Rural Planning: Not Just An Urban Thing

 
In response to the need for action, and in keeping with OPPI’s Professional Code of Practice which outlines the professional planner's responsibility to the public interest, The Healthy Rural Communities Toolkit showcases how people and organizations are dealing with growth and identifying the need for change. It was developed to showcase and outline best practices for change and growth in rural communities to assist in transformation to better health and wellness.
 
How is this toolkit useful for you?
Land use and development strategies that enhance the rural built environment and contribute to positive quality of life and health outcomes are identified in the toolkit. It brings a rural lens to issues often viewed from an urban perspective. The toolkit also recognizes characteristics usually associated with rural communities including low density or declining populations, aging citizens, youth-out migration, rural land use, and the rural economy.
 
Rural municipalities including planners, health unit staff and elected officials will find it beneficial, although it will also help other interested community members advocate for healthier communities and populations.

Share Your Story

We hope to create momentum around building healthy rural communities in Ontario by sharing success stories and best practices which fit into one of the 13 actions outlined in the toolkit:

 
1)    Community Design and Land Use Planning 

2)    Active Transportation

3)    Community Engagement and Capacity Building