As we move into 2024, the reality is with real estate in big cities being for the most part out of the reach of most, many of those folks are looking to move to smaller bedroom communities and smaller towns where life is somewhat more affordable. We dug into a lot of data and research and identified a number of key issues that these smaller towns deal with.
Ultimately there is a double edged sword when it comes to living in a small town or thinking about moving to one. What will I have to do without. Well from someone who grew up in a small town isolated from any major cities, we don’t think this is as much of an issue as some would have us believe.
Having said this, there are some real key issues that are important that if we are going to have thriving communities where residents feel engaged and served well by their local governments then these are some real issues that need to be addressed in a proactive timely manner:
Employment: Rural communities are often struggling with high unemployment rates. This is due to a number of factors, including the decline of traditional industries, the lack of access to high-speed internet, and the difficulty of commuting to urban areas for work.
Healthcare: Rural communities often have limited access to healthcare services. This is due to a number of factors, including the shortage of doctors and nurses, the lack of specialized care, and the high cost of transportation.
Education: Rural communities often have limited access to quality education. This is due to a number of factors, including the small size of schools, the lack of specialized programs, and the high cost of transportation.
Infrastructure: Rural communities often have poor infrastructure. This is due to a number of factors, including the lack of investment, the high cost of maintenance, and the harsh weather conditions.
Transportation: Rural communities often have poor transportation options. This is due to a number of factors, including the lack of public transportation, the high cost of owning a car, and the long distances between communities.
Housing: Rural communities often have a shortage of affordable housing. This is due to a number of factors, including the high cost of construction, the low demand for housing, and the lack of investment.
Environment: Rural communities are often affected by environmental issues, such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. This is due to a number of factors, including the location of rural communities, the use of natural resources, and the lack of regulation.
Social isolation: Rural communities often have high rates of social isolation. This is due to a number of factors, including the small size of communities, the lack of amenities, and the long distances between communities.
These are just some of the key issues facing people from smaller rural communities of 30k or less in Canada. It is important to note that these issues vary from community to community.
It means that the issues facing rural communities are complex and vary from community to community. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges facing rural communities. However, there are a number of things that can be done to address these challenges, such as:
- Investing in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and broadband internet.
- Providing access to quality education and healthcare.
- Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
- Promoting economic development.
- Addressing social isolation and mental health issues.
- Protecting the environment.
These are just some of the things that can be done to address the challenges facing rural communities. It is important to note that these solutions will vary from community to community.
The best way to address the challenges facing rural communities is to work with the people who live in those communities and understand their needs.
Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts on this or any post of ours – we look forward to hearing from you: imlocalca@icloud.com
