Andrii-zvorygin General Meeting Transcript — October 9, 2026

00:00:00 SPEAKER_UNKNOWN: Hi, Joe.

00:00:01 SPEAKER_UNKNOWN: You want to introduce yourself?

00:00:04 SPEAKER_UNKNOWN: Hi, I'm Joe Carter, and Owen Sound is my home.

00:00:08 SPEAKER_UNKNOWN: I take pride in my community.

00:00:10 SPEAKER_002: I was born and raised here, went to school here, and my fiancée Valerie and I are raising our blended family here.

00:00:19 SPEAKER_002: Through my work as a nurse and a care coordinator, and my involvement with Owen Sound Minor Sports, I've spent years helping people in this community.

00:00:27 SPEAKER_002: I want Owen Sound to be a place where we all call home, and it takes all of us working together to accomplish this.

00:00:35 SPEAKER_002: Leadership has always been a part of my life.

00:00:37 SPEAKER_002: Through coaching and organised youth sports, I've worked with players, families, and volunteers to build teams, set expectations, and help young people develop confidence and skills.

00:00:49 SPEAKER_002: In long-term care, I served as a union steward and on a health and safety committee, where we advocated for a fair and safe workplace.

00:00:59 SPEAKER_002: Those experiences taught me to listen, take responsibility, and work with others to make things better.

00:01:07 SPEAKER_002: I'm retired, so I have the time to do the work.

00:01:11 SPEAKER_002: My three priorities are responsible spending, downtown safety and community well-being, and reliable services and infrastructure.

00:01:20 SPEAKER_002: First, we need to put necessities first and assure residents receive value for their tax dollars.

00:01:25 SPEAKER_002: I want to review spending, staff structures, and major commitments, including the Tom Thompson Art Gallery financial model.

00:01:34 SPEAKER_002: I also want to explore shared services with neighbouring municipalities, while protecting essential services.

00:01:43 SPEAKER_002: Property tax penalties particularly concern me; the 2026 budget anticipates almost half a million dollars generated revenue from tax penalties and interest.

00:01:55 SPEAKER_002: Residents who fail to pay are fined face monthly charges of 1.25%, which works out to be about 15% annually.

00:02:03 SPEAKER_002: That monthly rate is the maximum allowed under the Ontario Municipal Act.

00:02:09 SPEAKER_002: Unresolved arrears can eventually lead to a tax sale, meaning someone could lose their home.

00:02:17 SPEAKER_002: If elected, my first proposal would be to temporarily suspend new late payment penalties and interest, or at least lower the interest with a clear plan for legal steps and replacing lost revenue.

00:02:29 SPEAKER_002: Taxes will still be owed, but we should help people catch up rather than make their situation harder.

00:02:36 SPEAKER_002: Second, we need a safe, welcoming downtown.

00:02:39 SPEAKER_002: That means addressing garbage, public drug use, and unsafe behaviour while treating people with dignity.

00:02:46 SPEAKER_002: Organisations such as Osher Safe and Sound, the Salvation Army, Night Away, and CMHA are already doing the work and working together.

00:02:55 SPEAKER_002: City Hall needs to support those efforts and work alongside them, along with Grey County, the police, and local businesses.

00:03:03 SPEAKER_002: Practical options include landlord-provided garbage bins and a dedicated downtown cleanup worker seven days a week.

00:03:13 SPEAKER_002: Third, everyday services need to work for residents.

00:03:17 SPEAKER_002: I want clear infrastructure priorities and timelines.

00:03:20 SPEAKER_002: A review of later transit hours, Sunday service, and accessibility, and a proper traffic plan as the city grows.

00:03:27 SPEAKER_002: Funded projects include ball diamond improvements, the Clear Delivery plans, do up with the people who actually use them.

00:03:35 SPEAKER_002: One councillor cannot do this alone.

00:03:37 SPEAKER_002: Residents and local media are my eyes and ears.

00:03:39 SPEAKER_002: If you have a concern or an idea, please let me know so I can get to work.

00:03:44 SPEAKER_002: I will not be afraid to say that's a good question.

00:03:46 SPEAKER_002: I don't have all the answers right now, but please give me the opportunity to look into it and get back to you.

00:03:53 SPEAKER_002: This is this is a full community team effort.

00:03:57 SPEAKER_002: Together, we can bring back the pride, Owen Sound, our home.

00:04:01 SPEAKER_002: I'm ready to do my part.

00:04:03 SPEAKER_002: I'm asking you for your vote on October 26.

00:04:08 SPEAKER_002: I also believe in continued professional development.

00:04:12 SPEAKER_002: So far, I mean, so for obvious reasons, I'll be working on my public speaking.

00:04:16 SPEAKER_002: Thank you.

00:04:16 SPEAKER_002: Speak then.

00:04:17 SPEAKER_002: Thank you.

00:04:18 SPEAKER_002: Okay, and you can vote online or in person or by phone from October 16th till October 26th.

00:04:27 SPEAKER_002: Okay, thank you.