Based on semi-structured interviews with 54 distinct actors in the UK and Canada, we identify a r... more Based on semi-structured interviews with 54 distinct actors in the UK and Canada, we identify a range of internal psychological orientations that are common (albeit to varying degrees) in both case study regions that, when taken together, provide a lens through which on-farm decisions relating to pro-environmental behaviours are internally analysed and subsequently operationalised. We label these orientations as Production, Business, Environmental, Lifestyle, and Farm Health. Through these orientations, we find farmers are often becoming ‘accidental environmentalists’ by undertaking many pro-environmental activities for non-environmental reasons. Prominent examples include adopting environmentally beneficial on-farm decisions to support field sports (i.e. shooting), pursuing production improvements with environmental spin-offs (e.g. cover crops, beneficial pollinators), or seeking improvements to personal or family health and well-being (e.g. reduced use of chemicals). This analysis therefore highlights the importance of not oversimplifying farmer motivations along a dualistic profit-seeking v stewardship divide when it comes to understanding environmental behaviour.
The ability to balance agricultural production and environmental conservation in the face of incr... more The ability to balance agricultural production and environmental conservation in the face of increasing demand for food, fuel and fibre poses a major challenge for governments around the world. This challenge is explored in two areas of comparison: Ontario, Canada and England, UK in order to understand how each has balanced agriculture and environment in its land use policies. England and Ontario share similarities that suggest lessons and instruments may be transferrable to achieve similar land use objectives. Through the use of a thematic analysis of policy documentation, from each case study area, themes are identified demonstrating differences in approaches, and underlying policy preferences, associated with balancing agriculture and the environment. Specifically, results suggest that policymakers in Ontario hold a preference for land-sparing and leanings towards the productivist paradigm, whereas the land-sharing approach coupled with evidence of post-productivism is more common in England. The structural similarities of these cases provides insights into less tangible aspects of either context, such as policymaker preferences, where different approaches have emerged from a similar foundation. Moreover, as England transitions out of the EU, it may draw on the experiences of other jurisdictions in the design of a new suite of agri-environmental policies, with Ontario's approach providing one alternative. Overall, this paper contributes to our understanding of the manifestation of land-sparing/sharing and productivism/post-productivism in real world policy contexts and the relationship between both sets of concepts.
In virtually all rural areas of Ontario, Canada, the limited availability of transportation alter... more In virtually all rural areas of Ontario, Canada, the limited availability of transportation alternatives means that rural residents without access to a personal vehicle are at an increased risk of transportation disadvantage. To date, little research has been conducted in Ontario as to the transportation limitations of rural residents, nor has a comprehensive study of groups at risk of transportation disadvantage been conducted. To address this gap, this research involved the development and testing of a transportation disadvantage framework, using Key Informant Interviews with service providers operating within Huron County, Ontario. Five demographic groups were found to be at risk of transportation disadvantage within Huron County: (1) older adults, (2) those with physical or mental disabilities, (3) youth, (4) people in low-income households, and (5) women. The results confirm that transportation disadvantage exists on a continuum, with some groups more disadvantaged than others, as well as some services more attainable than others. The framework was found to be a useful, and accessible, starting point for assessing groups at risk of transportation disadvantage in a rural community. The findings suggest that a coordinated transportation service, serving multiple demographic groups, may contribute to reducing transportation disadvantage while better utilizing the resources of existing service providers.
Planning for Rural Resilience: Coping with Climate Change and Energy Futures makes clear that com... more Planning for Rural Resilience: Coping with Climate Change and Energy Futures makes clear that communities and municipalities have opportunities to make informed and constructive decisions in the face of uncertainty: many of these decisions are “win-win” in the sense that they benefit the community in the short term while also building resilience for the future. Case studies include a town rebuilding itself after a tornado and an individual farmer’s commitment to creating a resilient farm. They provide examples of innovative, successful, and practical on-the-ground actions and strategies.
In virtually all rural areas in Ontario the limited transportation alternatives means that rural ... more In virtually all rural areas in Ontario the limited transportation alternatives means that rural residents without access to a personal vehicle are at great risk of transportation disadvantage. The primary research method for this research involved testing a transportation disadvantage framework using fourteen Key Informant Interviews undertaken with service providers operating within the case study of Huron County. The research found that residents within five demographic groups are at risk of transportation disadvantage within Huron County: older adults, those with physical or mental disabilities, youth, low-income households, and women. The research confirmed that transportation disadvantage exists on a continuum with some groups more disadvantaged than others, but also within groups with some accessibility needs more attainable than others. The research concludes with suggestions for a public transportation system to improve unmet transportation needs in Huron County along with recommendations for improving transportation access within the county.
The aims of this research project have been to analyse the agricultural potential of Cochrane Dis... more The aims of this research project have been to analyse the agricultural potential of Cochrane District in Northeast Ontario as well as identify opportunities to expand the agricultural sector of this region. It is broken into 2 reports each with their own substantial appendices. Report 1 provides mainly background and research findings while Report 2 provides tangible opportunities for expanding agriculture in the region referred to as Strategic Actions.
The 2012 ICRPS Summer Institute was held from June 21 to July 6, 2012 under the framework of “Gov... more The 2012 ICRPS Summer Institute was held from June 21 to July 6, 2012 under the framework of “Governing for Sustainable Rural Futures”. This report provides a summary of recommendations and comparative policy findings resulting from the institute. Five main topics are addressed in the report: Regional Development; Inequality; Energy; Food; and the Natural Environment.
Global climate change is a reality, and at the same time energy prices continue to rise. As these... more Global climate change is a reality, and at the same time energy prices continue to rise. As these trends will fundamentally change our communities, how can municipalities work to increase resilience – to ensure that communities can withstand potential shocks and changes? What types of responses address both climate change and rising energy prices? This manual explores these questions as they relate to rural Ontario municipalities.
This document provides recommendations and best practices for engaging a community in the plannin... more This document provides recommendations and best practices for engaging a community in the planning process in the wake of a disaster. The need for such a document grew out of an observed void in literature on planning and public engagement for a post-disaster area. The target audience for this report is planners in rural and small towns in North America and their municipalities.
Public transportation in the rural areas of Ontario is very rare and in most areas a personal veh... more Public transportation in the rural areas of Ontario is very rare and in most areas a personal vehicle is required for the essentials of daily life. Indeed, those residing in rural areas are structurally dependent on personal vehicles creating a situation where those unable to drive are at risk of transportation disadvantage. For instance, previous research has found that older adults, youth, low-income individuals, and the mobility impaired are all at particular risk of transportation disadvantage and thereby social/ economic exclusion. Furthermore, there are additional issues associated with transportation in rural areas such as higher rates of impaired driving and concerns arising from increasing fuel prices which may be addressed through public transportation provision. This research provides a framework for identifying demographic groups at risk of transportation disadvantage in the rural areas of Ontario. This framework will then be applied to the case study of Huron County, Ontario to identify groups in need within this context. The research will also evaluate public transportation models to propose appropriate models to meet the unmet transportation needs within the rural areas of Ontario.
What is it that leads to economic success in one community while another community flounders? Thi... more What is it that leads to economic success in one community while another community flounders? This question is especially relevant for rural and small town communities that face unique issues and problems. For decades many rural communities have faced low birth rates, an aging population, low rates of immigration and declining political power.
There are though reasons to be optimistic. In this book we present a number of case studies and key lessons that have relevance for communities across the country. These lessons can be adopted and applied by local politicians, municipal staff and the general public in working to enhance their community and neighbourhood.
For some communities, despite challenges, optimism abounds! This book provides hands on strategies that can help change your community from one that flounders to one that embraces the future.
One of the key issues facing rural public transportation in Ontario, and elsewhere, is a lack of ... more One of the key issues facing rural public transportation in Ontario, and elsewhere, is a lack of distinction with urban public transportation. While these services may seem similar, in reality they are fundamentally different and therefore models, theories, and assumptions applied to one often do not translate to the other. This short opinion piece discusses a few reasons why urban public transportation and rural public transportation should not always be compared and the flaws inherent in doing so.
Based on semi-structured interviews with 54 distinct actors in the UK and Canada, we identify a r... more Based on semi-structured interviews with 54 distinct actors in the UK and Canada, we identify a range of internal psychological orientations that are common (albeit to varying degrees) in both case study regions that, when taken together, provide a lens through which on-farm decisions relating to pro-environmental behaviours are internally analysed and subsequently operationalised. We label these orientations as Production, Business, Environmental, Lifestyle, and Farm Health. Through these orientations, we find farmers are often becoming ‘accidental environmentalists’ by undertaking many pro-environmental activities for non-environmental reasons. Prominent examples include adopting environmentally beneficial on-farm decisions to support field sports (i.e. shooting), pursuing production improvements with environmental spin-offs (e.g. cover crops, beneficial pollinators), or seeking improvements to personal or family health and well-being (e.g. reduced use of chemicals). This analysis therefore highlights the importance of not oversimplifying farmer motivations along a dualistic profit-seeking v stewardship divide when it comes to understanding environmental behaviour.
The ability to balance agricultural production and environmental conservation in the face of incr... more The ability to balance agricultural production and environmental conservation in the face of increasing demand for food, fuel and fibre poses a major challenge for governments around the world. This challenge is explored in two areas of comparison: Ontario, Canada and England, UK in order to understand how each has balanced agriculture and environment in its land use policies. England and Ontario share similarities that suggest lessons and instruments may be transferrable to achieve similar land use objectives. Through the use of a thematic analysis of policy documentation, from each case study area, themes are identified demonstrating differences in approaches, and underlying policy preferences, associated with balancing agriculture and the environment. Specifically, results suggest that policymakers in Ontario hold a preference for land-sparing and leanings towards the productivist paradigm, whereas the land-sharing approach coupled with evidence of post-productivism is more common in England. The structural similarities of these cases provides insights into less tangible aspects of either context, such as policymaker preferences, where different approaches have emerged from a similar foundation. Moreover, as England transitions out of the EU, it may draw on the experiences of other jurisdictions in the design of a new suite of agri-environmental policies, with Ontario's approach providing one alternative. Overall, this paper contributes to our understanding of the manifestation of land-sparing/sharing and productivism/post-productivism in real world policy contexts and the relationship between both sets of concepts.
In virtually all rural areas of Ontario, Canada, the limited availability of transportation alter... more In virtually all rural areas of Ontario, Canada, the limited availability of transportation alternatives means that rural residents without access to a personal vehicle are at an increased risk of transportation disadvantage. To date, little research has been conducted in Ontario as to the transportation limitations of rural residents, nor has a comprehensive study of groups at risk of transportation disadvantage been conducted. To address this gap, this research involved the development and testing of a transportation disadvantage framework, using Key Informant Interviews with service providers operating within Huron County, Ontario. Five demographic groups were found to be at risk of transportation disadvantage within Huron County: (1) older adults, (2) those with physical or mental disabilities, (3) youth, (4) people in low-income households, and (5) women. The results confirm that transportation disadvantage exists on a continuum, with some groups more disadvantaged than others, as well as some services more attainable than others. The framework was found to be a useful, and accessible, starting point for assessing groups at risk of transportation disadvantage in a rural community. The findings suggest that a coordinated transportation service, serving multiple demographic groups, may contribute to reducing transportation disadvantage while better utilizing the resources of existing service providers.
Planning for Rural Resilience: Coping with Climate Change and Energy Futures makes clear that com... more Planning for Rural Resilience: Coping with Climate Change and Energy Futures makes clear that communities and municipalities have opportunities to make informed and constructive decisions in the face of uncertainty: many of these decisions are “win-win” in the sense that they benefit the community in the short term while also building resilience for the future. Case studies include a town rebuilding itself after a tornado and an individual farmer’s commitment to creating a resilient farm. They provide examples of innovative, successful, and practical on-the-ground actions and strategies.
In virtually all rural areas in Ontario the limited transportation alternatives means that rural ... more In virtually all rural areas in Ontario the limited transportation alternatives means that rural residents without access to a personal vehicle are at great risk of transportation disadvantage. The primary research method for this research involved testing a transportation disadvantage framework using fourteen Key Informant Interviews undertaken with service providers operating within the case study of Huron County. The research found that residents within five demographic groups are at risk of transportation disadvantage within Huron County: older adults, those with physical or mental disabilities, youth, low-income households, and women. The research confirmed that transportation disadvantage exists on a continuum with some groups more disadvantaged than others, but also within groups with some accessibility needs more attainable than others. The research concludes with suggestions for a public transportation system to improve unmet transportation needs in Huron County along with recommendations for improving transportation access within the county.
The aims of this research project have been to analyse the agricultural potential of Cochrane Dis... more The aims of this research project have been to analyse the agricultural potential of Cochrane District in Northeast Ontario as well as identify opportunities to expand the agricultural sector of this region. It is broken into 2 reports each with their own substantial appendices. Report 1 provides mainly background and research findings while Report 2 provides tangible opportunities for expanding agriculture in the region referred to as Strategic Actions.
The 2012 ICRPS Summer Institute was held from June 21 to July 6, 2012 under the framework of “Gov... more The 2012 ICRPS Summer Institute was held from June 21 to July 6, 2012 under the framework of “Governing for Sustainable Rural Futures”. This report provides a summary of recommendations and comparative policy findings resulting from the institute. Five main topics are addressed in the report: Regional Development; Inequality; Energy; Food; and the Natural Environment.
Global climate change is a reality, and at the same time energy prices continue to rise. As these... more Global climate change is a reality, and at the same time energy prices continue to rise. As these trends will fundamentally change our communities, how can municipalities work to increase resilience – to ensure that communities can withstand potential shocks and changes? What types of responses address both climate change and rising energy prices? This manual explores these questions as they relate to rural Ontario municipalities.
This document provides recommendations and best practices for engaging a community in the plannin... more This document provides recommendations and best practices for engaging a community in the planning process in the wake of a disaster. The need for such a document grew out of an observed void in literature on planning and public engagement for a post-disaster area. The target audience for this report is planners in rural and small towns in North America and their municipalities.
Public transportation in the rural areas of Ontario is very rare and in most areas a personal veh... more Public transportation in the rural areas of Ontario is very rare and in most areas a personal vehicle is required for the essentials of daily life. Indeed, those residing in rural areas are structurally dependent on personal vehicles creating a situation where those unable to drive are at risk of transportation disadvantage. For instance, previous research has found that older adults, youth, low-income individuals, and the mobility impaired are all at particular risk of transportation disadvantage and thereby social/ economic exclusion. Furthermore, there are additional issues associated with transportation in rural areas such as higher rates of impaired driving and concerns arising from increasing fuel prices which may be addressed through public transportation provision. This research provides a framework for identifying demographic groups at risk of transportation disadvantage in the rural areas of Ontario. This framework will then be applied to the case study of Huron County, Ontario to identify groups in need within this context. The research will also evaluate public transportation models to propose appropriate models to meet the unmet transportation needs within the rural areas of Ontario.
What is it that leads to economic success in one community while another community flounders? Thi... more What is it that leads to economic success in one community while another community flounders? This question is especially relevant for rural and small town communities that face unique issues and problems. For decades many rural communities have faced low birth rates, an aging population, low rates of immigration and declining political power.
There are though reasons to be optimistic. In this book we present a number of case studies and key lessons that have relevance for communities across the country. These lessons can be adopted and applied by local politicians, municipal staff and the general public in working to enhance their community and neighbourhood.
For some communities, despite challenges, optimism abounds! This book provides hands on strategies that can help change your community from one that flounders to one that embraces the future.
One of the key issues facing rural public transportation in Ontario, and elsewhere, is a lack of ... more One of the key issues facing rural public transportation in Ontario, and elsewhere, is a lack of distinction with urban public transportation. While these services may seem similar, in reality they are fundamentally different and therefore models, theories, and assumptions applied to one often do not translate to the other. This short opinion piece discusses a few reasons why urban public transportation and rural public transportation should not always be compared and the flaws inherent in doing so.
The solutions to the challenges facing a finite land base will require cooperation amongst numero... more The solutions to the challenges facing a finite land base will require cooperation amongst numerous diverse interests. Two interests that are often difficult to bring together are agriculture and environment, who may have different visions for the use of rural land. How can these two sets of stakeholders work together to pursue a similar vision for sustainable land allocation? This article explores the challenge in an area with long established land use competition, England in the United Kingdom, and in a region where increasing competition for land is occurring: Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with interest groups and policymakers, representing both agriculture and environment, to identify challenges and potential solutions to enable cooperation. Lessons were also drawn that may be useful for organisations in either jurisdiction as they experience similar challenges. Overall, it was found that while difficulties persist, the challenges to cooperation between agricultural and environmental stakeholders are not insurmountable in either set of organisations and, at a base level, both sets of stakeholders share the same values, albeit prioritised in different ways.
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There are though reasons to be optimistic. In this book we present a number of case studies and key lessons that have relevance for communities across the country. These lessons can be adopted and applied by local politicians, municipal staff and the general public in working to enhance their community and neighbourhood.
For some communities, despite challenges, optimism abounds! This book provides hands on strategies that can help change your community from one that flounders to one that embraces the future.
There are though reasons to be optimistic. In this book we present a number of case studies and key lessons that have relevance for communities across the country. These lessons can be adopted and applied by local politicians, municipal staff and the general public in working to enhance their community and neighbourhood.
For some communities, despite challenges, optimism abounds! This book provides hands on strategies that can help change your community from one that flounders to one that embraces the future.
*This is an unpublished working paper*