TwoTwoSix

Canadian Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods to Hit Local Consumer Wallets

The cross-border trade dispute has escalated, and local shoppers are about to foot the bill. Following stalled negotiations in Washington and the looming threat of U.S. protectionist policies, Ottawa has officially moved forward with sweeping retaliatory tariffs on a massive list of American imports.

The countermeasures, ranging from 10 to 25 per cent, target a wide array of U.S. products including processed foods, household appliances, building materials, and cleaning supplies. For everyday consumers in Grey-Bruce, this means an immediate and noticeable spike at the checkout counter. Local grocery chains and independent hardware stores in Owen Sound are already adjusting inventory pricing, warning that the added import taxes leave them with no choice but to pass the costs directly to the consumer.

Regional economic analysts warn that these tariffs will heavily exacerbate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. While the federal government maintains the levies are a necessary defensive measure to protect Canadian steel, aluminum, and manufacturing sectors from unfair U.S. trade penalties, the reality on the ground is that midwestern Ontario families must urgently brace for higher weekly grocery bills and increased costs for basic household necessities entering the fall season.

Owen Sound Attack Rookie Camp Concludes with Sunday Scrimmage

The ice is freshly cut at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre as the Owen Sound Attack prepare to wrap up their 2026 Rookie Development Camp. Following a highly successful Fan Barbecue on Saturday afternoon that saw hundreds of residents turn out to welcome the new draft class, the focus shifts entirely to on-ice performance today.

The highly anticipated inter-squad rookie scrimmage is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this afternoon. The intra-squad matchup serves as the ultimate proving ground for the young prospects—including 2026 first-round pick Max Fransen—as they battle for a coveted spot on the main roster.

Immediately following today’s scrimmage, the Attack’s hockey operations and coaching staff will make their final evaluations, determining which rookies have earned an invitation to the Main Training Camp. The veterans arrive on Monday morning, officially launching the next phase of training ahead of the pre-season opener in Barrie next Saturday.

Campaign Season Ignites Across Grey-Bruce as Nomination Window Closes

With the strict Friday deadline now in the rearview mirror, the 2026 municipal election field is permanently locked, and the race for public office has officially begun. Across Grey and Bruce counties, election signs are already springing up on local lawns and intersections as candidates launch their grassroots campaigns this weekend.

Municipal clerks are spending Sunday finalizing the rigorous verification process for all submitted nomination papers, endorsement signatures, and filing fees. The fully certified, official list of candidates for Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Councillors, and School Board Trustees will be released to the public on Monday morning.

The locked rosters have confirmed several high-stakes battles, including a deeply contested multi-candidate Mayoral race in Owen Sound and a crowded four-way fight for the top seat in South Bruce Peninsula. Candidates now have exactly two months to canvass their respective wards and pitch their platforms to local rate-payers before advanced polling portals open in October.

51st Summerfolk Festival Wraps Up a Weekend of Record Crowds

The banjos and fiddles are playing their final tunes of the weekend as the 51st Annual Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival prepares to close its gates tonight. Taking over Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, the iconic late-summer event drew massive, record-breaking crowds to Owen Sound's western shoreline over the past three days.

Despite a shift to mostly cloudy skies on Sunday, attendance remained exceptionally strong. The artisan village was bustling with weekend shoppers, while local food vendors reported non-stop traffic. Organizers from the Georgian Bay Folk Society noted that the incredible community turnout provided a massive economic injection into the local River District hospitality and retail sectors.

The festival will officially conclude this evening with the traditional, emotionally charged mainstage finale, bringing dozens of performers together for a collaborative send-off. Volunteer crews will begin the massive tear-down and park cleanup operation early Monday morning.

Final Preparations Underway at Inner Harbour for the 2026 Salmon Spectacular

The Owen Sound inner harbour has been completely transformed. Over the weekend, dedicated volunteer crews from the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association successfully erected the massive 300-foot headquarters tent, signaling the imminent arrival of the 2026 McDonald’s Salmon Spectacular.

With the heavy lifting complete, volunteers are spending Sunday meticulously outfitting the interior of the tent. Crews are actively setting up the massive deep-fryer stations, installing the central weigh scales, and assembling the main entertainment stage that will host daily live music. The 10-day fishing derby officially opens this coming Friday, August 28.

Organizers are reminding all boaters and anglers that inner harbour camping permits and municipal boat launch passes are selling at a record pace. Residents are urged to secure their permits online before the end of the weekend to avoid the massive administrative backlog expected at the East and West side boat ramps on opening day.

Recent Passings in Grey-Bruce