A leash free dog park is just the first step of what could be a major redevelopment of the waterfront on Owen Sound’s East side.
Mary Catherine McArthur and her partner Jeff Armstrong own 11 acres along the water including the site of the old cereal mill in Owen Sound.
That building has been demolished with only a small section still standing.
McArthur says her plan is to develop a “funky” restaurant or coffee shop at the site which would incorporate part of the old structure.
She says it looks like a Scottish ruin and lends itself well to some development that would attract more people to the downtown shoreline.
McArthur and Armstrong are also looking at developing office space on the land.
Armstrong says environmental concerns about the land were exaggerated and there is some minor clean-up needed where the CP rail round-house was located, but otherwise the land is good.
Along with the possiblity of a new restaurant or coffee shop, and office space on the 11 acre property, Mary Catherine McArthur says they could look at some residential development, although that would require rezoning.
And, McArthur says they may incorporate a mural that highlights the history of the land as another part of the development.
For now, they are concentrating on the dog park with hopes it will be ready for the summer.