The interim associate vice president of research at the University of Guelph says he's heard some very encouraging stories from rural communities at this week's Rural Talks to Rural conference in Blyth.
Wayne Caldwell believes Ontario actually has two provinces -- one of growth and change, and one of stable or even declining population.
He points out things tend to happen in Toronto, but residents of rural communities have to make them happen and that requires them to be a little more creative.
Caldwell also points out that's not necessarily a bad thing, because rural communities realize they can't control what the federal or provincial governments do, they can only control what they do. He suggests that's where the opportunities lie.
Caldwell says from what he's heard at the conference in Blyth, people are taking advantage of those opportunities in job creation, their economy, and overall quality of life in their community.
Caldwell also suggests that rural communities tend to be more resilient because when they're looking for someone to help them, they tend to find that help in their own community.
