The News
The latest articles and news relating to rural living...
Economic Resilience Action Plans: Toolkit for Plan Development
How to Use this Toolkit This toolkit was developed to accompany an in-person economic resilience planning process and help communities to fill gaps, expand their thinking about particular issues, and keep track of relevant questions…
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The 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…
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The 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…
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Keeping it Clean – Video
The forested watersheds of British Columbia’s Interior are a primary water source for aquatic ecosystems and human populations. The mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation and associated salvage harvesting have the potential to affect the amount,…
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Getting the most out of B.C.’s challenged wood fibre base
It was in early-2023 when British Columbia Premier David Eby announced the Forest Enterprise Society of B.C. (FESBC) was to receive an additional $50 million in funding for forest enhancement projects in the province. The…
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Study on Supply Chain and Community Benefits of the Forest Sector
A new economic study focusing on local communities across BC was released today by the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI). This study highlights the vital role of British Columbia’s forestry industry, as it touches…
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Virtual Care on the Front Lines
How Real-Time Virtual Support is helping to save lives and transform healthcare for remote, rural and Indigenous communities across B.C. Dr. Dean Johnston was in his neurology clinic in downtown Vancouver when he received a…
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Facing Fire: Building Resiliency to Wildfire | VIDEO
WILL WE MANAGE FIRE OR WILL FIRE MANAGE US? The question isn’t if fire will happen, but rather when it will strike. Fire is an intrinsic part of our ecosystem’s evolution. For over a century,…
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Leadership & Governance Resources
It’s been said: If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem will look like a nail. In my world, this phrase can mean: If the only tools you have are rules of…
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Rural 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)…
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Strategic Planning for Economic Development
Using the Strategic Planning Toolkit as a foundation, we’ll explore in-depth a handful of stages in the strategic planning process. You’ll hear from your peers in B.C. communities who have used the Strategic Planning Toolkit…
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Wildfire Risk Reduction and Enhanced Fibre Utilization Project Funding
FESBC Welcomes Applications for Wildfire Risk Reduction and Enhanced Fibre Utilization Project Funding Kamloops, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) continues to accept applications to fund forest enhancement projects, year-round. In the…
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Supporting Rural and Remote Economies: What Canada Must Do Now
Rural, remote, and northern regions are important and should be supported, not just because of their economic contributions (they contribute to over a quarter of Canada’s GDP) but because people in all parts of Canada…
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Indigenous Education as the Impetus to Economic Resilience
Originally Written and Posted By Indigenous Prosperity Centre As we navigate the complex landscape of Indigenous procurement and economic development, a question that consistently occupies my thoughts is: What does economic resilience truly mean for Indigenous…
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Real-Time Virtual Support
Relational Work Is the Work: Virtual Healthcare Transformation for Rural, Remote, and First Nations Communities in British Columbia The healthcare crisis across unceded First Nations territories in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in British Columbia…
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Historic investment of $83 million in water storage for farmers and ranchers
VICTORIA, B.C. – February 22, 2024: Today, British Columbia’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Katrine Conroy, unveiled the government’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year which included a historic investment of $83 million in water storage…
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Agritech in BC receives $2 million investment
13 new projects will address challenges that affect food security in BC By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer Agricultural innovation is taking root in British Columbia as 13 new projects to address food production challenges were announced at the Pacific…
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Revitalizing Downtown Hope
Planning for a Resilient Future *originally posted on Etsi-BC News For thousands of people who travel to and from the Lower Mainland, the community of Hope, located at the junction of four major highways, is…
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Indigenous food sovereignty is key to resilient farms, gardens and communitie
Communities are working toward food sovereignty one morsel at a time. Meet the experts bringing food to people’s plates and pushing for societal change… Gitxaała farmer Jacob Beaton says his Tea Creek project is more…
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The Clean Economy – Preventing Plastic Waste and Pollution
The Province continues to take action to support the clean economy by preventing plastic waste and pollution. People will not receive items like cutlery and condiments unless they need them and can expect to see options…
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Trail 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…
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The Heartbeat of Rural Communities: The Power of Volunteering
In the vast tapestry of our interconnected world, small rural communities often stand out as threads weaving the fabric of resilience and solidarity. Amidst the towering mountains, grasslands, and close-knit communities, the reliance on volunteering…
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Not Enough Being Done to Prevent Future Flooding
Living in Merritt is like living on an active volcano, says city manager, as concerns loom over flood risk Residents and municipal officials worry not enough is being done to prevent future flooding Residents of…
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