COVID-19 has created a series of uncertainties for planning programs across Ontario. On July 17, 2020 the Ontario Professional Planners Institute hosted an online webinar to discuss the state of Ontario’s planning schools during and post-COVID-19. The discussion highlighted how planning programs are adjusting the upcoming fall semester due to COVID-19, the impact to capacity and skill set development for students, and long-term strategies. The discussion f
In partnership with the Ontario Good Roads Association, Ryan Gibson, Ashleigh Weeden, Sean Markey (Simon Fraser University) and Jay Maloney (Simon Fraser University) from the Building the Future project re-launched a province-wide survey aimed at exploring the challenges and opportunities involved in rural infrastructure and regional economic development during a webinar hosted by OGRA today.
To complete the survey, please visit: http://bit.ly/BTFSurvey20
The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging local governments on every level. Infrastructure investments are often used as critical mechanisms for supporting economic recovery.
This crisis, combined with anticipated challenges associated with climate change and opportunities presented by technological breakthroughs, requires new approaches addressing the connection between infrastructure and economic development. However, there is very little information avail...
What is the nexus of regional planning and economic development? What are the key trends impacting the future of regional economic development? Dr. Ryan Gibson shared his perspectives on this nexus with students at Queen's University on March 6. The presentation outlined key trends in economic development, the role of regional planning in economic development, and highlights from current research initiatives.
During the recent Vision for a Prosperous Tomorrow Conference hosted by the Ontario Good Roads Association Dr. Ryan Gibson participated in a panel discussion on local and regional economic development strategies. Dr. Gibson was joined on the panel by Kathryn Wood (Eastern Ontario Leadership Council), Elliot Siemiatycki, and Paul Ainslie (Councillor, City of Toronto).
Dr. Gibson's contribution highlighted key trends impacting current local and regional eco
What do philanthropy, infrastructure, and rural policy have in common? These were the topics discussed by Dr. Ryan Gibson on a recent episode of "In No Particular Order" with host Peter Smith.
On February 5, 2020, Peter and Ryan discussed the future of rural communities and recent research that helps rural communities build the future they desire. The podcast features research from the rural philanthropy research, building the future - infrastructure and
Rural communities throughout Ontario are struggling with addressing both economic development and infrastructure. During the 2020 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference Dr. Ryan Gibson participated in a panel discussion exploring the realities communities are confronted and the strategies being pursued across Ontario. The panel included Delia Reiche from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario, Kate Burns Gallager from the Western Ontario Warden
What are the key drivers of the economy in southwestern Ontario? What are the some of the 'myths' related to our economy? Dr. Ryan Gibson shared perspectives at the recent Libro Credit Union meeting in London, Ontario on October 29 on the economic realities. The presentation highlighted six themes: (i) workforce transitions and business succession planning, (ii) Indigenous economic contributions, (iii) uncertain international trade relationships, (iv) infr
The Senate is a key institution in the Canadian parliamentary system. Composed of representatives from across the country, the Senate provide a complementary review of government bills before they become the law and undertakes investigations on important social and political issues. A key role of the Senate is for the representation of regional interests. During the Sustainable Communities Conference in St John's on October 5, Dr. Ryan Gibson moderated ...
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development was well represented at the recent Sustainable Communities Conference, which brought together rural leaders, community-based organizations, government policy makers, businesses, students, and researchers. A total of 16 presentations and posters were delivered by students and faculty from the School! Details of each contribution are listed below:
Power in Policy: Measuring Farmland Los
