R Zone | Town of Bracebridge

Introducing the R Zone: Respect. Responsibility. Community.

The Town of Bracebridge is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for recreation, culture, sport and public events. To help achieve this, we have launched the R Zone policy — a simple yet powerful framework built around three core principles:

Respect for Yourself
Respect for Others
Responsibility for Your Actions

The R Zone is a behavioural standard that applies to all persons using Town-facilities, parks, programs, and events. This includes:

Participants in sports, recreation or cultural programs
Spectators and families at games and events
Volunteers, coaches, officials and organizers
Visitors and users of Town recreation facilities, programs and parks

Why we adopted it

As our Town grows and our facilities and programs expand, it’s more important than ever to maintain environments where people feel safe and respected. The R Zone gives us a clear foundation: when we all act with respect and responsibility, our experiences are better, our communities stronger, and our Town a more vibrant place to live and partake.

What behaviour is expected

We all share the responsibility to create positive experiences. Under the RZone policy you should:

Use respectful language and tone; avoid harassment, threats, intimidation or discriminating behaviour.
Follow all posted rules and the instructions of facility staff, coaches or event supervisors.
Refrain from aggression, vandalism, theft, illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs, or any other conduct that disrupts the experience of others.
Report any concerning behaviour — early reporting helps us address concerns quickly and effectively.

How you can help

Be part of creating positive spaces in our Town:

Read and share the RZone expectations with your team, club or group.
Encourage respectful behaviour at events, games and programs.
Help younger participants and newcomers understand what is expected.
If you are organizing or running a program, include the RZone principles in your orientation and communications.
Clean up after yourselves, behave responsibly in shared spaces, and support a culture of respect.

Reporting incidents

If you witness or are subject to situations that contravene these expectations:

Report the incident promptly (ideally within 24 hours).
Use the incident-reporting form or speak directly with a staff member or program lead.
The Town will investigate and, depending on findings, may take actions including verbal or written warnings, suspension of facility use, revocation of a permit, ban from facilities, or trespass notice under the Trespass to Property Act.

Consequences

Consequences will vary depending on severity, frequency and context. Possible actions include:

Verbal warning (with follow-up)
Written warning
Suspension of access to facilities/programs
Long-term ban from Town facilities and premises
Involvement of law enforcement if required