Innovative Rural Housing Approaches: A Comparative Case Study to Benefit Rural Ontario

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Rural communities face significant challenges to ensure adequate, appropriate, affordable, and acceptable housing. Housing is critical for rural communities and their economic development and prosperity. This initiative investigates innovative housing approaches in Canada and abroad to address persistent challenges in rural Ontario, including availability, appropriateness, and affordability of housing.

Through a comparative case study methodology, the project identifies innovative, context-sensitive practices that can inform housing strategies in Ontario’s rural communities. These housing models may include community investment corporations, cooperatives, public-private partnerships. Knowledge mobilization activities will ensure that findings are shared with municipal leaders, community organizations, and other rural partners.

Project Team

  • Heather Douglas, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph
  • John Dale, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph
  • Josh Barrett, University of Prince Edward Island
  • Karla Uliana, Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs
  • Mollie Kuchma, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph
  • Ryan Gibson, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph
  • Samantha Mark, Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation
  • Sara MacDonald, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Funding

This research is funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph.