Do you own or operate a business, amenity, or service in the Grand Watershed that caters to recreationists and tourists, including cyclists, hikers and paddlers? If so, Dr. Karla Boluk and Kelsey Johansen from the University of Waterloo want to hear from you!
Dr. Boluk is an Associate Professor, and Kelsey Johansen is a Lecturer, in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Waterloo, where they are studying regional businesses awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and Ontario by Bike – Bike Friendly Business criteria, and the importance they place on trail-based recreation and tourism in partnership with the Grand Watershed Trails Network.
Participation in this study would involve completing a short online survey (approximately 15 minutes in length) that seeks some demographic information (e.g., age, gender, your connection to the Grand Watershed Trail), followed by questions asking you to reflect on your business’s relationship to trail tourism.
This data will help develop the marketing, promotion, and planning of the Grand Watershed Trails Network. After we have analysed the data, our plan, is share the key findings of our study with the network. We hope to identify key facilitators which will enhance the Grand Watershed Trails to support the development of trail-based recreation and tourism offerings, and enhance the visitor experience.
This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (REB #43506).
The Grand Watershed Trails Network
The goal of the Grand Watershed Trails Network is to create a network of connected trails throughout the Grand River watershed, featuring the river itself as a signature trail. The network will include existing and new, land and water trails to form a unique recreational experience, highlighting natural, cultural and historical heritage in the area. The trails will connect communities, places of interest and activities. The network will also connect to other major regional trails, such as the Waterfront Trail, the Greenbelt Trail and the Bruce Trail.
Grand Watershed Trails Network Research Project
The Grand Watershed Trail Network Research Project is a joint collaboration between the researchers affiliated with the Trail Research Hub and the University of Waterloo’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, as well as community partners, including the Grand Watershed Trail Network, Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO 1, RTO 3, and RTO 4), and Six Nations Tourism.
The purpose of this study is to gauge regional businesses awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and Ontario by Bike – Bike Friendly Business criteria, and the importance they place on trail-based recreation and tourism, including but not limited to cycling, hiking, and paddling.
The results of this study will inform the development, marketing, promotion and planning of the Grand Watershed Trails Network, while fostering meaningful opportunities for engagement with local stakeholders and indigenous communities in planning for, and benefiting from, the economic growth resulting from increasing visitation levels associated with the Grand River Watershed’s trail-based recreation and tourism offerings. Benefits associated with this study include the development of a meaningful collective marketing effort for trail-based recreation and tourism for the entire watershed, development of retail, service and amenity partnerships, and capacity building to drive regional economic development related to trails.
The objectives of this study include: determining the current level of knowledge/awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and the Ontario by Bike – Bike Friendly Business criteria, among regional businesses/attractions; gauging the importance of trail-based recreation and tourism (e.g., hiking, cycling, paddling and other activities) to businesses in the Grand River Watershed; and, ascertaining whether businesses in the Grand River Watershed see value in a collective marketing effort for trail-based recreation and tourism for the entire watershed.
How to Participate in the Grand Watershed Trails Network Research Project
Participation in this study would involve completing a short online survey (approximately 15 minutes in length) that seeks some demographic information (e.g., age, gender, your connection to the Grand Watershed Trail), followed by questions asking you to reflect on your business’s relationship to trail tourism.
Do you own or operate a business, amenity, or service in the Grand Watershed that caters to recreationists and tourists, including cyclists, hikers and paddlers? If so, researchers from the University of Waterloo want to hear from you! Participation in this study involves completing a short online survey that seeks some demographic information (e.g. age, gender, your connection to the Grand Watershed Trail), followed by questions asking you to reflect on the business’s relationship to trail tourism.
This data will help develop the marketing, promotion, and planning of the Grand Watershed Trails Network. After we have analysed the data, our plan, is share the key findings of our study with the network. We hope to identify key facilitators which will enhance the Grand Watershed Trails to support the development of trail-based recreation and tourism offerings, and enhance the visitor experience.
To confirm eligibility for the survey, or to ask questions before participation, please email Kelsey Johansen at: Kelsey.Johansen@uwaterloo.ca.
Otherwise, if you are certain that your business is located within the Grand Watershed and you would like to take the survey now, please visit: https://uwaterloo.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6zKha49ExJCXOBw
This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (REB #43506).