Construction has officially begun on Harbour West, a major new housing development that will bring 224 rental apartments to Owen Sound’s west waterfront area.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for the former Black Clawson Kennedy property at 1144 1st Avenue West. The long-vacant site will be transformed by Hansa Financial and Property Management into six residential buildings, with site preparation already underway. Work includes crushing existing concrete for reuse on-site and foundation groundwork, with the first tenants expected to move in by fall 2026.
Mayor Ian Boddy says the project represents more than just the start of construction. “This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction – it symbolizes progress, investment, and much-needed housing opportunities for our community,” he said.
The Black Clawson Kennedy site holds deep historical significance for Owen Sound. Once home to a manufacturing operation that produced machinery and marine propellers during the Second World War, the property sat vacant following its closure in 1996. Several redevelopment proposals were put forward over the years, but none moved ahead, until now.
The Harbour West project is one of the largest residential investments in Owen Sound in decades and aligns with the city’s goals for housing growth and downtown revitalization. It also contributes to a record-breaking year of construction values across the city.
Construction activity will continue on-site in the coming months as foundation work begins. Updates on this and other major development projects are available at www.owensound.ca/development
