Rural Initiatives
New Resources Support Climate-Resilient Renewable Energy Projects in Rural BC
As rural and remote communities across British Columbia explore local renewable energy solutions, climate resilience needs to be part of the conversation from the beginning. Community-scale solar and biomass projects can support local energy security, reduce emissions and create opportunities for community leadership and economic development. At the same time, these projects may be exposed…
Read MoreWhat Canada’s Rural Development Action Plan Consultation Means for Rural British Columbia
The federal government’s recent summary of themes from the Rural Development Action Plan consultation outlines priorities that align closely with many of the challenges and opportunities facing rural British Columbia. Housing, broadband, local economies, health and childcare, climate resilience, Indigenous-led development, and streamlined, place-based funding emerged as top themes, and each presents actionable opportunities for…
Read MoreBudget 2026 – The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
The quick context Budget date: Feb 17, 2026. Provincial operating spending up $3.9B over the plan; deficits: $13.3B (2026/27), $12.2B, $11.4B. Taxpayer‑supported capital $37.7B over three years; taxpayer‑supported debt rising to ~$189B by 2028/29 (Budget tables summary, Part 1, pp.1–2, 11–12, 17). 2026_Budget_and_Fiscal_Plan The good (positive for rural, remote & First Nations): First Nations equity…
Read MoreNew Draft Guidance Released for Rural Initiatives in British Columbia
The BC Public Service has released draft guidance to help ensure government policies, programs, and services are responsive to the needs of rural communities. This guidance introduces a consistent approach for assessing the impact of proposed measures on rural areas, considering factors like population size, remoteness, and access to transportation. Key Changes and Initiatives: Rural…
Read MoreThe SEED Model for Sustainable Economic Development in Small Rural Towns via Outdoor Recreation
Abstract Rural small towns continue to face serious challenges, including population decline, high poverty levels, and insufficient infrastructure, among others. The sustainable ecosystem economic development (SEED) model provides a framework for remote rural communities to work collaboratively with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits facilitated by project champions to develop and maintain healthy, sustainable economies. While…
Read MoreThe State of Rural Canada
The State of Rural Canada report provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse challenges and opportunities facing rural, remote, and northern communities across the country. While each region has its unique context, several overarching themes emerge from this fifth version of the report that paint a picture of rural Canada as a complex mosaic of…
Read MoreRural Resident Retention and Attraction Guidebook
Introduction to Rural Resident Retention and Attraction What is Resident Retention and Attraction? Resident retention and attraction (RRA) initiatives position communities to address issues associated with population size (e.g., low or declining number of residents) or population composition (e.g., aging population) — whether that be a shortage of skilled workers, low school enrolment, or a…
Read MoreTrail and Rossland Sign Recreation Agreement for 2024
ROSSLAND – In a move towards continued regional collaboration, the cities of Trail and Rossland have reached a Trail Resident Program (TRP) recreation services agreement for one year that would come into effect January 1, 2024. This agreement marks a significant step forward in promoting community well-being, sharing resources and enhancing recreational opportunities. The agreement permits residents…
Read MoreThe Rise Of Innovation Districts
A New Geography of Innovation in America Originally posted on Brookings.edu Written by Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner As the United States slowly emerges from the Great Recession, a remarkable shift is occurring in the spatial geography of innovation. For the past 50 years, the landscape of innovation has been dominated by places like Silicon…
Read MoreRural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)
Program Details The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a new grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI). The Government of B.C. is investing up to $33 million this year to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, which will support projects that promote the following: Economic diversification…
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