Project Name: ‘Share the Road’ sign project

Project summary:

The Bruce Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) and Bruce County partnered to implement a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing road safety for local residents, agricultural users, and visitors to Bruce County. Twenty-five agriculture based “Share the Road” signs have been strategically placed on major entry points to the county and county roads known for high traffic related to agricultural activities. These signs will serve as a reminder to motorists to exercise caution and share the road responsibly with agricultural equipment. The signs are strategically located on roads that are major entry points to Bruce County and on county roads that experience significant agricultural traffic. The emphasis being on ensuring visibility in areas where both local residents and the three million annual visitors enter the county, particularly those coming from urban centers.

Partner contributions besides the Federation:

Funds were used to design, purchase and install signs throughout the county. Costs were split between BCFA and OFA. The County of Bruce covered the installation costs through their roads department.

Describe lasting and relevant impact to the OFA membership.

The “Share the Road” Signage Initiative in Bruce County will have lasting and transformative impacts on the community, fostering a safer, more collaborative, and community-conscious environment. This is beneficial to all OFA members who drive the roads in Bruce County with their tractors/farm equipment. The initiative’s enduring effects include:

1. Enhanced Road Safety:
   • Reduced Accidents: The installation of “Share the Road” signs will contribute to a decline in road accidents involving agricultural vehicles and other road users, resulting in a safer commuting experience for everyone.
   • Increased Awareness: The ongoing communication efforts will continue to reinforce the importance of responsible road-sharing, creating a lasting impact on the community’s approach to road safety.
2. Community Cohesion:
   • Shared Responsibility: The initiative promotes a sense of shared responsibility among residents, visitors, and the agricultural community. This collaborative mindset fosters a stronger sense of community cohesion and mutual respect among diverse road users.

Bonus:

This was an excellent project to create/foster relationships with our county representatives and our board of directors. It gave us an opportunity to share the importance of Agriculture to them in our shared community and initiate dialogue for future partnerships.