Rural: Not what it used to be

In Canada, rural used to be the norm. There was a time when the majority of the population lived in small communities, employed in agriculture or a related industry. Increasingly, fewer and fewer people live rurally. As rural areas depopulate, communities must either redefine themselves or face extinction. The challenge, at times, seems insurmountable. However, there are countless examples of communities that have stepped up to the challenge.

Rural is not what it used to be. Communities have had to innovate to stay alive. I wanted to highlight a couple of #ReasonsRuralRocks from last week that provide evidence of the “new” rural. I say “new” because, of course, rural has always been innovative. The pioneer settlers had to be innovative to survive. Anyone who has visited a farm and seen an improvised tool or an inventive solution to a farmer’s problem knows that the spirit of innovation is alive and well in rural today.

In these #ReasonsRuralRocks, let us be encouraged to see beyond the problem. I was reminded earlier this week of the scene in Patch Adams where a fellow patient asks him how many fingers he sees. “If you focus on the problem you can’t see the solution; never focus on the problem.”

kelsey 20th anniversary of community dinner theater - a real success story!! @midgelambert

Kelsey, Alberta had a population of 14 according to the 2008 census. Still, there is obviously great support from the surrounding rural area, and beyond, that has allowed their dinner theatre to continue to be successful for two decades.

Brosnan, Bond, Bag of Bones, Buses and Brooklyn... Nova Scotia? @jlye007

Across the country a rural community attracts the attention of Hollywood and comes up with a creative answer to the producers problem.

Thanks to @midgelambert and @jlye007 for sharing these inspiring stories, and to everyone who shared #ReasonsRuralRocks. Please continue to spread the message and send in your reasons.