RDN’s Rural Revitalization initiative works with rural communities and stakeholders to create a strategy that allows for direct implementation of plans towards economic development, housing, infrastructure, and attracting newcomers. As our population continues to grow, rural Canada is facing a population squeeze. As per Statistics Canada’s Census data, the rural population has declined from more than 50% in the mid 1900s to less than 20% as of 2016.
As investment and jobs continue to grow in urban areas, mega-farms and the allure of major urban centres is pressuring rural communities to develop strategies to retain their residents. Rural communities are doing their best to plan for the future, but often these plans - once created - sit on a shelf due to a lack of capacity or expertise. RDN is partnering with communities to help implement these plans, and develop a national model for municipalities to be able to follow.
