BC rural development Archives

What 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…

Unlocking Rural Resilience: How Collective Ownership is Shaping Our Energy Future

At the BC Rural Centre, we are always looking for innovative ways to help our communities thrive in a changing climate. Recently, we had the privilege of being invited to participate in a pivotal research project led by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS). This collaboration focused on a critical question for rural B.C.:…

Dark Sky Tourism and Rural Development: Lessons From The Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Journal of Rural and Community Development Dark Sky Tourism and Rural Development: Lessons From The Jasper Dark Sky Festival Authors: Clark Banack & Glen Hvenegaard Publisher:Rural Development Institute, Brandon University. Editor:Dr. Doug Ramsey Open Access Policy:This journal provides open access to all of its content on the principle that making research freely available to the…

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) or population composition (e.g., aging population) — whether that be a shortage of skilled workers, low school enrolment, or a…

Framework for Creating a Smart Growth Economic Development Strategy

A Tool for Small Cities and Towns Many small and mid-sized cities around the United States are struggling because their economies were built largely on a single economic sector that has changed significantly. For example, jobs might once have been heavily concentrated in industries like logging, mining, or manufacturing, but technology and market forces have…

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 looking for people to help cut through the noise and get a job done, my bet will always be on…

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 across this country, we know one thing: inclusive and sustainable growth principles are becoming foundational to economic decision-making across the…

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: Rural-Policies-CRRF-2022 The rapid need to de-carbonize economies is leading to large new investments in renewable energy infrastructure, transforming rural landscapes…

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 are working with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) to advance the net zero home industry. For the new duplex’s…

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 to Penticton, many of whom have children, according to new data collected by the city. Of the 300 new residents…