area to alleviate congestion, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high-quality amenities. In tourism, Brockton pursues a model of sustainable, manageable growth. Its riverside campground is experiencing “steady growth,” serving as an alternative for visitors when the Bruce Peninsula is “just jammed,” Peabody explains. The municipality also fosters unique heritage experiences, such as the popular Cargill bootlegging tours, “which are always sold out,” he adds. These niche attractions have a catalytic effect, spurring the development of auxiliary businesses like the Mill Pond Gallery and Café in Cargill. World-class fly fishing on the Saugeen River further adds to the area’s appeal. Crucially, the leadership is mindful of scale. “We want to promote the area and create economic activity,” says Peabody, “but once you hit an overtourism peak, then you start having extra costs in terms of traffic congestion and emergency services.”This balanced approach ensures that tourism supports the local economy without compromising community harmony or straining municipal resources. LOOKING FORWARD Brockton’s trajectory is not left to chance, it is driven by a clear and aggressive strategy centered on proactive planning, relentless pursuit of funding, and active newcomer attraction. Leadership’s commitment to creating a “level playing field” is a recurring theme. Peabody emphasizes that they refuse to be constrained by the plans of neighboring municipalities or uppertier governments.“I don’t want to be constricted by provincial or county policy,” he states, highlighting the successful fight to expand the settlement area as a testament to this tenacious mindset. “My staff really took that vision and we implemented it and we were able to set the community up for growth.” Central to this growth is attracting people to power it. Newcomer initiatives are a priority, and Peabody personally engages with potential residents, meeting with buses of individuals looking to leave the GTA. He leverages his own experience as a 77 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 MUNICIPALITY OF BROCKTON, ON
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