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Small Towns: Big Impact |
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| In 2007, the Ontario Trillium Foundation conducted a study of selected small towns across Ontario. We wanted to assess the impact of Foundation grants in those communities to inform our grantmaking and to share our findings to help Ontario communities. We combined standard qualitative research methods and data analysis with a community-based approach to gathering audio and video evidence. In compiling the results, several additional, interesting and sometimes anecdotal findings emerged with respect to the six small towns that were spotlighted. We believe these conclusions have relevance for most communities in Ontario, especially those with less than 20,000 inhabitants.
Small towns face challenges that either do not exist in large urban centres, or are far less prevalent and pervasive. Specific ones that became apparent in the context of the Small Towns: Big Impact study were:
- The need for diversification in local economies;
- Changing labour force dynamics and the mismatch between them and the skills and education levels of young workers;
- Aging populations and youth out-migration; and
- Issues of access to capital, health care, public transportation and technology.
Our research found that many small towns are rallying to address these challenges with innovation, energy and optimistic commitment. These are exemplified by strong leadership and committed volunteers. They’re reclaiming and rejuvenating their communities and building them with a new resilience and adaptability. In the process, small towns are learning to trust their own abilities, embrace new opportunities, and find promise for the future.
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