THE RURBAN FRINGE

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 [...]

Reasons to Engage Your Community

Build Connections – Strengthen, deepen and expand relationships and better connect people and resources.
Advance Mission – Serve your organization’s core reason for being.
Build Relevance – As you interact with others, their interests and aspirations, you become an increasing part of their lives and matter more to them.
Increase Value – The greater your impact on others [...]

Arts and Culture Matter

There is a rising tide that recognizes the power and contribution of artistic and cultural expression in rural and rurban communities.  Such activities encourage reflection, stimulate creative thinking, sustain livelihoods and may offer alternative options to encourage social change.
But a vibrant artistic and cultural sector depends on strong leadership that recognizes the value of such [...]

The Chicken or the Egg?

Think fast … which comes first, infrastructure or economy?
Both, actually.  Economic development strategies must walk hand in hand with infrastructure development to be successful.
One may argue that it’s wrong to develop economic approaches while neglecting basic infrastructure requirements.  Or one may argue that by focusing on infrastructure development, businesses that drive local economies will be all [...]

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