New wayfinding signs are set to guide cyclists through Brock’s backroads

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Inititiative Reporter for the Standard

BROCK: Cycling tourism could soon get a visible boost across Brock Township, as council signalled support for a regional wayfinding signage program, at its Monday, February 9th meeting.

Communications and Tourism Coordinator, Tamra Kaiser presented a staff report, outlining the Regional Municipality of Durham’s plan to implement a Rural Cycling Wayfinding Signage Program, throughout North Durham, as part of its broader rural cycling tourism strategy.

The program would see consistent, branded signage installed, along designated on-road cycling loops, in Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Clarington. To participate, Brock Township must enter into a memorandum of understanding, with the Regional Municipality of Durham, to allow installation of the signs within municipal road allowances.

“This is about positioning Brock as part of a connected North Durham cycling destination,” Ms. Kaiser told council. “The Region has done extensive work mapping, auditing, and designing these routes, and the signage will create a safer, more seamless experience for cyclists, while highlighting the unique character of our rural communities.”

Durham Tourism has identified rural cycle tourism as a key growth area. Thirteen recreational loops were developed, across North Durham, categorized by: difficulty; leisure, intermediate, and advanced; and released through Ride, with GPS, Strava, and a new regional cycling webpage.

Four of those loops are located within Brock Township: the Beaverton Eastern Shore route, near Lake Simcoe; the Beaverton Harbour loop; the Cannington Countryside loop; and the Trans Canada Gravel Loop, near Sunderland.

“These routes are designed to draw cyclists into our small communities and low-traffic rural roads,” Ms. Kaiser explained. “They support local cafés, shops, and family-owned businesses which benefit from increased visitor traffic, especially during the summer season.”

The Region conducted a signage audit, in consultation with agencies and community members, to: assess loop quality and direction, review road conditions, identify signage locations, and confirm road ownership. The signage has been designed to ensure consistency, safety, and strong regional branding across all participating municipalities.

Under the proposed agreement, the Regional Municipality of Durham will fund and manage the installation, including: locations, inspection coordination, sign fabrication, replacement signs, and long-term maintenance tracking. Brock Township’s responsibilities would include vegetation management and notifying the Region if signs are damaged or require upkeep.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the initiative aligns well with the Township’s Visitor Growth Plan.

“This is a smart partnership,” Mayor Jubb said. “It allows Brock to benefit from regional funding and expertise, while enhancing our tourism infrastructure. Cycling is a growing sector, and we want to make sure visitors can easily and safely experience everything our communities have to offer.”

Installation is expected in the spring of 2026, to ensure the signage is in place for the busy summer cycling season.

Local cycling enthusiast, Sean Robinson of Cannington welcomed the news, saying, clear wayfinding is essential for both safety and enjoyment.

“When you’re riding rural roads, especially if you’re new to the area, good signage makes a huge difference,” Mr. Robinson said after the meeting. “North Durham has some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the region. Having consistent signs gives riders confidence to explore, and when cyclists stop for lunch or coffee, that supports local businesses too.”

The report noted, the project also aligns with Durham’s Ready Set Future: A PLACE Blueprint and the 2024–2028 Tourism Strategic Action Plan, both of which identify rural recreational cycling as a priority initiative.

Council was asked to receive the report for information and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the memorandum of understanding, with the Regional Municipality of Durham, to formalize Brock’s participation in the Rural Cycling Wayfinding Signage Program.