Governments, researchers, and communities rely on definitions of rural places to decide where funding goes, how programs are designed, and which communities are eligible for support. Yet many existing definitions treat rural as simply the opposite of urban, missing the diversity of places that sit along a continuum. The new article A Rural Matrix: A Pragmatic Alternative Approach to Defining Rural for Policy and Practice, published in the Journal of Rural
On February 10, 2026, Scott Duff (Director of Rural Policy and Economic Development, Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs) led a workshop in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph. Intended to engage with graduate students, alumni and industry professionals, Duff shared insights on the realities of working in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and pathways to establishing a career.
During the workshop, Duff highligh
Understanding how geography shaped economic opportunity in 19th century Canada offers valuable insights into the roots of regional inequality and mobility across generations. The summary, titled “The Geography of Economic Mobility in 19th Century Canada,” highlights intergenerational economic mobility across regions in Canada between 1871 and 1901.
The research was conducted by Luiza Antonie, Kris Inwood, Chris Minns, and Fraser Summerfield, and will be pu
How do we mobilize research and knowledge to support stronger rural futures? A recent workshop hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation explored practical ways to share and use knowledge that supports rural peoples, rural economies, and rural environments. The workshop explored strategies to help move research, experience, and local insights into action. The workshop focused on tailoring knowledge-sharing approaches to different rur...
How do rural regions attract and keep highly skilled workers? Check out Natasha D'Souza's research summary examining Bruce County’s energy sector and the role of a dominant industry in shaping talent, governance, and regional identity.
Take a read of the research summary at https://ruraldev.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Research-Summary-DSouza.pdf
The February 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.
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A new peer-reviewed article titled “Revisiting rural economic development: New Localism’s potential in Canadian local government” shines a timely spotlight on the growing pressures facing rural communities across Canada. As local governments are increasingly asked to take on roles beyond basic services, many rural municipalities are struggling to keep up. Limited staff, tight budgets, and expanding responsibilities have created real challenges for communit
Looking to learn more about careers in the Ontario Public Service? Join a workshop on building a career in the Ontario Public Service on February 10 from 10:00–11:30 AM EST. You can attend in person in LA Room 127 or join virtually, making it easy to take part no matter where you are. This session is designed for students and recent graduates who want a clearer picture of public service career paths.
The workshop will be led by Scott Duff, Director of R...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of Canadians packed up city life and moved to rural communities. But what did that sudden shift really mean on the ground? A new article in Plan Canada, “Reflecting on the Urban Exodus: Rural Planning for City Expats,” explores how rural municipalities across Ontario experienced — and responded to — this change.
Written by Sara Epp, Christopher Fullerton, Natasha Gaudio Harrison, and Ryan Gibson, the article draws o
Natasha D'Souza's recent Rural Studies PhD dissertation "Space, Place and Power: A Case Study of Highly Skilled Talent and Governance Dynamics in The Bruce County Energy Sector" is now available online.
