Gord Hume, a council member in London, Ontario, spoke recently to Taber planners and officials about the future of small rural communities.
At the core of his presentation was the premise the economy is changing, and to remain viable, communities need to enhance their cultural presence in order to attract the ‘creative class,’ educated young people who will support the new brain-based economy.
“The traditional North American society has been turned on its head right now,” he said, referring to the economic fallout and population expansion. Rural communities, in particular, are feeling the pressure “to provide quality public services at an affordable price.”
He called upon councillors and planners to recognize the role of municipal government in reshaping small communities. |
