The landscape of rural southern Ontario is evolving as local governments are adjusting to accelerating rates of affordability, shifting demographics, and access to resources and labor. Partnered with the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments have adapted to the shifts by re-evaluating plans and curating sustainable strategies to combat the unprecedented challenges. The research will be pairing the knowledge developed by previous academics, practitioners and stakeholders involved in economic development with the Township of New Tecumseth as a case study to provide insight on the realities facing a community with strong rural heritage on the edge of the growing Greater Toronto Area. The research examines the activities that attract economic development opportunities, the role of local actors in facilitating economic development, and identifies the influences and long-term realities of the Covid-19 pandemic on economic development.