David Adams For Owen Sound City Council

Owen Sound… scenic, unique, yours.

With your support, David Adams is looking to put his 38 years of experience as a lobbyist, negotiator and collaborator to good use as a councillor for the people of Owen Sound.

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Paid for by the campaign to elect David Adams
David Adams, candidate for Owen Sound City Council

About David

New to Owen Sound. Not new to this shoreline.

I moved from Toronto to Owen Sound in July 2025, but I'm not new to this part of the world.

I spent a significant part of my childhood and teenage years in the Thornbury and Meaford area, growing up along the same Georgian Bay shoreline that shapes life here. Coming to Owen Sound has felt less like arriving somewhere new, and more like returning to a landscape I already love — and getting to know, in detail, a community I'm committed to serving well.

"I didn't grow up in Owen Sound, but I grew up on this bay. I'm running because I want to put in the work to earn this community's trust — one conversation, one issue, and one neighbourhood at a time."

What's struck me most since arriving is what's easy to take for granted if you've always lived here: the people and the real sense of community, a genuinely thriving arts, music, and culture scene, and a backyard full of natural wonders that no other community can replicate. Add in four full seasons of things to do, and it's clear why Owen Sound is such a wonderful place to raise a family.

My conversations in the community, whether that is at the pickleball court, the Frog Pond, the market, the Launch, Heartwood Hall, or riding with the Owen Sound Cycling Club, have made me appreciate all of the wonderful attributes about this city but also some of the challenges it faces.

I'm running to collaboratively work to address the challenges and enthusiastically embrace the opportunities.

I recently retired after a 38 year career in the automotive industry as President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, a national industry association representing the interests of global automakers in Canada. That experience taught me how to get results by working with people across every level of government — a skill I'm ready to put to work for Owen Sound on City Council.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy cycling, downhill and cross country skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

I also believe in giving back by serving on a number of volunteer boards and getting involved on a volunteer basis with Owen Sound's Canada Day celebrations. In addition, I've raised over $40,000 for Campfire Circle by cycling from Toronto to New York City.

Help me bring all of my strengths to Owen Sound City Council by voting for me on October 26th.

Where I Stand

Four priorities for Owen Sound

Focused, practical, and grounded in what makes this city work — its downtown, its people, its waterfront, and its tax dollars.

Economic Development

A revitalized downtown and a more diverse local economy, so Owen Sound isn't dependent on any single industry or season. That means supporting the small businesses already here and making it easier for new ones to open their doors.

Downtown · Diversification

Community Safety

Our downtown businesses will thrive only when we all get serious collectively about dealing with the complex issues of homelessness and addiction. These are not unique to Owen Sound and we should lean into what has worked in other communities.

Community · Empowerment

Getting Hooked on Owen Sound

Attracting tourists to our city, waterfront, and unique natural spaces will only be accomplished if we address the related issues of homelessness and addiction, and have a downtown core with businesses that are eclectic and vibrant — and don't have to lock their doors.

Waterfront · Tourism
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Respect for the Taxpayer

The City's money is your money. With affordability being a major concern for all, it is more important than ever that all of your tax dollars are spent thoughtfully, transparently, and with accountability to the citizens.

Accountability · Transparency

Our City

Map showing Owen Sound at the base of the Bruce Peninsula, between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Owen Sound Tobermory Lake Huron Georgian Bay N

Gateway to the Bruce

“Owen Sound — Gateway to the Bruce Peninsula”

Sitting at the base of the Bruce Peninsula between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Owen Sound is the natural starting point for everything the peninsula has to offer — a position David believes the city should make the most of.

The places that make Owen Sound home

A few of the landmarks that give this city its character — and its history.

The old Owen Sound train station OWEN SOUND

The Old Train Station

The railway was the symbol of past prosperity for this city. We need to find new industries and new opportunities to help our city grow and prosper — raising the bar for all.

The Owen Sound cenotaph

The Cenotaph

Owen Sound's memorial to those who served — a quiet, central reminder of the community's history and the sacrifices that shaped it. The war time service and pulling together in times of challenge speak to the collaborative spirit that is needed to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of this city.

The Owen Sound Farmers' Market, an L-shaped building with a two-story wing

The Farmers' Market

A historic downtown gathering place where the community comes together every week — bringing life, foot traffic, and local flavour to the heart of Owen Sound.