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 policy. Together, the contributions highlight SEDRD’s commitment to research that addresses real-world challenges and supports vibrant, resilient rural places.

The breadth of presentations reflects the collaborative and applied nature of rural research at SEDRD. By working with communities, governments, and industry partners, researchers are generating knowledge that informs decision-making and creates positive change. The conference provided an opportunity to connect with rural scholars and practitioners from across Canada and the North Atlantic region, strengthening partnerships and sharing ideas that will benefit rural communities for years to come.

SEDRD research presentations included:

• Anchor Industries, Reshaping Economies, and Environmental Stewardship: Lessons from the Nuclear Energy Cluster in Bruce County, Ontario – Natasha D’Souza (RST PhD alumni), Ryan Gibson faculty)
• Leaving the Margins: A Systematic Review of Belonging – Daniel Layden (PhD student)
• Philanthropy in Place: Community, Care, and Rural Resilience in Atlantic Canada – Joshua Barrett (RST PhD alumni), Edmund Yirenkyi, Amy Hudson, Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede, Richard Garretts, Katie Temple
• Sustainable Rural, Sustainable Canada: How the Federal Government is Advancing Rural Priorities – Sarah Minnes (RPD alumni)
• Blueprints for Prosperity: Examining Rural Strategies for Mega-Manufacturing Investments – Shahrear Towhid (PhD student), Ryan Gibson (faculty)
• From Research to Action: Making Rural Research Work for Rural People – Damilola Oyewale (MSc alumni), Camilo Jiménez (RPD alumni, Heather Douglas (RPD alumni), Ryan Gibson
• Home Away from Home: International Agricultural Workers, Housing Policy, Lessons from Ontario – Damilola Oyewale (RPD alumni), Ryan Gibson (faculty)

All research contributions are available in the CRRF Proceedings. More information about the 2026 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and North Atlantic Forum Conference is available on the conference website.