It’s feeling like another good old fashioned winter! Given we’re the snowiest place in Ontario I think it’s a good time to remind everyone that when winter weather causes cancellations you can reschedule your event at no charge.
Generally we keep the building a little on the cool side but we invite you to turn it up when you’re in the space. All the rooms except The Commons and the Auditorium have a simple thermostat. If you have questions I’m happy to show you in person or talk you through it over the phone.
We have 166 bookings on the calendar right now for February. That’s an average of 40 a week or almost 6 a day. That’s a whole lot of boots tracking in the snow!
Please consider donating to our flooring campaign. We’re approaching funders for grants but it is a big project and every donation helps. We are able to keep our rental rates affordable so a wide diversity of events and bookings can happen here by fundraising for our ongoing capital projects. Supporting Harmony Centre is contributing to the amazing social fabric of Owen Sound and the diverse Charities, Non-Profits, Artists and more who make Harmony their home. Click here to donate now!
And one quick event-specific plug because it warms my heart…check out the poster below from Techie Nesters; it’s their second visit to Harmony Centre, offering free technology workshops to people 55+. Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating. Techie Nesters will demonstrate some wonderful tools for safety and connection.
Wishing everyone a fun February. It might be cold and snowy but there are lots of wonderful things happening!
Amy Stewart, Operations Manager
info@harmonycentre.ca
Office Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Profile: Solidarity Sundays
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On Sunday mornings, between 10 a.m. and noon, something quietly special happens at the Harmony Centre.
The doors open. The kettle goes on. Someone strikes a few notes on the piano. A game board appears on a table. Children wander in with parents, seniors settle into conversation, and neighbours — some long-time locals, some brand new to Owen Sound — find themselves sharing space, food, and time.
This is Solidarity Sundays: a welcoming, inclusive weekly gathering that has become a gentle anchor for community life.
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Solidarity Sundays grew out of conversations between locals, including the Bousfield-Bastedo family (pictured with their children), who were all circling the same question: Where can people gather — without pressure, without expectation — just to be together? Now in its third season, Solidarity Sundays has settled into something both simple and powerful — a weekly hangout where people can arrive exactly as they are.
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Louise Jarvis, a newer participant and volunteer (but no stranger to the Harmony Centre), describes her first impressions: “People gather in small clusters chatting, playing board games, or simply enjoying the company of others. Music drifts through the room. On any given Sunday, you might hear a piano, a ukulele, or a group sing-along. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.”
A key part of Solidarity Sundays is the shared meal organized by Food Not Bombs — an independent, volunteer-run collective that prepares (from donated food items) and shares plant-based meals with anyone who wants them. People can donate if they’re able, volunteer if they wish, or simply enjoy the meal — no questions asked.
Extra food prepared each week is intentionally set aside and delivered to Safe N Sound, supporting people in the community who need it. Donations help cover food costs, kitchen supplies, and the basic overhead that makes this sharing possible.
Founding member, Simon Jo-Keeling, says: “At its core, solidarity at the Harmony Centre isn’t about slogans or labels. It’s about standing together. Valuing difference. Creating space where people feel seen, safe, and supported — whether they come for conversation, food, music, or simply to be with others.”
Thanks to donor support, volunteer energy, and the Harmony Centre’s open doors, that feeling is available every Sunday — and the invitation is always open.
Solidarity Sundays are made possible through donations. If you are able, please bring a small donation to cover costs or a potluck snack. Crafts and board games are also welcome! Bring a musical instrument if you'd like to join the jam circle (beginners welcome). The room has a wheelchair ramp and is fully accessible. See you there!
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Profiles is an awesome series of articles written by Harmony Centre Board member Lorraine Campbell and volunteer Tammy Allen. Taking turns as authors, they spotlight the people and community groups who bring this remarkable place to life.
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Help us Raise the Floor
Our Lower Hall Flooring Campaign is still underway, and every contribution brings us closer to new, durable flooring that will serve thousands more community moments.
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The Community Headquarters Program is designed to foster community engagement and support local not-for-profit organizations by providing an affordable alternative to renting office space.
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Affordable Program for Small Groups
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Get organized, store your stuff, know where things are, make your gatherings more efficient — these are just a few of the benefits of Harmony Centre's Community Headquarters Program. Now, for as little as $75/month, you can have secure storage and shared meeting space at Harmony Centre!
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Stretch Your Spontaneity Muscles and Learn to Trust Your Instincts!
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Improv Workshop
starting Tuesday, February 3
at Harmony Centre
Eight weeks
$90 for members
$120 for non-members
Ages 18 and up
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Fiddlefern Country Dancers
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Saturday, February 7, 7:00 pm
No experience or partner necessary.
Beginner lesson begins at 7:00 pm.
By donation ($20 suggested)
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Bring your voice and an instrument or two (preferably acoustic or lightly amplified).
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A great opportunity for novice and experienced musicians to get together to jam and share their knowledge. Workshops will cover everything from setting up strategies to jamming in various scenarios.
Tuesday February 10th
and Tuesday February 24th
$15 or pay what you can
Please arrive before 7:00 pm!
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Discover the Value of New Technology
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FREE PRESENTATION
for the 55+ crowd
February 10th, 1:00 pm
at Harmony Centre
Designed to help older adults feel more comfortable with new and emerging technology.
Call 833-613-6378 today!
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Schedule
JR A (Ages 7-9): Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 pm
JR B (Ages 10-12): Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm
SR (Ages 13-18): Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm
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Saturday March 7, 10:00 am
at Harmony Centre
Learn the art of growing food from an expert.
No experience necessary.
Pay what you can.
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Fiddlefern Country Dancers
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Saturday, March 7, 7:00 pm
No experience or partner necessary.
Beginner lesson begins at 7:00 pm.
By donation ($20 suggested)
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Philanthropy finds a home at Harmony Centre
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Harmony Centre is proud to be the new home of the Leflar Foundation, whose work provides financial support to non-profit and charitable organizations that serve children in our community through recreational, educational, cultural, and medical initiatives.
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The Leflar Foundation honours the memory of local philanthropist, Eva Laflar.
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OSAID Steps Up for School Safety
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Free road sign program offers comprehensive road safety messaging, including signs, displays, and no-cost resources!
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FirstHealth Accepting New Clients
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Since opening its doors in April 2024, First Health Counselling and their clients have appreciated the warm, inviting atmosphere that Harmony Centre has to offer. New clients may self-refer by clicking the link below.
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Become a Harmony Centre Resident!
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Discover the cost benefits and community appeal of having your organization at one of the most well-known addresses in Owen Sound.
Monthly rental spaces feature new, fully operable windows, hardwired Internet and WIFI, and adjustable climate control.
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Loft 6 is a 108 sq. ftbright, angular, space on the second floor, with sliding doors opening onto The Commons. A rent subsidy is available for some not-for-profit organizations and those doing work for the benefit of the wider community.
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At about three dollars per month per square foot, Harmony Centre spaces are available at below-market cost to charities, not-for-profits, social change groups and those in the arts.
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Solidarity Sundays Back for a Third Season!
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Join the gang downstairs for a fun Sunday morning playing games, listening to music, and chatting with people who share your interests. This grassroots group is a case study in community building. Just show up and see where the energy takes you!
Sundays 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. in the lower hall.
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Stretch, Strengthen, Restore
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Wednesdays, 6:30 pm.
Bring a willing spirit and a desire for play. Some instruments available.
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First and third Sundays of each month in the Board Room, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
Drop in to join!
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The Queen’s Bush Bluegrass Club invites all pickers, singers and supporters to our regular Jam Sessions at the Harmony Centre, Owen Sound. We meet in the round and rotate the lead so everyone has a turn to participate in a friendly and welcoming environment.
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The group meets on Thursdays September through June. At 2:00 pm in January, February, and March, and 7:30 pm all other months. Traditional and Contemporary Bluegrass – all acoustic. All levels encouraged. $5 donation per person.
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Weekly on Wednesdays (beginners 6:30 - 7:30 pm, continuing classes 7:30 - 8:30 pm) and Sundays in the Lower Hall (beginners 1:00 to 2:00 pm and continuing 2:00 to 3:00 pm). People of every age fitness level are welcome. Suggested monthly dues of $35 to join the Canadian Tai Chi Academy.
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Harmony Centre is a member of
Arts Alliance Owen Sound.
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HARMONY CENTRE OWEN SOUND
890-4TH AVENUE EAST
519-376-8880
Harmony Centre is a charitable organization run and maintained by volunteers.
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