Enhancing Community Signage and Visitor Experience Created by Chrystal Stone B.T.M. Malaspina University-College & Nicole Vaugeois, PhD TRIP Project Coordinator

Presentation Outline The importance of strong signage Examples of strong signage Steps to enhancing community signage Resources to help you succeed

What is a Sign? “An inscribed board, plate or space that provides information, warning or guidance.” (Trapp, Gross & Zimmerman, 1994)

Why is a community signage manual important? Tourism is a major economic driver – not reaching full potential in rural and small communities Safety of residents and visitors is paramount Need to better identify tourism product – for increased impact Need to make signage easier to understand.

What happens when there is inadequate signage?

What does signage accomplish? Enhances Access – directional, informational or both, advance notice, facilitate safe decisions Improves Visitor Experience – paired with maps, relieves stress, affirms location and helps travelers make informed decisions, Boosts Visitation – informs, entices, identifies attractions, events and businesses, and allows them to learn more

Key Point For any community that is serious about tourism, building greater visitor accessibility and convenience is critical to industry development.

Show the way… Visitors are WAYFINDING by Seeing Reading Hearing Learning Destinations should be WAYSHOWING by… Drawing Writing Speaking Teaching

Types of Signage Entrance signs Information signs Service and attraction signs Tourist oriented directional signs (TODS) Business logo signs Interpretive signs

A community signage program Uses all types of signage Ensures there are no gaps for the visitor Uses consistent signage (colours, theme)

Key Point Visitors need clear and consistent signage to show them, remind them and direct them to resources in the community.

Components of a Sign Sign Faces – greet the visitor Sign Panels – materials used Sign Supports – link to features of area

Tips for Designing Signs Grab their attention Make them want to read further It should be easy to read Keep it uniform

Key Point It is important to recognize that travelers may have inherently different preferences and travel abilities to enjoy a successful travel experience.

Examples of Regional Signage Programs BC Provincial Parks – symbol system Agri-tourism & Wine Tourism Signage

Examples of Community Signage Village of Clinton use of western themed heritage City of Nanaimo harborfront theme

6 Steps to Help You Create a Community Signage Program Step #1 - Create an inventory of assets Step #2 - Get the visitor’s perspective Step #3 - Determine what is required

Step #4 - Determine responsibilities Step #5 - Develop and set up signage Step #6 - Monitor effectiveness 6 Steps, continued…

Helpful Resources BC Ministry of Transportation - Regional Contacts BC Ministry of Transportation - Provincial Sign Shop Tourism BC Tourism Research Innovation Project Sign Association of Canada

Online Resources Ministry of Transportation Sign Catalogue Service & Attraction Sign Manual (January 2005) A Directional Signing Program for Tourist Services, Facilities and Attractions Policy Manual for Supplemental Signs Ministry of Transportation Engineering Branch

Thank You Questions?