January 2017 | Business View Magazine

156 157 partners around the world. AKA Consulting op- erates in a downtown heritage building, doing offshore oil and gas documentation. Although Owen Sound is not near the oil rigs, one of the partners wanted to be in the community, and advanced technology makes that possible. “In some instances, we’re ahead of the tech curve,” says Furness. “Particularly at the agri-food level, which is a big contributor to our economy. Whether you’re a food processor or producer, it’s remarkable how much technology is being applied in that sector.” A significant initiative being led by Grey Coun- ty is the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Tech- nology (SWIFT) project – tasked with bringing ultra high-speed bandwidth to every communi- ty and household in southwestern Ontario. Re- cently receiving federal and provincial funding, the initiative will help business and industry, and advance education by bringing high-speed to students living in all of Grey Bruce. Community investment in green space –walk- ways, trails and built facilities – is ongoing. The new Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre, developed in partnership with the YMCA, fea- tures a 25-meter-long pool, gym, and double ice pad. Real estate agents tout this as a ‘fab facility’ to newcomers. Out-of-towners often ask “What do you do up there?” But after living in Owen Sound for a year or two, they are spoiled owen sound, ontario for choice of activities. In minutes you can be out in the bush, on a sandy beach, or skiing in the Blue Mountains. Whether you fish, sail, hike, garden, are an artist or sport enthusiast, it’s all accessible, regardless of age. A new wastewater treatment plant, just being completed, is the largest capital project the city has ever undertaken. Work began in 2011 with a total budget of $48 million. Of that, the Government of Canada provided $15 million through the Green Infrastructure Fund, the Province of Ontario contributed $15 million, and the city’s investment is $15 million plus $3 million not eligible for grants. Upgrades to the existing treatment process are mandated by federal regulations for waste- water quality, and include secondary treatment using biologically aerated filtration technology Out-of-towners often ask “What do you do up there?” But after living in Owen Sound for a year or two, they are spoiled for choice of activities. In minutes you can be out in the bush, on a sandy beach, or skiing in the Blue Mountains. Whether you fish, sail, hike, garden, are an artist or sport enthusiast, it’s all accessible, regardless of age.