Owen Sound council is set to consider next steps for a key access point at Harrison Park after officials flagged serious deterioration along the park’s west entrance roadway.
A Facebook update from the city says the popular Nine Bends trail remains closed due to safety concerns following a slope failure. The post notes the issue has affected drainage and brought down several trees, with more still at risk.
"We know this trail is an important connection for many in our community and we also understand how disappointing it is to see it closed," the city said in the post. "The closure remains due to safety concerns following a slope failure along the trail, impacting drainage areas and bringing down several trees."
The city adds that work is underway to assess repairs and secure funding, with a report going to council next week outlining possible options.
"We share the community’s goal of reopening this valued trail connection and are committed to doing so safely and responsibly," the post continues.
At the same time, a staff report going to council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 highlights significant issues at the Harrison Park West Entry roadway, describing a 200-plus metre section as being in "very poor condition" following recent flooding and spring melt.
The report says the road is the park’s only vehicular access point and handles an estimated 300,000 vehicle movements each year.
It also notes that drainage problems and continued deterioration have contributed to what it calls a "failed roadway section," with both short-term repairs and a longer-term reconstruction plan being proposed.
Staff are recommending a temporary fix be followed by full design work beginning in 2026, with construction targeted for 2027.
