City of Owen Sound

Did you know?

Harry Lumley, former NHL all-star goaltender, Stanley Cup winner, and Veznia Trophy winner, made Owen Sound his home. He was born and raised in Owen Sound, and retired here as well. Prior to his death, the community centre was renamed in his honour. It is now officially known as the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Cultural Attractions

With its wealth of creative people, it's not surprising that Owen Sound is the cultural capital of the region. Art galleries and studios, historic museums and heritage homes, studio tours, theatre, symphony, live concerts and more take place all year long.

Tom Thomson Art Gallery

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery houses an excellent permanent exhibition of memorabilia and artwork by the celebrated Canadian painter, Tom Thomson, who grew up in Leith, just north of Owen Sound. The Gallery manages a growing collection of historical and contemporary Canadian Art, including a wonderful representation of Thomson's colleagues, the Group of Seven. Visit the Gallery to see exhibits of contemporary art by regional and national artists. Adults $5; Seniors & Students $3; Members are always free; Children under 12 free; Wednesdays are "pay what you can". 840 First Avenue West Phone: (519) 376-1932 Email: ttmag@e-owensound.com

[ www.tomthomson.org ]

Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum

Owen Sound played a role in the development of Ontario, and in the opening up of Western Canada. The Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum preserves the history of marine and rail transportation in the area. Located in the historic CN station on the waterfront, it features exquisite ship models by skilled artisans, along with CNR and CPR memorabilia, and temporary special exhibits each season. The building is wheelchair accessible and has free parking beside the beautifully landscaped walkway along the harbour. The gift shop offers a variety of museum memorabilia to remember your visit. School tours and group rates can be arranged. Admission Fee 1155 1st Avenue West Phone: (519) 371-3333

[ www.museums.owensound.ca ]

Billy Bishop Home & Museum

A late-Victorian brick house near Owen Sound's downtown core preserves the boyhood home and memory of one of Canada's greatest pilots and most decorated serviceman. Memorabilia from peace time and both World Wars are displayed in the exquisitely furnished Victorian home, including pictures of planes, battles, flying suits and a model of the Avro Arrow. Special exhibits throughout the year include a memorable Victorian Christmas. A gift shop has books, cards, model kits, prints and much more. School tours and group discounts can be arranged.

[ www.billybishop.org ]

Owen Sound's Black History:

Black History Cairn: Through symbolism and interpretive plaques, the Cairn traces the route of those abducted from their native Africa, forced into slavery in the West Indies and the United States, and how many escaped to Canada via a network called the Underground Railroad. click image for large version

The history of Owen Sound is incomplete without mention of its Black settlers, who were part of the community at its inception. Owen Sound was the last terminal of the Underground Railroad, the route slaves fleeing from the Southern states took to Canada. Blacks in Owen Sound were employed in a variety of occupations. According to the 1872 Census, 672 people of African- descent lived in Owen Sound, making up 10% of the City’s population. Today, only a handful of Black families make Owen Sound their home.

[ www.osblackhistory.com ]

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Owen Sound Fall Fair
The Owen Sound Fall fair is one of the largest in the region and draws visitors from all over. It is a great opportunity for city and country folk alike to rub shoulders and learn a little more about their neighbours.

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