The News
The latest articles and news relating to rural living...
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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Is Slow Productivity the Answer to Ending Burn-Out?
Listen to the interview on CBC Radio: The Current with Mark Galloway | Canadian workplaces see increased productivity in four-day work week It’s Time to Embrace Slow Productivity In early December, the Congressional Progressive Caucus…
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Rural BC Project – Video
The purpose of the Rural BC Project was to develop recommendations to the provincial government on actions that would help facilitate rural development in BC. The video below was produced in 2013 when the BC…
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Two Cooperative Associations in BC’s Peace Region Approved for $1 million
PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C. – Two cooperative associations in B.C.’s Peace Region have been approved for $1 million through the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund’s (PACF) Agricultural Impact and Opportunities Initiative. The Fort…
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Local Indigenous Communities Reflect on Apology by Pope Francis
Calls to renounce the Doctrine of Discovery at the heart of colonialism 15th-century papal edicts empowered Europe to colonize non-Christian lands and people CBC Radio · Posted: Jul 26, 2022 6:24 PM ET | Last Updated: July…
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EVENT: Power to the People – Bankstown, NSW
In 2022, The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. will partner with Community Minds to bring it to Bankstown! to deliver our annual National Community Development Conference. The theme for the Power to the People 2022 Conference is “Diversity and Inclusion – Cultivating and Celebrating Our Diverse…
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BC Town Fighting to Recruit Family Doctors
Kootenay community of Creston has its own professional headhunter to find physicians Dr. Nerine Kleinhans came to Creston, B.C., from Saskatchewan. She says the town has had a successful recruiting push, but there are still…
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Increased Opportunities for Indigenous People in Forest Sector
Indigenous people looking to work in B.C.’s forest sector will have more opportunities to learn, train and develop in-demand skills through two new provincial grants. Supported by the StrongerBC Economic Plan, the Province is providing funding…
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A Digital Divide Persists Between Rural and Urban Canadians
Are you getting the internet speeds you’re paying for? A digital divide persists between rural and urban Canadians. CIRA is mapping this divide through their Internet Performance Test (IPT) platform so they can help communities…
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