Tourism Committee highlights cycling tourism opportunities in Brock

Nov 27, 20242 min read

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: At a recent council meeting, the Brock Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC), represented by Vice Chair Martha McCollum, presented its 2024 Year-End Report, highlighting achievements and plans to strengthen local tourism.

Appointed in Spring 2023, the current BTAC began meetings last fall, focusing on innovative strategies to enhance tourism in Brock Township. This year, the committee prioritized cycling tourism, leveraging resources like the Ontario By Bike program. Committee members attended a webinar and shared insights with local businesses to encourage certification under the program.

“We’ve been actively encouraging businesses to be certified with Ontario By Bike,” said Ms. McCollum during her presentation on Monday, Nov. 18th. “Adding that certification can put us on the map with that section of tourism.”

Additionally, BTAC collaborated with Durham Tourism to develop new cycling routes, launched in September. These include a leisure route in Cannington and two advanced routes in Beaverton, drawing cycling enthusiasts to the area.

Ms. McCollum also highlighted a significant gap in the township: overnight accommodations. The committee proposed revising its work plan to address this issue. “We would like to consider the lack of overnight accommodations in the township compared to places of a similar size with similar tourism numbers,” Ms. McCollum stated. BTAC suggested exploring policies to permit overnight recreational vehicle parking and pointed to the success of agritourism in nearby North Durham as inspiration.

Ultimately, Council approved BTAC’s proposed revisions, including the removal of the Tourism Ambassador Program and adding accommodations to the work plan. Council also authorized the carry-forward of $5,000 from the 2024 tourism budget and forwarded an additional $5,000 request for the 2025 budget. Plans were approved for the installation of bike repair stations in Cannington and Sunderland in 2025, with funding drawn from the BTAC budget in consultation with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.

These initiatives position Brock Township to enhance its appeal to both cyclists and tourists, fostering sustainable growth in local tourism.