Community Assessment Findings to come September 15, 2011

What are the first and lasting impressions a visitor has of Bracebridge? Is it easy to find their way around? Is there the right business mix, and are the places they're interested in visiting open the right hours? Does the local attitude make them feel welcome? Are there fun things to see and do, and is it easy to find out about what there is? Is Bracebridge a community that understands and is comfortable with its' identity?


The need to have answers to these questions is what prompted the Town of Bracebridge to contract with Roger Brooks of Destination Development, Inc. to conduct a Community Assessment.

Brooks will present the findings of his Assessment in a public workshop on Thursday, September 15th from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street, Bracebridge.

The Assessment process included an evaluation of Bracebridge’s marketing efforts, what information is available on the Internet and how easily it is accessed, an appraisal of how easy it is to get to Bracebridge, and how easy it is to get around once in town. The Destination Development team also "secret shopped" area businesses including retail, food service and lodging as well as attractions and activities. The fast-paced, entertaining and multi-media filled workshop will include his evaluation of how Bracebridge stacks up against the competition and suggestions, tips and tricks that can bring spending to the area. Any shortcomings will be pointed out with good humor, and will be accompanied by concrete, doable ideas for improvement.

Over the past 25 years Roger Brooks and his award-winning Destination Development International (DDI) Team have assisted more than 800 communities around the world in their efforts to become outstanding destinations, great places to live, work, and to visit. The Destination Development, Inc. Community Assessment program is the forerunner of a number of initiatives that were identified in the 2008 Community-based Strategic Plan and Community Adjustment Plan including the development of a Downtown Development Strategy/Master Plan and a Tourism Opportunities Study for Woodchester Villa along with actions surrounding the Convention Hotel Study and a feasibility study for a School of the Arts.

To RSVP for the workshop or for more information on the Community Assessment, contact the Town of Bracebridge’s Economic Development Department at 705.645.5264 Ext. 227 or by email jharris@bracebridge.ca.