Canada’s rural communities often struggle with limited public transportation, making it harder for people to get to work, school, healthcare and other essential services. A new article in The Conversation, “Is Canada finally investing in its rural communities? What funding for rural transit reveals,” explores whether recent federal investments are helping close that gap. The article examine how funding is being distributed and whether it is reaching the co
The August 2026 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 School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) was well represented at the 2026 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) and North Atlantic Forum Conference, where faculty, students, and alumni shared research that is helping shape the future of rural communities in Canada and beyond. Their presentations explored topics ranging from economic development and environmental stewardship to housing, philanthropy, belonging, and public p
Prof. Ryan Gibson challenged people to rethink how they see their communities during his presentation, From Deficit to Possibility: Reimagining Community Futures, at the recent Meaford TEDwalks on July 18. Rather than focusing on problems such as housing shortages, population changes, or economic pressures, Gibson encouraged participants to start by recognizing the strengths already around them. He argued that every community has valuable a...
Researchers from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development recently shared their work at the Fusion 2026 National Planning Conference in Montréal, Quebec, hosted by the Canadian Institute of Planners and l'Ordre des urbanistes du Québec. Natasha D'Souza, Ryan Gibson, and Wayne Caldwell presented "Attracting and Retaining Talent: Lessons on Rural Planning, Governance, and Skilled Migration from Bruce County's Energy Cluster."
The presentatio
At the World Community Development Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Ryan Gibson presented new research examining how rural communities in Ontario are adapting to major changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic shifts, technological change, and demographic trends. The conference, co-hosted by the International Association for Community Development and the University of Glasgow, brought together community development professionals and rese...
The July 2026 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.
Students, alumni, and faculty from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph made important contributions to the 2026 Relational Wellness Conference, co-hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, the North Atlantic Forum, and Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland. Their presentations demonstrated the breadth of rural research and practice taking place within SEDRD and highligh...
Rural communities are often described as places facing population decline and economic challenges. But a new article in Plan Canada by Natasha D'Souza, Ryan Gibson, and Wayne Caldwell highlights a different story. Their research explores how Bruce County, Ontario, has experienced growth and change because of its close relationship with the nuclear sector. The research demonstrates how planners, municipalities, and industry partners work together to address...
Canada's housing crisis continues to challenge communities across the country, but the experiences of rural municipalities are often overlooked in broader policy discussions. In her Master of Science (Planning) Major Research Paper, The Housing Crisis in Rural Ontario, Aubree Erickson explores how rural communities face unique housing and homelessness challenges while operating within governance and funding structures largely shaped by upper levels of gove
