A notable outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario has been an increased migration of urban/suburban residents to rural communities. For some, this migration was prompted by the pandemic-induced creation of telecommuting opportunities and the ability to work remotely. For others, this movement was linked to retirement, second home ownership, or simply a desire to escape the city/suburbs. While this has resulted in population growth and new economic opportunities in rural communities, it has also added pressure to existing infrastructure, reduced housing supply/affordability, and raised concerns about the adequacy of local healthcare services. The broader impacts/long-term outcomes of this migration, including retention rates, social wellbeing, and land uses conflicts are unknown. Led by Dr. Sara Epp, with the support of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Agribusiness, researchers at the University of Guelph are studying the immediate and longer-term impacts of this COVID-era rural migration to identify needs and opportunities for rural communities throughout Ontario regarding housing, infrastructure, labour, healthcare, and land use planning. This session will present the findings of a survey of senior municipal professionals (CAOs, planners, economic development professionals, clerks) and elected officials that explored their perceptions and observations of the local impacts of population change. Preliminary findings suggest that urban-rural migration has highlighted affordable/attainable housing needs, and has prompted municipalities to create, preserve, or protect their outdoor green spaces. These and other findings will be discussed.