A new publication focused on infrastructure investments to support COVID19 recovery in rural communities was released by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF). As part of CRRF's Rural Insights on COVID-19 Series, the publication examines how rural communities can employ green infrastructure to address post-pandemic recovery and climate reliance. The report emerges from the Building the Future research initiative funded through the Ontario Agr
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.
Ashleigh Weeden (PhD Candidate, Rural Studies), believes the future of local government will look very different from its past and, in an interview with Municipal World's CEO and Editor in Chief, Ashleigh argues that this future requires recommitting to core values of inclusion, diversity, and integrity. The interview was recorded as part of Municipal World's new MW Shares podcast series and highlights Ashleigh's five years of contributions to Municipal Wo...
On February 25, 2020, in partnership with the Ontario Good Roads Association, the Building the Future research team launched a survey for rural municipal officials and staff to learn more about their experiences in planning for and connecting infrastructure initiatives and economic development strategies.
Ashleigh Weeden (PhD Candidate, Rural Studies) launched the survey to a standing-room-only session of more than 75 delegates at the 2020 Ontario Good
Many rural businesses struggle to locate sufficient labour force. Many job vacancies go unfilled. How rural communities and businesses are able to attract and retain workers needed to generate economic development and vitality is a critical question. Lissel Hernandez-Gongora, a new postdoctoral fellow with the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, will examine this issue in partnership with rural communities and businesses.
Over the next...
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
Community leaders from across Ontario convened in Toronto to discuss immigration strategies, challenges, and opportunities for small communities. Nine Rural Planning and Development students facilitated these discussions and will be compiling a summary report in the coming weeks.
Building on the recent report Beyond the Big City, the Small Town Forum kicked off with a presentation from report author Dr. Victoria Esses (Western University) highlighting...
