Let's Get Our Priorities Straight
First Things First
Owen Sound Council Must Carefully Examine Their Priorities.Basic Needs of Residents Must Come Before Non-Essential Projects
Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced a theory describing human needs in levels, from basic physical requirements to personal growth and fulfillment. It is often illustrated as a five-level pyramid.
- 1
Physiological needs: Food, water, shelter, warmth and rest.
- 2
Safety needs: Security, stability and freedom from fear.
- 3
Belonging: Relationships and community connection.
- 4
Esteem: Recognition, accomplishment and respect.
- 5
Self-actualization: Creativity, personal growth and fulfillment.
Cultural participation can contribute to creativity, identity, belonging and personal fulfillment. The hierarchy offers one way to think about human priorities, although it is not a strict rule that every person must satisfy one level completely before benefiting from another.
The Reality in Owen Sound
Homelessness, visible drug use, food insecurity and difficulty accessing support services are important concerns for residents and local businesses. People without stable housing may face immediate risks involving exposure, safety, health and social isolation.
These challenges raise questions about the adequacy of local supports and the respective responsibilities of the City, Grey County, health agencies and community organizations.
Before committing significant public resources to a major capital project, residents can reasonably ask Council to explain what it is doing about urgent community needs, what results are being achieved and what additional actions are within the City's authority.
Applying the Framework to Municipal Budgets
Maslow's hierarchy is not a substitute for financial analysis or a determination of municipal jurisdiction. It can, however, prompt a useful discussion about the needs a community faces and how public investments contribute to addressing them.
Owen Sound and Grey County have different responsibilities, resources and roles in areas such as housing and social services. The City can still examine how its own programs, facilities, land-use decisions, partnerships and budget choices support residents facing hardship.
A Question of Values and Priorities
How should Council balance a major cultural capital investment with the needs of residents who lack stable housing, food security or access to essential supports? What evidence should Council use to explain that balance to taxpayers?Three Areas for the New Council to Examine
- Assess local shelter and housing gaps.
- Identify opportunities to support food security.
- Work with responsible agencies on access to health and addiction services.
- Evaluate practical measures that improve safety and access to support.
- Strengthen partnerships with community organizations.
- Consider programs that reduce isolation and improve connection.
- Support pathways to participation, employment and stable living.
- Measure whether programs are reaching residents who need them.
- Explain the costs and long-term operating implications of expansion.
- Identify who will benefit and how access will be improved.
- Compare the project with other possible uses of public funds.
- Disclose funding sources, risks and alternatives.
This Isn't Anti-Arts
The arts can contribute to a community's identity, economy, education and quality of life. Cultural facilities may support artists, attract visitors, provide learning opportunities and create places where residents come together.
Those benefits belong in the discussion alongside the costs and the needs of residents experiencing hardship. Likewise, investments in housing, safety and support services should be assessed for their effectiveness, affordability and long-term impact.
The question is not whether one group of residents matters more than another. It is whether Council has clearly identified the community's needs, evaluated its available choices and explained the trade-offs involved in its decisions.
The Compassionate and Accountable Choice
A community's priorities are reflected not only in the facilities it builds, but also in how it responds to residents facing difficult circumstances. Maslow's framework reminds us to consider the importance of basic needs, connection and opportunity in people's lives.
Owen Sound residents deserve a transparent explanation of how Council weighs these considerations, what the City can realistically accomplish, and how it measures the results of its spending.
Questions Residents Should Ask Candidates
What are the most urgent unmet needs in Owen Sound? Which are within the City's responsibility or influence? What would it cost to address them, and what outcomes could reasonably be expected?
And when Council considers a major capital project such as gallery expansion, how does it demonstrate that the decision reflects a clear, informed and publicly accountable set of priorities?
Election information: The City of Owen Sound confirms that the
2026 municipal election voting period runs from October 16 at 10:00 a.m. to
October 26 at 8:00 p.m. The City's certified candidate list is available on
its election website. COST's reference to “20 new voices” refers to COST's
own identification of candidates who have never served on Owen Sound Council;
it should not be confused with the City's total number of certified candidates.
City of Owen Sound — Certified Candidates
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City of Owen Sound — Voter Information