Why We Do What We Do
We believe the solutions to the challenges facing rural British Columbians are to be found right here — among the valleys and mountains, along the lake and seashores, in the forests and fields and small towns and First Nation reserves we all call home.
We’re motivated by the things rural British Columbians tell us matter — decent jobs, good education and training opportunities, a secure and healthy food system, affordable housing, excellent medical care, access to vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities, and a balanced and sustainable environment.
We are biased toward the positive. There’s plenty of gloom and doom in our world. We’ll let others focus on problems. We prefer to search for solutions. And opportunities. We are results driven and community-first minded.
Our job is to carefully listen, then share what we learn in a timely, effective fashion with rural leaders and residents across our beautiful province. Then help them succeed.
Rural context is best understood by those living, working, and loving rurally - that is us.
Meet the Team
The hardworking people of the BC Rural Centre...

Barry Janyk
Executive Director
Barry comes to the BC Rural Centre with extensive experience, living and working in rural BC as a forestry worker, helicopter owner and operator, business owner and public policy consultant, as well as being the former mayor of Gibsons for 12 years – where he and his family still reside.
His love of the province and his work with – and for – many provincial communities and agencies over the last 25 years have been the spark for his passion to ensure rural and remote voices are heard and their wellbeing and resilience are secure.

Sarah Sinclair
Director of Program Management
Sarah is on a mission to help communities, agencies, creative professionals, and NPOs elevate to their fullest potential. When not implementing digital eco-system best practices, and developing effective marketing strategies. Sarah spends her time focusing on community economic development, tangible growth, business development, and sustainable revenue sources. Sarah’s strength in research, trends and marketing amplifies her ability to be results-oriented. In a no-nonsense straight-talking way she combines a fun working environment with tangible goals for success. Sarah lives in rural British Columbia with her family.
Meet Our Associates

Gordon Borgstrom
Associate
Gordon recently retired as the BC Rural Centre’s founding Executive Director. Gordon spent over 35 years in community development and transition planning in various roles with communities across British Columbia. Skilled in research and analysis; community and rural economic development; strategic planning; and organizational development – Gordon is passionate about researching, developing, and implementing new and innovative rural development approaches.

Peter Kenyon
Associate
Peter is a recognized global expert in Asset Based Community Driven Development (ABCD). While Peter calls Kalamunda, Western Australia home, he travels extensively across the globe giving conference keynote speeches and leading ABCD and community revitalization workshops and processes — he has worked with over 2,000 communities in 59 different countries. Peter is a highly entertaining, engaging, and knowledgeable presenter and process facilitator. Please see ABCD resource material on our Asset Based Community Development page under Resources.

Our Services
In addition to the information services we provide, the BC Rural Centre has the expertise to offer specialized programs and services to BC communities on a fee-for-service basis.
- Asset-Based Community-Driven Development
- Rural Community Population Attraction
- “First Impressions” Community Analysis
- Specialized Rural Research Services
The Advisory Board
The strategic direction for the BC Rural Centre is set by an Advisory Committee of individuals from across the province. All of the Advisory Committee members are volunteers who bring a wealth of experience and background to the Committee.
A small number of the Advisory Committee members form the Management Board for the BC Rural Centre.
Francine Carlin
Saltspring Island
Victor Cumming
Vernon
Brad Sperling
Peace River
Bill Kershaw
Barriere
Rhona Martin
Malakwa
Grace McGregor
Christina Lake
Bert Mercer
Gitlaxt'aamiks
Brian Simpson
Castlegar
Nicole Vaugeois
Nanaimo
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson
Neskonlith
Lennard Joe
Shackan
Leonard Hiebert
-Peace River
Check Out Our Accomplishments To Date
The BC Rural Centre has been around for a while now – from our humble beginnings as the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition to transitioning to the nonprofit you see today – there have been many successes in our journey. And we look forward to creating more...
Latest Articles
Read the latest news from Rural BC and other inspiring, provocative, and informing news...
Our Services
Learn about how you can engage with the BC Rural Centre on your projects, ideas, and more...
Knowledge Centre
Find loads of current, useful information on rural topics to help support your project, research, or general interests.
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