Owen Sound has launched a community engagement process as city council considers next steps for the former county courthouse and jail.
Councillors are looking at various demolition options for the 1854 jail property, which could include the partial or full removal of buildings. The Governor’s Residence, walls, outbuildings and the entire 1854 jail are among the removal options under consideration. Demolition of the courthouse is not being looked at by city council.
The old jail and courthouse are located on 3rd Avenue East.
Owen Sound purchased the former Grey County courthouse in 1960; the former jail property was acquired in 2013. Both buildings have sat vacant since 2014 and the city has declared them surplus and listed the properties for sale.
The courthouse is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act while the jail property is on the city’s heritage registry.
An online survey will be open until Oct. 26 to allow the community to provide feedback on the demolition options for the jail property.
There are also two open houses scheduled at the Bayshore Community Centre on Oct. 19.
Because of provincial Covid regulations, all those looking to attend must pre-register and only 50 people will be permitted at each session.
Those looking to secure a spot are asked to contact Staci Landry via email at slandry@owensound.ca.
More information about the historic courthouse and jail properties is available here.
