Canada’s rural places and spaces are undergoing profound transformations, shaped by shifting economies and international trade, demographic changes, and evolving environmental conditions. This session explores contemporary issues in rural geography, addressing themes such as resource-based economies, population change, economic restructuring, land use, border environments, and place-based development.

• 1:00 PM
  Community Gardens and Food Justice: Exploring Access, Equity, and Effectiveness
  Ferdous Farhana Huq, University of Guelph

• 1:15 PM
  The Urban Exodus: Understanding the Impacts of COVID-19 Migration in Rural Ontario
  Sara Epp, University of Guelph

• 1:30 PM
  Examining Local Food Procurement Practices: Costs, Strategies and Benefits of Purchasing Local Food in Long-term Care Homes
  Sara Epp, University of Guelph

• 1:45 PM
  What is it Known For? Explorations of Tumbler Ridge via a Visitor Survey Conducted in 2022
  Yihang Zhang, University of Northern British Columbia

• 2:00 PM
  Growth on the Edge: Economic Development Challenges and Opportunities in New Tecumseth
  Lucas Berek, University of Guelph

• 2:15 PM
  Navigating the Policy Quagmire: Housing Challenges for International Agricultural Workers in Rural Ontario
  Ryan Gibson, University of Guelph