THE RURBAN FRINGE

There Is No Free Money

Ahhh … the lure of free money!
It sounds great – in theory – as websites like this seek to entice business owners to pay for access to this kind of information.  That’s right.  Pay. 
But make no mistake, these types of sites exist as independent businesses themselves, acting as information clearing-houses. 
The funding program information they claim to have access [...]

Spectacular Rural Canada Faces Tough Times Ahead

I’ve just returned from a week spent learning, networking and sharing with like-minded colleagues as over 700 of us converged in Ontario for a national conference celebrating ’spectacular’ rural Canada. 

It was amazing.  And encouraging to see others striving to ensure rural Canada remains relevant and viable in today’s changing times.
A recent report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, [...]

Alberta Heritage Fund: Another Lost Opportunity

Ouch.  The Government of Alberta just released their 2009 budget … with a $4.7 billion deficit.  This one’s gonna hurt, folks.
Released simultaneously (albeit, with much less fanfare) was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund 2009 – 2012 Business Plan.  Created by Peter Lougheed in the 1970s, the fund seeks to hold and invest the provincial government’s revenue take, theoretically [...]

Budget 09 – Where’s the Rural Stimulus?

Stimulus, stimulus, stimulus.
After finally reviewing the government’s ”economic action plan” for 2009, I’ve decided that broadband has become the catch-all project when rural economic development is discussed these days.
And why not?  Broadband is easily defined, not agricultural and seems something that everyone agrees would revitalize rural and rurban areas.
Broadband connection, in comparison with dial-up, speeds access to the [...]

The Economic Impact of Community Pathways

Pathways are a vital component of a well-built and responsive community.  Not only do pathways and trail systems encourage alternate means of transportation, they also provide green space and can link neighbouring communities and businesses, contributing to economic stimulation of these areas.
By encouraging local governments to create thoughtful, well-planned pathways systems, residents and visitors will [...]

« go back — keep looking »