Rural Ontario Institute

About Us

ROI is a charitable organization that delivers programs that develop strong leaders who are critical voices around opportunities and key issues facing rural and northern Ontario.

We do this by:

Developing leaders

Through core programming like the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and the Rural Change Makers Program.

Informing leaders and rural communities

Through our knowledge resources with information series including:

Focus on Rural Ontario Fact Sheets Rural Ontario
Foresight Papers that are authored by subject matter experts
Info Briefs that focus on specialized topics relevant to rural Ontario
Rural Rebound Case Studies that is a curated collection of stories about rural resilience in the face of COVID-19

Connecting rural communities, leaders and partners

Through specialized partnership projects like the Ontario Community Transportation Network, webinars and special events.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Thriving Vibrant Communities

Our Key Values

Diverse perspectives and collaboration
Respectful, open and honest communication
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Economic, social and environmental sustainability in rural and northern Ontario
Continuous Improvement and excellence

Our History

Established in 2010, the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) was created through the amalgamation of The Centre for Rural Leadership (TCRL) and The Ontario Rural Council (TORC). The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program has been a flagship program of the Rural Ontario Institute for 39 years and counting.