In 1973, the Owen Sound Downtown Development Committee was established to help develop and promote our downtown area.

The six founding Board of Management members (Rick Carruthers, J.J. Gruber, Bernie Fishman, Tom McKay, George Nichol, and Doug MacDonald) paved the way for what is currently known as the Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area (OSDIA).

Our Vision

The Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area will make a valuable, beneficial, and ongoing contribution to the OSDIA membership by effectively supporting initiatives that help to improve, beautify and promote the OSDIA community.

Our Mission

The Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area is committed to providing effective leadership in the ongoing development of the membership area as a vibrant and sustainable business, cultural, and residential community.    We will achieve this goal by supporting initiatives aimed at improving, beautifying, and promoting the membership area on behalf of all of our members

Board of Management

The Owen Sound DIA Board of Management is composed of volunteer Directors who are chosen by the OSDIA membership and appointed by City Council.  The Board includes business and property owners from the mandated area, as well as members of Owen Sound City Council and a (non-voting) member of City staff. The Board is supported by a Manager and Administrative Assistant who staff the DIA office located at 854 2nd Ave. East.

Current Board Members

• Sue Carleton (E! Embroidery), Chair
• Maryann Thomas (Ginger Press), Vice-Chair
• Jeff Robins (Mane Street), Director
• Rob Dinsmore (Wilma’s Flower Shoppe), Director
• Bob Beaver (Scotiabank), Director
• Laurie Levi (A&P ? Metro), Director
• Nathan Crawford (The Inkspot), Director
• Peter Lemon, City Council Representative
• Jim McManaman, City Council Representative
• Steve Furness, City Representative

Office Staff

• Irwin Seidman, Manager
• Carolyn Bigley, Administrative Assistant
• Bill Driscoll, Seasonal Maintenance Team Leader