The theme Inspiration is the creative spark and breath that leads to great achievements. The 2016 Colleges and Institutes Canada (CiCan) Conference focused on this important theme, which drives innovation, development and discoveries. Presentations revealed how colleges and institutes promote change through innovative practices and approaches in teaching and learning, applied … [More]
Dr. Terri MacDonald, Regional Innovation Chair at the RDI presented to over 100 local government officials at the April 2016 Annual Conference in Kimberley. Her presentation entitled, Transitioning to the New Rural Economy & Economic Development Consideration, presented findings from a number of studies exploring aspects of rural communities in … [More]
The purpose of the 18-month Regional Food Systems research project was to identify opportunities to enhance regional food production in ways that promote economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being. Funded by the BC Real Estate Foundation (in addition to the RDI’s core funding from the Columbia Basin Trust), the project adopted a multi-method approach to better … [More]
Youth are vital to the success of rural communities and regions, however rural youth can face a range of challenges. As part of a project entitled Training, engagement, and retention: a ‘learning region’ approach to rural youth consultation was done in November-December 2015 in the West-Kootenay Boundary region to gather information specific to the local youth population in … [More]
The RDI supported the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership’s recent Business Retention and Expansion project by providing research training, data analysis and report writing support. In total, 100 businesses were interviewed in order to identify the needs, concerns and opportunities of existing local businesses in order that, where appropriate, local action can … [More]
Digital Basin Quick Start
Basin-Boundary Agricultural Planning: The Regional Perspective