The City of Owen Sound has approved the installation of a new publicly accessible SaveStation AED at Harrison Park following a donation from the Tyson Downs Association.

The association was created in memory of Tyson Downs, who died from sudden cardiac arrest, and has since focused on improving survival outcomes through CPR education and increased AED access.

The donated package includes a Zoll AED 3 defibrillator housed in a heated outdoor SaveStation cabinet, along with eight years of monitoring support. The unit will be installed on the exterior wall of the Harrison Park Inn near playgrounds, courts, and other high-traffic amenities.

Officials note that immediate use of an AED, combined with CPR, can increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 75 percent or more.

City staff identified the location as ideal due to its visibility and accessibility, with more than 150,000 vehicles entering the park annually.

The Community Services Committee also approved City Hall and Kelso Beach at Nawash Park as future potential locations for additional AED installations, pending technical feasibility.

The City says it will continue supporting the Tyson Downs Association through public education and awareness efforts aimed at expanding access to life-saving equipment across the community.