Calum Jacques recently published Master of Planning (Science) thesis, Agriculture as an Amenity: A Case Study of Peri-Urban Farmland in Tokyo, Japan, examines how small-scale farming continues to exist within Tokyo's expanding urban landscape. Unlike many North American cities where urban development often displaces agriculture, Tokyo has managed to preserve pockets of farmland that serve multiple roles, including food production, education, and disaster p
Sarah-Patricia Breen (Selkirk College), Ryan Gibson (University of Guelph), and Hannah Main (Dalhousie University) recently published a new article in Canadian Public Policy. The article examines the distribution of federal public transit funding, highlighting a significant urban-rural disparity. The authors argue that current federal funding mechanisms predominantly favor urban centers, leaving rural and remote communities underserved. This imbalance not
As part of the 2025 Knowledge Translation and Transfer Conference, Ryan Gibson shared reflections on the Rural Futures: Mobilizing Knowledge and Sustaining Partnerships initiative. The Rural Futures initiative ensured rural knowledge and experiences within the university were translated and mobilized to rural partners in local government, community-based organizations, charities/nonprofits, Indigenous communities, all levels of government, businesses, and ...
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.
