How can rural communities weather the current economic uncertainty? What can we learn from previous economic downturns that might provide insights for future strategies and activities? On May 7, 2025, Ryan Gibson share research insights on these topics as part of Dufferin County's Tariff Response and Business Resources.
The Weathering the Storm? Strategies for Rural Stability and Growth in Uncertain Times session took a closer look at Dufferin County’s ru
Lucas Berek's newly published Master of Science (Planning) thesis, The Living Room of a Rural Community: Economic Development in New Tecumseth, Ontario, offers a timely and nuanced exploration of how rural communities are adapting to rapid change. Using New Tecumseth as a case study, Berek investigates how towns with deep rural roots are responding to rising affordability pressures, shifting demographics, and post-pandemic recovery challenges—all while sit
Congratulation to Calum Jacques for successfully defending his Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development thesis titled, "Agriculture as an Amenity: A Case Study of Peri-Urban Farmland in Tokyo, Japan".
Thank you to members of Calum's examination committee: Prof. Sara Epp, Prof. Silvia Sarapura-Escobar, and Prof. Nicolas Brunet.
Stay tuned for access to Calum's thesis.
The May 2025 newsletter contains updates to graduate students working with Prof. Gibson and recent alumni. This newsletter shares information about academic programs updates, celebrates receive achievements, profiles an RPD alumni, and share insights on upcoming events. If you have information to share in the monthly update do not hesitate to let Ryan know via email.
Congratulation to Lucas Berek for successfully defending his Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development thesis titled, "The Living Room of a Rural Community: Economic Development in New Tecumseth, Ontario".
Thank you to members of Lucas' examination committee: Prof. Sara Epp, Prof. Silvia Sarapura-Escobar, and Prof. Nadia Amoroso.
Stay tuned for access to Lucas' thesis.
Rural communities are critical to the country's economic success, yet they remain underrepresented and poorly understood in federal policies. Sarah-Patricia Breen, Heather Hall, Kyle Rich, and Ryan Gibson explore this question in the latest publication in The Conversation. Take a read of "In Canada’s 2025 federal election, is anyone paying attention to rural communities?" The article calls for stronger, evidence-based rural development programs to address
The April 2025 newsletter contains updates to graduate students working with Prof. Gibson and recent alumni. This newsletter shares information about academic programs updates, celebrates receive achievements, profiles an RPD alumni, and share insights on upcoming events. If you have information to share in the monthly update do not hesitate to let Ryan know via email.
The latest issue of the Rural Review: Ontario Rural Planning, Development, and Policy is now available! This issue showcases graduate student, postdoctoral fellows, and community researcher led initiatives on a wide variety of topics related to rural environments, rural economies, Indigenous development, and rural peoples. The oral presentations and poster presentations were shared at the 2025 Rural Research Symposium on March 26, 2025.
A new publication from Alex Petric and Ryan Gibson was published in Regional Studies, Regional Science titled, "Hidden Treasures: Estimating Intergenerational Wealth Transfers in Rural Canada". This study examines how wealth is passed between generations in rural Canada and the potential impacts for local economies. Intergenerational transfers of wealth could play a crucial role in supporting rural communities. Without careful consideration, much of this ...
On March 17, graduate students in the Economic Development class (RPD*6370) at the University of Guelph explored rural economic development in Centre Wellington. Students meet with staff at the Community Futures Wellington Waterloo to learn about their the regional economy, their programs, and their achievements. In the afternoon, students discussed the economic development opportunities and challenges with Centre Wellington Economic Development staff.
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