On 18 September 2024, five graduate students set out to collect information from businesses owners in Seaforth, Ontario to better understand the realities of attracting and retaining employees. Paul Sitsofe (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student), Paul Anim (Master of Science in Capacity Development and Extension student), Lucas Berek (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student), Calum Jacques (Master of Science in Ru...
Farmland preservation is critical to the future of rural Ontario. The Connecting the Dots initiative is excited share the first Rural Research Summary - Farmland Preservation and Urban Expansion in Ontario. This summary sheds light into the challenges and strategies associated with balancing farmland preservation amidst growing urban development pressures, providing implications and practical recommendations for policymakers, planners, and community stakeh
Businesses across rural Ontario are confronted with challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining workers. On 18 September 2024 (Wednesday), researchers from the University of Guelph will be in Seaforth to speak with businesses to better understand these local issues related to attracting and retaining workers. All businesses are invited to share their perspectives in a brief 5 minute discussion. Researchers will pop into businesses in t
Congratulations to everyone who completed their academic program of study at the conclusion of the summer 2024 semester:
Jennifer Aikman, Master of Planning
Joshua Barrett, PhD in Rural Studies
Ken Chew, Master of Science (Planning)
Mohammed Jalabi, Master of Science (Planning)
Niju Mathew, Master of Science (Planning)
Kalind Patel, Master of Planning
Geetanjali Rana, Master of Planning
Andrea Torok, Master of Science (P...
Four members of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development shared rural research at the recent 74th annual Canadian Association of Geographers national conference in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With a conference theme of Edges, students and faculty contributed research on rural health, rural economic development, northern veterinary service provision, and rural workforce development. Presentations shared at the conference included:
The future of rural businesses and communities is dependent on appropriate and effective workforce development strategies. Rural businesses and communities are confronted with challenges in accessing relevant human capital to support, maintain, and grow their operations. Without deliberate and place-based strategies, rural businesses and rural economies will be negatively impacted.
Researchers at the University of Guelph and Selkirk College are interested
Shanley Weston's MSc (Planning) thesis is now available in the University of Guelph’s Atrium. Shanley's thesis is titled "Darkest Days: A Scoping Review of Violent Crime in Rural Canada".
Congratulations to Shanley for successfully completing the MSc (Planning) thesis!
Amid economic uncertainties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario faces challenges in tight labour markets, high unemployment rates, and a significant skills gap, particularly in rural areas, where approximately 250,000 jobs remain unfilled. In response to these pressing issues, a research initiative has been launched to spotlight innovative workforce development strategies aimed at addressing rural labour force challenges. By conducting an online
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), hosted a one-day symposium to showcase rural research being conducted at the University of Guelph. The Rural Symposium is an opportunity for graduate students to share their research with researchers, policy analysts and program staff with the OMAFRA, and rural organizations.
Rural research from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development was on display at the recent Liminal Spaces: Two Days of Rural Canada conference. The interdisciplinary conference examined the world between the cities and the wilderness. The following students and alumni presented rural research at the conference:
Danika Hammond (MSc Planning graduate): Defining rural: Advancing a place-based rural criteria matrix
John Dale (Rural Studie...
