I admit it. I didn’t get it!
I am speaking about the City of Barrie’s slogans.
One read 'Well Connected' and the read 'Well Played'.
These are the taglines used on the two welcome signs heading into the city from the north and south along Highway 400.
The issue was recently up for discussion at city council, including last night.
First of all, it is weird we have two.
Maybe they should have said something different, like Barrie: Where we decide not to decide.
Anyway, the ones they chose never moved me much. Apparently, the same was true of a lot of other residents and visitors, as well as some current city council members.
I understand what was probably intended with 'Well Connected', suggesting the city is geographically connected to the Great White North and the city of Toronto.
'Well played!' I assume that referred to the fact we have a lot of recreational activities to take part in with the waterfront, hiking and snowmobile trails, sports facilities and, therefore, a good quality of life.
If you have to stop and try to figure it out, it's probably not a good slogan.
I took notice when the topic was brought up recently at council by Ward 9 representative Sergio Morales.
He suggested the slogans “miss the mark and should be removed,” saying that it's one of the things constituents speak to him about all the time.
I imagine that’s quite true.
Most of us aren’t completely engrossed in municipal politics. We may not be interested or educated in topics like tender guidelines, bylaws or the day-to-day running of the city, but what we can all have an opinion on is the highway signs we see every day on our drive in or out of the city.
Not all of council agrees it's all that important, with Mayor Jeff Lehman even saying there are "bigger fish to fry" when it comes to the operation of our city. Of course, that’s true, but it makes for an interesting discussion.
What does Barrie represent to you?
What amenities come to mind?
If you were describing our city to an outsider, what would you concentrate on?
It makes you think about what our city represents to us and how we want it “sold” to others.
Some would talk about its natural beauty.
People always comment on our waterfront and the Spirit Catcher.
The Five Points gets a lot of attention.
We’d likely mention Highway 400, for better or worse.
Others would highlight a healthy economy and the constant development.
The quality of our medical facilities could be highlighted.
We could brag about safety and the feeling of community.
Cities need slogans, I suppose, to identify them and to pitch them to potential businesses or tourists.
Some have been huge hits.
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
“I (heart) New York.”
“Virginia is for lovers." (I don’t know if that’s true, but I wouldn’t mind finding out.)
"Muskoka: Once discovered, never forgotten." (That one is catchy.)
"Owen Sound: Where you want to live." (Short and sweet.)
Some haven’t turned out as well.
Unfortunately in 2003, the same year as the SARS outbreak, this one was unveiled: “Hong Kong will take your breath away." (Timing is everything!)
"Edinburgh — Incredinburgh." (That didn’t catch on.)
I would think the slogan has to be simple, but with meaning.
No doubt, coming up with the right one is harder than it sounds.
No doubt, changes will not be immediate.
Hopefully, residents will get the chance to become involved and have a contest to pick the right message which portrays exactly what Barrie is.
It may not be the most burning issue, but it is our identity. Branding is everything in today's world.
I, for one, give council a lot of credit for admitting they can do better.
To Coun. Morales, I say well played.
