The Town of Bracebridge is asking for the public’s help to find Chester the Bear, a popular public art installation that has been stolen from the Storybook Trail at Woodchester.
Town officials say they were notified that Chester was missing from his spot along the trail, and the chain used to secure the bear appears to have been cut.
Chester was created onsite by Precision Carvings during the Bracebridge 150 Community Celebration and Showcase in 2025. The sculpture was later donated to the Town, where it became part of the Storybook Trail.
The bear was named through a community-wide naming contest that attracted more than 80 submissions. Fifteen people submitted the winning name, Chester.
“Since his arrival on the Storybook Trail, Chester has become a popular stop for families and visitors enjoying the trail and its local story,” Town of Bracebridge officials said in a statement. “His disappearance is particularly disappointing given the community connection to the sculpture and the generosity that brought him to the trail.”
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, has information about Chester’s whereabouts, or has relevant video footage is asked to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
