Owen Sound taxpayers are spending  more than $1 million every year on economic development, and we have been doing so for several years.

According to the City’s 2024 audited financial statements, economic development expenditures included $821,151 in salaries and another $165,031 in contracted services—a total of nearly $1 million before considering other related costs.

And there is another problem. The 2024 financial statements are still identified as draft, even though the 2024 fiscal year ended more than 21 months ago. This is the latest financial information available to taxpayers.

After years of investing millions of taxpayer dollars, a reasonable question is:

What are taxpayers getting for their investment?

A few years ago, the Mayor established a “Growth Committee.” When its work was completed, the Mayor proudly announced the committee’s goal: “30 by 30”—growing Owen Sound’s population to 30,000 by 2030.

But a slogan is not an economic development strategy.

Where is the detailed plan? What specific actions will attract new businesses, create jobs, increase investment and bring new residents to Owen Sound? And, most importantly, how will we measure whether the strategy is actually working?

As Dr. Phil has often said, “Past performance is a good predictor of future performance.”

The reality is that Owen Sound’s population has remained virtually stagnant for decades while taxpayers continue to fund economic development at more than $1 million a year.

It is time to stop doing more of the same and expecting a different result.

Taxpayers deserve an economic development strategy that is measurable, accountable and focused on results—not simply another slogan or another annual expenditure.

If what we are doing isn't working, change it.

It is time to BREAK THE MOULD.