Request for Proposal - CS-RFP-001-2026

Request for Proposal: CS-RFP-001-2026 – Municipal Branding & Marketing Strategy

This project will support the development of a dynamic and inclusive brand that reflects Temiskaming Shores’ diversity, culture, heritage, and future aspirations, while ensuring a consistent visual identity across municipal marketing initiatives.

Key Dates

How to Submit

• Submit electronically through the City’s Electronic Bid Submissions Portal:
  Bid Opportunities (Submission Portal)
• File format: PDF (maximum 50 MB)
• Subject line: CS-RFP-001-2026 “Municipal Branding Marketing Strategy”
• Addressed to: Logan Belanger, Clerk

Project Overview

The successful proponent will lead a comprehensive branding, positioning, and destination marketing initiative that may include:

• Project coordination and management
• Research and brand evaluation (qualitative/quantitative)
• Creative brand development (visual identity, messaging, standards)
• Branding and marketing strategy
• Implementation action plan (timelines, costs, governance, evaluation)

Brand Implementation Requirements

Brand implementation work is expected to include creative elements such as tagline, logo, typeface, colour palettes, complementary graphics, voice/tone, marketing positioning, and brand personality. A minimum of three (3) distinct branding options must be provided for City consideration.

The final selected option will be delivered with a style manual and guidelines to support consistent use across:

• Print and digital advertising
• Website
• Social media (recommended platforms and templates)
• Media placement (TV / radio / outdoor / print / digital)
• Public relations
• Events / trade show materials
• Collateral (letterhead, business cards, memos, email signatures, etc.)
• Signage (building, street, wayfinding, welcome signage, vehicles, etc.)

Destination Marketing Strategy

Proponents are expected to develop a destination marketing plan that outlines specific strategies and marketing channels to help attract visitors, businesses, investment, and new residents.

Branding & Marketing Implementation Action Plan

The implementation action plan should help City staff roll out and maintain the new brand and marketing strategy, and should include:

• Estimated implementation costs and budget considerations
• Proposed timelines
• Recommended brand guidelines (internal and external use)
• Implementation plans for brand identity applications and a maintenance plan
• An evaluation plan with performance measures to assess brand effectiveness over time

Project Deliverables

• Executive summary report with findings
• Detailed report
• Focus group(s) and other community meetings as mutually deemed necessary
• A minimum of three (3) distinct branding options
• Style manual and brand guidelines for the selected option
• Presentation(s) to Mayor, Council, and community members
• Branding & Marketing Strategy with an implementation plan

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated based on the information provided. The City may request clarification and reserves the right to waive irregularities where it is in the best interest of the municipality.

Important Notes

• Accessibility (AODA): Proponents must comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and related regulations.
• Insurance / WSIB: The successful proponent will be required to provide insurance (including $5,000,000 CGL) and WSIB clearance (as applicable/required by the RFP).
• Freedom of Information: Proposals become City property and may be subject to MFIPPA. Any confidential/proprietary information should be clearly identified.
• Solicitation: Proponents should not contact or solicit members of Council or City staff outside the submission process regarding this RFP.

Questions

Note: Late submissions and proposals submitted by fax, mail, or directly to City staff will not be accepted.