The News
The latest articles and news relating to rural living...
StrongerBC for everyone – Investing in Rural Communities
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home. “If you’re…
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Rural 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…
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Canoe journey crosses colonial border, upholding syilx sovereignty: ‘this is still our territory’
For the 22nd year in a row, the Sukʷnaqin July 4th Canoe Journey made the trip from nk’mip into the ‘United States’ and back For the 22nd year in a row, syilx Okanagan people took…
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BC Doctor Develops National Guide for the Greening of Health Care
The healthcare sector is among the most polluting, contributing 5 per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas. A Kimberley-based physician, Dr. Ilona Hale, and a team of health care professionals have produced a new resource,…
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Digitalization and Housing
Framing Paper for “Bringing Digitalization Home: How Can Technology Address Housing Challenges?” OCTOBER 2022 | DAVID LUBEROFF, CHRISTOPHER E. HERBERT To stimulate these discussions, the Joint Center for Housing Studies, with support from Qualcomm, Inc.,…
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Keeping It Rural Conference…Thank You
Dear Sponsors, Attendees, and Speakers, On behalf of the BC Rural Centre Society and the Keeping It Rural Conference, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your participation and support. Your presence and contributions made…
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HA NII TOKXW: OUR FOOD TABLE
The story of the indigenous Gitanyow people and their struggle to protect their traditional lands and “food table” in the face of climate change, industrialization and colonization in Northern British Columbia. SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT THIS SACRED PLACE: https://chng.it/h5rzcPgkXZ Featuring: Dr. David Suzuki Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs www.gitanyowchiefs.com A film by Farhan Umedaly VoVo Productions 2021 @vovoproductions Director’s Statement: Beyond its majestic beauty and nature hidden threats are pushing the delicate ecosystem of the Meziadin Lake watershed to the brink. Ha…
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Building Local Food Systems: A Path to Food Sovereignty
In today’s fast-paced, globalized world, the importance of building resilient and sustainable local food systems cannot be overstated. This is particularly crucial in rural, remote, and First Nation communities, where geographical isolation and limited access…
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Agricultural Land Reserve Settles Treaty 8 Claims
First Nations will receive approximately 27,000 acres of protected agricultural land in BC’s Peace Region as a result of settlement agreements addressing their land entitlements claims under Treaty 8, signed in 1899. “For more than…
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Innovative Approach to Medical Training
A visionary Canadian physician believes three new medical schools opening in Canada will flip the country’s medical training model on its head to focus more on family medicine. “It takes a community to raise a physician,”…
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Keeping It Rural 2023
June 1st and 2nd, 2023 in Kelowna, BC at the Hampton Inn We are planning to cover many of the challenges and opportunities facing rural BC right now. From mill closures, and mega-projects to innovation…
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20 Years of Fallout in the Forestry Sector
More than 20 years ago, a tiny insect changed B.C.’s forestry future. The fallout is still happening Job losses being seen across the province have been predicted for more than a decade, industry leaders say…
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Drug Use Study Conducted in qathet Region
A study of people who use drugs conducted in the qathet region found a variety of negative consequences, likening the situation for drug users to living in a goldfish bowl. Dr. Geoff Bardwell, the study’s…
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New and Improved Public Spaces and Tourism Experiences
The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities.…
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A Post-Pandemic Policy Agenda for Rural and Smaller Canadian Communities
Many of us know someone who, at the height of the pandemic, picked up and moved from an urban centre to a smaller, more rural Canadian community. Though small and rural communities face unique challenges…
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Territory Acknowledgment: A Guide
Acknowledging traditional territory is, for many First Nations, a long-standing practice and a regular aspect of governance relationships and ceremony. In recent years, territory acknowledgments have become common across Canada as an act of respect…
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What is Rural Policy Today? A pan-Canadian scan of policies for rural spaces
Rural regions are at the forefront of change. As our great green places—with the vast majority of land and natural resources—they are central to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Read the full report here:…
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Study finds Rural Connectivity Benefits People, Economy
The Kootenay Connectivity Benefits Study, released by BC Stats, finds high-speed internet connectivity expansions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities positively impacts both local and provincial economies in the short and long term. Read the…
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Rural Patients and Doctors Worry about Lengthy Wait Times and Level of Care as Workload Rises
Bob Storey is waiting to be put on a waiting list. Bob Storey grips his cane outside the community health centre in Fraser Lake, B.C. He’s waiting for a doctor’s appointment in January that will…
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Net Zero Energy Duplex at Williams Lake First Nation Completed
A new net zero energy duplex at Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) in the Cariboo is one of six demonstration projects by builders across Canada. Zirnhelt Timber Frames near Williams Lake and five other companies…
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Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres
Introducing: A Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres Purpose This toolbox is intended to help communities that wish to attract and retain newcomers. Within its pages, you will find ideas and illustrations designed to…
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Housing Development in Rural Communities
There are numerous complex and urgent problems facing rural Canada that require interdisciplinary, intersectoral and diverse solutions to address them. This webinar is one in a series by Athabasca University (AU) & Alberta’s Rural Development…
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Working Professionals and Retirees Moving Out of the Lower Mainland
Working professionals and retirees make up the majority moving to Penticton – Most people are moving from the Lower Mainland A growing number of working professionals between the ages of 31 to 44 are moving…
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An Infrastructure Gap Slows Down Adoption of EV
‘The gap is large’: B.C.’s small towns illuminate urban-rural divide in EV infrastructure There’s an infrastructure gap that’s slowing down the adoption of electric vehicles across B.C. Here’s what three small towns — urban and…
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