The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significantly negative and varied impact on rural Ontario's economy. Many rural communities in Ontario heavily rely on industries such as agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. With lockdowns, restrictions, and reduced consumer spending, these sectors have been hit hard. Tourism, for instance, suffered as travel restrictions and safety concerns led to decreased visitor numbers. Small businesses faced closures and financial challenges, while agricultural production and distribution faced disruptions in supply chains. To address these issues and facilitate recovery, comprehensive research on the specific challenges faced by rural Ontario is crucial. Such research will support policymakers and local leaders develop tailored strategies to support economic growth, create job opportunities, and ensure the resilience of these communities in the face of future crises broadly. Understanding the unique challenges rural Ontario face is a critical step in ensuring a more prosperous and sustainable future for these regions.

 

The goal of this project is to understand what factors or barriers are hindering a stronger economic recovery in rural Ontario from the COVID-19 pandemic? This goal will be addressed over four sequential phases/objectives:

 

Phase 1: Identify economic development decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic within three case study rural counties in Ontario.

Phase 2: Explore successes and challenges experienced by the case study counties in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase 3: Identify supports and structures that will help small and rural communities more effectively respond to disruption (in this case study COVID-19) broadly, and examples to promote and support rural resilience.

Phase 4: Compile and share findings from research to inform policy and practice.