THE RURBAN FRINGE

What are Sustainable Food Systems?

According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), sustainable food systems are collaborative networks that integrate the production, processing, distribution and consumption of food and waste management. 
They aim to enhance the environmental, economic and social health of a community.
Last year, FCM conducted a survey to find out whether such systems were important to Canadian municipalities.  [...]

Investing in Leadership

[Alicia Evans is the Project Manager - Leadership Programs with Rural Ontario Institute who is helping oversee the implementation of an innovative leadership program in rural Ontario.  Read on for her summary of the terrific Steps to Leadership program.]     
When money is tight, the first disposable “luxury” is often leadership development. 
But when it comes to our rural [...]

Affordable and Appropriate Infrastructure

[ Rural communities want to survive ... and thrive.  That's why Paul Koch's article, Enhancing the Survivability of Your Rural Community, caught my eye as his list offers a number of steps communities can take to help ensure that they remain relevant and vibrant places to live.  With more than 35 years of experience working with various levels [...]

On the Irish Fringe

I couldn’t resist sharing some further, related photos from a recent trip abroad and, while visiting Ireland, also couldn’t get away from noting that the most thriving Irish communities were those that were diversified in their economic activities … demonstrating that no matter where you live, economic self-sufficiency and growth must come from within.
Approximately 40% of [...]

Sustainable Communities Toolkit

Bring smart growth home with the Canada Green Building Council’s Sustainable Communities Toolkit. 
Originally developed in 2006 with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as the Green Building Toolkit, this updated resource reflects the evolution from green buildings … to green communities. 
The aim is to equip owners of public sector buildings with the information they need [...]

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