Town of Bracebridge launches “RZone” policy to promote safe, respectful community spaces

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (February 12, 2026) – The Town of Bracebridge has introduced the “RZone”, a policy designed to promote and uphold respectful, responsible behaviour, in all recreation facilities, programs and parks. The policy draws on best-practices established in other Ontario municipalities and further supports the Town’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for everyone.

The “R” in RZone stands for Respect for yourself; Respect for others; Responsibility for your actions. This policy sets clear expectations for behaviour for all users of Town-owned recreation facilities and programs including participants, spectators, coaches, volunteers, parents, staff, visitors and community groups.

RZone encourages collaboration between Town staff, community organizations and the public to maintain a safe and respectful environment while enhancing safety and fostering a climate of respect and responsibility. Local organizations and sports groups were consulted on the development of the policy and support its implementation.

As Bracebridge continues to grow and evolve, the Town is committed to maintaining spaces where community, sport, recreation and culture can thrive in a positive, welcoming environment. RZone reinforces a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, vandalism, discrimination, threats, aggression, and other inappropriate conduct.

Key features of the policy

• RZone applies to all Town recreation facilities, parks, and programs, whether staff-supervised or not, and whether signage is present or not;
• Provides a clear incident-reporting process: incidents should be reported promptly (within 24 hours) so they can be investigated and addressed;
• Outlines graduated consequences from verbal and written warnings, through to suspensions, bans and potential trespass notices, depending on the severity and recurrence of incidents; and
• Encourages community groups, sports/recreation clubs, volunteers and facility users to adopt and reinforce the RZone principle within their own activities and programs.

What this means for residents and visitors
Whether you’re attending a game at a Town facility, booking a recreation space, or using a public park, the RZone policy is in effect. The Town expects everyone to:

• Treat others with courtesy and dignity;
• Follow facility rules and stay within established guidelines; and
• Take responsibility for their own actions and their impact on others around them.

Getting involved
If a patron witnesses any behaviour believed to contravene the RZone policy, it can be reported to Town staff, the community group/organization leads, or through the online incident-reporting form. Together we all play a part in creating positive experiences for our community.

For more information about the RZone policy and how it applies, visit bracebridge.ca/rzone.


Quotes
“With the introduction of RZone, Bracebridge is taking a proactive step in ensuring our community spaces are safe, respectful and welcoming for all. We ask everyone, whether coach, parent, athlete or visitor, to embrace the values of respect and responsibility. Together we can ensure Bracebridge is a place where people want to live, work and play.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge