The Town of Bancroft’s new Communications and Civic Engagement Plan has demonstrated significant success in its inaugural year, according to a report presented to council. The plan, established to enhance communication, transparency, and public participation, has seen substantial growth in digital reach and community engagement initiatives between August 2025 and August 2026.
Year One Achievements in Communications and Civic Engagement
Sarah Phoenix, the municipal communications and civic engagement specialist, presented the first-year impact report, highlighting key outcomes and performance metrics. The initiative aimed to build robust communication processes, establish performance measures, and create meaningful engagement opportunities for residents. The first year focused on laying this foundational groundwork.
Digital Reach and Engagement Metrics
The report detailed impressive gains in the town’s online presence:
- Facebook: Achieved 485,644 views and a 39.8% increase in reach. The Facebook audience grew to 5,474 followers.
- Instagram: Recorded 34,688 views and experienced a remarkable 754% growth in performance, with the platform only being actively managed for six months of the reporting period.
Phoenix noted that residents engaged most with content related to community stories, local events, and successes. High-response topics included business openings, milestones, festivals, tourism promotion, and community achievements. This digital outreach effectively reached more residents than the town’s actual population, indicating a broad and engaged audience.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Beyond digital metrics, the plan successfully executed three major community engagement initiatives, including input on the municipal budget. These efforts have generated valuable baseline data crucial for future planning and grant applications. The communications function also supports various municipal activities, from governance and transparency to community development and public awareness campaigns.
Audience Demographics and Website Traffic
A notable observation was the shift in the largest audience segment on social media. While previously skewed towards those 65 and older, the primary demographic is now 35 to 64 years old. The audience is predominantly Canadian (95%), with international viewers also monitoring activities in Bancroft. Despite the need for a website overhaul, traffic has increased, with residents primarily using the site for information on programs and services. Top search queries included jobs, taxes, permits, waste services, and recreation.
Resident Voices and Decision-Making
A core objective of the plan is to provide residents with a voice in decision-making processes. Surveys and communications surrounding the budget and a community infrastructure data project have provided essential data for future consultations. This information is expected to strengthen applications for grants and other funding opportunities.
“The results provide a strong foundation for continued improvement and expanded community engagement in year two,” stated Sarah Phoenix.
Phoenix emphasized that effective communication is more than just disseminating information; it involves building trust, strengthening connections, and fostering participation. The first year successfully established communications and civic engagement as a vital municipal service supporting transparency, resident engagement, and public awareness.
Council and Staff Perspectives
Members of the Town Council expressed positive feedback on the report. Councillor Val Miles acknowledged the exponential increase in information shared on platforms like Facebook, noting its significant impact on community awareness. She expressed anticipation for future developments, particularly in website enhancement and the ongoing benefits of social media and digital communications.
Mayor Paul Jenkins commented that the report was excellent and significantly contributes to the Town’s objective of disseminating information to the public. He highlighted that the high number of views across various platforms validates the outreach efforts.
Andra Kauffeldt, the Town’s General Manager, added that improving communication had been a long-standing goal for council and staff. She confirmed that dedicating staff time and resources to this area has proven successful, as evidenced by the report’s statistics. The Town remains committed to providing information through multiple formats and access points to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders and to promote civic engagement.
“We look forward to building on this success moving forward,” Kauffeldt added.
Looking Ahead: Year Two and Beyond
Moving into its second year, the Communications and Civic Engagement Plan aims to further increase participation, enhance understanding of municipal priorities, and support evidence-based decision-making. The focus will remain on enhancing municipal information delivery and ensuring that communication efforts continue to build trust, strengthen connections, and create opportunities for resident involvement. The initiative underscores a commitment to keeping residents informed, engaged, and connected as the Town of Bancroft continues to grow.
