||
| Country | Canada | |
| Province | Ontario | |
| County | Grey | |
| Area | ||
| • Land | 24.27 km2 (9.37 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 20.91 km2 (8.07 sq mi) | |
| • Metro | 628.64 km2 (242.72 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 307 m (1,008 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
|
||
| • Urban | 21,612 | |
| • Urban density | 879.2/km2 (2,277/sq mi) | |
| • Metro | 32,712 | |
| • Metro density | 50.6/km2 (131/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (EST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (EDT) | |
| Forward sortation area |
N4K
|
|
| Area code(s) | 519, 226, 548 | |
| Highways |  Highway 21 Highway 6 Highway 10 Highway 26 |
|
Owen Sound is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is the main government center for Grey County. The city is located where the Pottawatomi and Sydenham Rivers flow into Georgian Bay. In 2021, about 21,612 people lived here.
One of the main reasons tourists visit Owen Sound is to see the many beautiful waterfalls nearby.
Contents
History of Owen Sound
Early Settlement and Naming
The land around the upper Great Lakes has been home to the Ojibwe people for a very long time. In 1815, a person named William Fitzwilliam Owen explored this area. He named the inlet after his older brother, Admiral Edward Owen.
Later, in 1841, a settlement was started by Charles Rankin. It was first called Sydenham. In 1851, the settlement's name was changed to Owen Sound. It officially became a town in 1857.
Famous People from Owen Sound
Owen Sound is known for some famous Canadians. One of the most well-known is William Avery "Billy" Bishop. He was a brave World War I flying ace, meaning he was a top pilot. He even won the Victoria Cross, a very high award for bravery. Bishop was Canada's best pilot in that war. He even fought against the famous Red Baron and survived!
The Billy Bishop Regional Airport near Owen Sound is named after him. You can visit his childhood home, which is now a museum. It tells the story of his life and Canada's history in aviation.
Other famous people from Owen Sound include:
- Harry Lumley, a Hall-of-Fame goaltender in the NHL.
- The artist Tom Thomson, who is buried nearby.
- Surgeon Dr. Norman Bethune, who was a pioneer in public medicine.
- Bill Hewitt, a legendary hockey broadcaster.
- Tommy Holmes, another brave soldier who won the Victoria Cross. The city's armoury is named after him.
Community Achievements
In 2005, Owen Sound won a national award. It was named the Communities in Bloom champion for cities of its size in Canada. This award recognized its beauty, natural areas, and strong community spirit. Owen Sound is also seen as a good place for people to retire. This is because it has many cultural, sports, and natural attractions.
Geography and Climate
Weather Patterns
Owen Sound has a humid continental climate. This means it has warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather is affected by Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. These large lakes help to cool the summers and make winters very snowy. Owen Sound is in the "Great Lakes snowbelt." This means it gets a lot of snow, with an average of about 330 centimeters (130 inches) each year. The city also gets a fair amount of rain, about 784 millimeters (30 inches) annually. Summer thunderstorms are quite common.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Owen Sound was 40.0°C (104.0°F) on July 3, 1911. The coldest was -36.7°C (-34.1°F) on February 6, 1895.
| Climate data for Owen Sound, 1981−2010 normals, extremes 1878−present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 15.6 (60.1) |
18.5 (65.3) |
26.1 (79.0) |
30.5 (86.9) |
36.1 (97.0) |
35.0 (95.0) |
40.0 (104.0) |
37.2 (99.0) |
35.6 (96.1) |
30.6 (87.1) |
22.8 (73.0) |
18.5 (65.3) |
40.0 (104.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −1.9 (28.6) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
3.2 (37.8) |
10.3 (50.5) |
16.6 (61.9) |
21.7 (71.1) |
24.8 (76.6) |
24.2 (75.6) |
20.2 (68.4) |
13.4 (56.1) |
6.9 (44.4) |
1.1 (34.0) |
11.6 (52.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −5.4 (22.3) |
−4.8 (23.4) |
−1 (30) |
5.8 (42.4) |
11.5 (52.7) |
16.6 (61.9) |
20.1 (68.2) |
19.6 (67.3) |
15.8 (60.4) |
9.6 (49.3) |
3.8 (38.8) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
7.5 (45.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −9.0 (15.8) |
−8.7 (16.3) |
−5.2 (22.6) |
1.2 (34.2) |
6.4 (43.5) |
11.5 (52.7) |
15.3 (59.5) |
15.0 (59.0) |
11.4 (52.5) |
5.7 (42.3) |
0.7 (33.3) |
−4.8 (23.4) |
3.3 (37.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −34.4 (−29.9) |
−36.7 (−34.1) |
−31.1 (−24.0) |
−18.3 (−0.9) |
−7.8 (18.0) |
−1.7 (28.9) |
1.1 (34.0) |
2.2 (36.0) |
−3.3 (26.1) |
−10.6 (12.9) |
−23.3 (−9.9) |
−30.0 (−22.0) |
−36.7 (−34.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 128.8 (5.07) |
86.3 (3.40) |
77.8 (3.06) |
71.0 (2.80) |
84.0 (3.31) |
73.5 (2.89) |
70.4 (2.77) |
78.7 (3.10) |
106.1 (4.18) |
98.0 (3.86) |
110.0 (4.33) |
129.9 (5.11) |
1,114.4 (43.87) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 27.9 (1.10) |
21.5 (0.85) |
42.4 (1.67) |
63.8 (2.51) |
84.0 (3.31) |
73.5 (2.89) |
70.4 (2.77) |
78.7 (3.10) |
106.1 (4.18) |
96.4 (3.80) |
82.8 (3.26) |
36.7 (1.44) |
783.9 (30.86) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 101.0 (39.8) |
64.8 (25.5) |
35.4 (13.9) |
7.3 (2.9) |
0.1 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
1.6 (0.6) |
27.2 (10.7) |
93.2 (36.7) |
330.4 (130.1) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 20.7 | 15.0 | 12.9 | 13.4 | 12.8 | 11.1 | 10.4 | 11.6 | 13.9 | 17.7 | 17.7 | 19.7 | 176.8 |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 4.4 | 3.5 | 6.4 | 12.3 | 12.8 | 11.1 | 10.4 | 11.6 | 13.9 | 17.5 | 13.7 | 7.1 | 124.7 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 17.4 | 12.3 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 0.04 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 14.0 | 59.5 |
| Source: Environment Canada | |||||||||||||
Sydenham River's Formation
The Sydenham River flows into Owen Sound Bay. This river was formed a very long time ago, before glaciers. It carved its way through the limestone of the Niagara Escarpment.
Culture and Events
Owen Sound was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004. It hosts many fun events and has several cultural places.
Festivals and Celebrations
- The Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival happens every August. It's a big event for music and crafts.
- The Festival of Northern Lights is a huge Christmas lights display. It lights up the Sydenham River, downtown, and Harrison Park from November to January.
- A Novel Marathon is a special event that raises money for adult reading programs.
In 2007, Owen Sound celebrated its 150th birthday. There were special events all year, including a big 10-day Homecoming celebration.
Theatres and Performances
The city has the Roxy Theatre, which seats 400 people. The Owen Sound Little Theatre group uses it for professional live shows and concerts. There's also the Youth Theatre Coalition. This group is run by young people, for young people. They put on musicals, plays, and concerts all year.
Museums and Attractions
Owen Sound has many interesting museums and cultural spots:
- Grey Roots Museum and Archives: This museum shows the history of Owen Sound and Grey County.
- The Roxy Theatre: A top spot for live entertainment in the area.
- Owen Sound Artists' Co-op: Started in 1994, it shows art from 45 local artists. It's in the old McKay building downtown.
- Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery: This gallery has many items and artworks by Tom Thomson. He was one of Canada's most famous artists and grew up nearby.
- Community Waterfront Heritage Centre: This center highlights the city's history with trains and boats. It shows how important they were for Ontario's growth.
- Billy Bishop Home and Museum: Located in Billy Bishop's childhood home. It tells his story and the history of flying in Canada.
- Black History Cairn: This monument in Harrison Park celebrates Owen Sound's role. It was a northern stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
- Owen Sound Farmer's Market: This market has been in the same spot since 1868. It's open every Saturday morning all year. You can find many local growers and craftspeople there.
- Owen Sound's Beth Ezekiel Synagogue: This building is special because it's one of the few small-town synagogues left in Ontario. It's the last active small-town synagogue in Canada.
- Georgian Bay Symphony: This orchestra has 55 volunteer musicians and 5 professional string players. They perform 5 main concerts a year and play at city events.
- The Owen Sound City Band: Started in 1923, this group of volunteer musicians performs at events like Canada Day and the Festival of Northern Lights. They also play regularly in Harrison Park and at Kelso Beach during the summer.
- The Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival: This three-day event started in 1976. It happens every August at Kelso Beach Park.
Demographics
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1871 | 3,369 | — |
| 1881 | 4,426 | +31.4% |
| 1891 | 7,497 | +69.4% |
| 1901 | 8,776 | +17.1% |
| 1911 | 12,559 | +43.1% |
| 1921 | 12,190 | −2.9% |
| 1931 | 12,839 | +5.3% |
| 1941 | 13,810 | +7.6% |
| 1951 | 16,423 | +18.9% |
| 1961 | 17,421 | +6.1% |
| 1971 | 18,469 | +6.0% |
| 1981 | 19,883 | +7.7% |
| 1991 | 21,674 | +9.0% |
| 1996 | 21,390 | −1.3% |
| 2001 | 21,431 | +0.2% |
| 2006 | 21,753 | +1.5% |
| 2011 | 21,688 | −0.3% |
| 2016 | 21,341 | −1.6% |
| 2021 | 21,612 | +1.3% |
In the 2021 Census, Owen Sound had a population of 21,612 people. This was a small increase of 1.3% from its 2016 population of 21,341. The city has a land area of about 24.21 square kilometers (9.35 square miles). This means there were about 892.6 people per square kilometer in 2021.
| Canada census – Owen Sound, ON community profile | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2011 | 2006 | |
| Population: | 21,341 (-1.6% from 2011) | 21,688 (-0.3% from 2006) | 21,753 (1.4% from 2001) |
| Land area: | 24.27 km2 (9.37 sq mi) | 24.22 km2 (9.35 sq mi) | 24.22 km2 (9.35 sq mi) |
| Population density: | 879.2/km2 (2,277/sq mi) | 895.5/km2 (2,319/sq mi) | 898.1/km2 (2,326/sq mi) |
| Median age: | 43.4 (M: 41.4, F: 45.4) | ||
| Total private dwellings: | 10,098 | 9,736 | |
| Median household income: | $40,919 | ||
| References: 2016 2011 2006 earlier | |||
Education and Learning
Colleges and Training
Owen Sound has a campus of Georgian College. This campus offers 14 full-time programs. It also has a special center called the Great Lakes International Marine Training and Research Centre. This center trains people who work in the marine industry. It also teaches students in Marine Navigation Technology and Marine Engineering Technology programs.
Schools in Owen Sound
Public schools in Owen Sound are managed by the Bluewater District School Board (BDSB). Catholic schools are managed by the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB).
There are three high schools in the city:
- St. Dominique Savio (a French Catholic school)
- St. Mary's (BGCDSB)
- Owen Sound District Secondary School (OSDSS)
OSDSS was formed when two older high schools, West Hill Secondary School and Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute, joined together.
French Education Options
Owen Sound offers many ways to learn French. There are French immersion programs in both public and Catholic schools. It also has the only all-French school and preschool in Grey and Bruce counties. French-speaking students can also join exchange programs and French summer camps.
Transportation
Owen Sound is located where several major Ontario Highways meet. These include Highways 6, 10, 21, and 26. This makes the city an important entry point to the Bruce Peninsula.
Local and Ferry Services
Owen Sound Transit provides bus service around the city. They also offer special transportation for people who cannot use the regular buses.
Owen Sound is the home port for the Owen Sound Transportation Company. The car ferry MS Chi-Cheemaun docks here during the winter. This ferry travels from Tobermory to South Baymouth in the warmer months.
Rail and Air Travel
The Canadian Pacific Railway used to connect Owen Sound to Orangeville. This service stopped in 1995. The Canadian National Railway also had a line connecting Guelph and Owen Sound. This line stopped in the 1990s.
The old CPR Owen Sound station, built in 1946, is now a restaurant and brewery. The former CNR Owen Sound Station is now home to the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum. For air travel, planes can land at the Major-General Richard Rohmer Meaford International Airport (CYOS).
Industry
Grain and Shipbuilding
The Parrish & Heimbecker Grain Terminal is located in Owen Sound's inner harbor. This is where grain is stored and moved. The original grain elevators were destroyed by fire in 1911.
Owen Sound was also home to several shipbuilding companies. Two important ones were:
- Polson Iron Works (from 1888 to 1897)
- Russel Brothers (from 1937 to 1994)
Today, only the launch slip remains from the Russel Brothers shipyard.
Recreation and Fun
Owen Sound is one of two cities that host The Grey and Simcoe Foresters. This is a Primary Reserve Infantry regiment. The city also has various cadet corps.
Waterfalls and Hiking
The Owen Sound area is famous for its many waterfalls. Some are outside the city limits. They range from large ones, like the 18-meter (59-foot) high Inglis Falls, to smaller ones like Weaver's Creek Falls. Inglis Falls is formed where the Sydenham River meets the Niagara Escarpment.
Many waterfalls are along hiking trails. These trails can be easy or challenging. Some connect to the famous Bruce Trail. You can get maps for hikers from the Grey County tourist information office.
Parks and Fishing
The two main parks in Owen Sound are Kelso Beach on Georgian Bay and Harrison Park.
Owen Sound is also known for fishing. Some of the largest rainbow trout in the world have been caught here. Annual fishing competitions attract many people from all over North America.
Winter Sports
Southeast of the city, you'll find popular Ontario ski resorts. These include Blue Mountain and Beaver Valley. The city and surrounding area also have many trails for snowmobiling.
Sports Teams
Owen Sound is the smallest city in Ontario to have an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team. This is a major junior hockey league. The team is called the Owen Sound Attack. They play at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre arena.
The Owen Sound Attack used to be called the Owen Sound Platers. They moved from Guelph, Ontario, in 1989. In 2000, a group of local investors bought the team and renamed them the Owen Sound Attack. The Attack won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 2011.
Here are some of the sports teams in Owen Sound:
- Owen Sound Attack – Ontario Hockey League (hockey)
- Owen Sound North Stars – Major Series Lacrosse (lacrosse)
- Owen Sound North Stars – OLA Senior B Lacrosse League (lacrosse)
Former Sports Teams
Some teams that used to play in Owen Sound include:
- Owen Sound Mercurys – OHA Senior A Hockey League
- Owen Sound Crescents – OHA Senior A Hockey League
- Owen Sound Canadians – Northern Senior B Hockey League
- Owen Sound Trappers – OHA Intermediate A Hockey League
- Owen Sound Platers – Ontario Hockey League (became the Attack)
- Owen Sound North Stars – Major Series Lacrosse
- Owen Sound Crescents – Major Series Lacrosse
- Owen Sound Greys – Mid-Western Junior Hockey League
Media
Owen Sound has its own local media. This includes newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels that serve the community.
Notable Residents
Many notable people have lived in Owen Sound, including:
- Shelagh Armstrong – an artist
- Norman Bethune – a doctor and medical innovator
- Billy Bishop – a Canadian First World War fighter ace and winner of the Victoria Cross
- Barry Brown – a Canadian country music singer-songwriter
- Margaret Miller Brown – a classical pianist and music educator
- Robert Pim Butchart – a horticulturist
- Gundega Cenne – an artist
- Hap Day – an NHL player and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
- Janis Mackey Frayer – a journalist
- Cheryl Hickey – a television personality
- Heather Hiscox – a television personality
- Thomas William Holmes – a Canadian soldier and Victoria Cross recipient
- Alvin "Buck" Jones – a professional hockey player
- Elizabeth Laird – a physicist
- Harry Lumley – an NHL goaltender and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
- Agnes Macphail – a Canadian politician and writer
- Jock McKeen – a physician, author, and lecturer
- Emma Priscilla Scott – an educator and author
- Curtis Sanford – an NHL player
- Eddie Sargent – a Canadian politician
- Tom Thomson – an artist
- Jessie Trout – a missionary and author
- Joan Thelma Watson – a principal French horn player
- Lloyd Wootton – a five-time Mann Cup winning lacrosse goaltender
Sister Cities
Owen Sound has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called sister cities:
- Miamisburg, Ohio, United States
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Dayi County, China
Images for kids
-
Owen Sound Harbour
