Ontario’s share of international immigration means that we add a city larger than St Catherines to our population every year.  Can we keep on doing this and still manage the problems flowing from urban sprawl and congestion?  Can we use the talent newcomers bring to drive our productivity, innovation and competitiveness across all regions?  Are there ways that rural and small town Ontario challenged by population decline, school closures and youth out migration can also benefit from immigration and welcome newcomers in a socially inclusive way?   We think the answer is yes.   Drawing on input from many local stakeholders working collaboratively on local immigration partnerships in regions across Ontario the Rural Ontario Institute provided a rural and small town perspective to the government established roundtable assisting with the development of an Ontario Immigration Strategy.   Read it here….Submission Ontario Immigration Strategy Roundtable final.pdf (38.43 kb)

Norman Ragetlie, Director, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement 

Celebrate those who are doing good things to protect Ontario's rural watersheds.  This year, the 2012 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence is honouring outstanding local efforts to protect the Great Lakes.  Apply or nominate a friend, community member or business whose activities benefit the environment or foster environmental behaviour change.

The award recognizes environmental achievement, leadership and innovation by Ontario companies, organizations, communities and individuals. Examples include:

• Environmental achievement through community or stakeholder involvement or collaboration
• Education, outreach and behaviour change initiatives
• Leadership, innovation or early adoption of new technology, practices or demonstrations

Applications will be accepted until July 16.  Click here for an application or to learn more

The Social Research & Planning Council (SRPC) is made up of community members who are dedicated to collecting, analyzing and sharing information about social needs in Perth & Huron Counties. Beginning with the Quality of Life Report in 2004 the SRPC, then the Perth County Social Research & Planning Council, has addressed numerous topics including poverty, services for rural youth, literacy, elder abuse, mental health, and the impact of the global recession.  

This year marks a significant milestone for the Council as they have just released their first two dual-county reports. Expanding their mandate across Huron and Perth Counties has brought about new partnerships which has enriched the work and perspective of the SRPC, resulting in a stronger voice for rural Ontarians.

In March 2012, the SRPC published,The Road Ahead: A study of transportation needs across Huron and Perth Counties. The study focuses on rural areas and marginalized groups such as those living on low income, those living with a disability, youth, women, seniors, and the Anabaptist community. Access to social and health services is highlighted as the most urgent need for people living without reliable transportation. As recommended by the SRPC, United Way Perth-Huron is forming a duel-county Transportation Improvement Task Force, which will review the report and work towards transportation solutions for Huron and Perth residents.

In May 2012, the SRPC published,Starting the Conversation: A Report on Substance Abuse and Problem Gambling in Perth and Huron Counties. The report breaks down common misconceptions about addiction, points to gaps in service, sheds light on the cost and consequences for individuals and society, and includes an extensive list of services available in the area. The SRPC report was released in conjunction with the re-launch of the Perth County Drug Strategy Task Force, which has been become a model for other communities facing social issues related to drug use and production.

Through their work, the SRPC strives to keep the public, social service agencies, and municipal leaders aware of the most pressing social issues faced by our communities. It is the hope of the Council that the publications be used to inform strategic planning and the implementation of resources within organizations and governments. Please visit our website for more information: www.socialresearchandplanning.ca

Guest Blogger: Elizabeth Anderson, Community Outreach Coordinator, United Way Perth - Huron