Wayfinding is signage and similar directional tools to help you identify where you are, find what you are looking for, and confirm you have arrived at your desired destination.
A comprehensive wayfinding system enhances visitor experience, boosts economic activity, improves safety, strengthens community identity, and encourages social interaction. Wayfinding can also promote accessibility, sustainable urban planning, and cultural preservation, while engaging the community and improving its health and well-being.
Project Goal
The goal is to develop a wayfinding system that will:
- direct residents and tourists to downtown Barrie and attractions from key travel decision points within Barrie’s transportation network;
- help pull waterfront users to the downtown for shopping and dining;
- orientate users within the waterfront and downtown areas;
- provide direction to available parking; and
- improve signage aimed to increase visitation from waterfront, marina and waterfront trails to other specific features and areas such as the downtown.
Project Details
This project involves developing a wayfinding system to direct residents and visitors using all forms of transportation to the downtown area and its attractions, including public parking, institutions and parks. The project will also help patrons navigate through the downtown and waterfront to easily find specific destinations.
Improving the City’s wayfinding was identified as a key action item as part of the 2020 Tourism Master Plan. The recommendation for wayfinding improvements were also documented throughout the City’s 2020 Parking Strategy to attract patrons to the downtown and improve visitor experience.