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Success in Small Towns
In examining the issues and challenges that six small towns in rural Ontario are facing, OTF made some encouraging discoveries about Ontario’s small communities in general. Despite economic downturns; mismatches with respect to skills, education and job opportunities; declining numbers of young people; and a general lack of resources related to infrastructure, many small towns are finding ways to rejuvenate and recreate themselves for the future.
The engagement of volunteers, their contributions and those of local not-for-profit organizations are critical to these successes. Grants that can target the capital, operating or project needs of community organizations can help boost success and sustainability in circumstances where they might not otherwise survive, let alone thrive.
Voluntary organizations in small towns need funding help to become established and successful.
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In Hawkesbury, OTF grants have led to the development of unique programs for people who are facing economic dislocation, helping them take steps to find and receive the support they need to develop new skills. Le centre d’apprentissage et de perfectionnement (a.k.a. Le CAP) developed the Referral Centre for Adult Training (RCAT), a program that helps Francophone adults improve their literacy skills. RCAT, the only bilingual, multi-sector one-stop referral and training centre in Ontario, now plays an important role in local planning and co-ordination as well as in the start-up of joint training programs in the area. The model has been replicated for use in Francophone communities in Northern Ontario.
Initial support for worthwhile projects can help organizations in small towns leverage other sources of funding and significantly increase volunteerism.
- In Haliburton, OTF funds supported the growth and success of an innovative outdoor event that teaches people about the importance of water in their environment. The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association engaged children, youth, teachers, parents and volunteers from the community through the Haliburton Water Festival. The organization reached over 1,400 people, including more than 950 children, almost 40 youth, and over 400 adults and seniors from their community. Over 400 volunteers contributed almost 6,300 hours of their time to the initiative, equalling a volunteer value of $106,50515.
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Grants for community projects encourage local collaboration and networking.
Darcy Baker, Director, Land Management, Niagara Conservation Authority |
In Port Colborne, an OTF grant fostered an innovative partnership between the Wainfleet Lions Club and the Niagara Conservation Authority to restore and preserve the Morgan's Point Conservation Area. The grant has resulted in the rejuvenation of a former trailer park and local dumping ground, replacing it with a thriving conservation area that has increased eco-tourism activities in the community. This initiative reached an estimated 40,000 people, engaging 200 volunteers who contributed 600 hours of time.
With the right encouragement, the voluntary sector in small towns can be innovative, particularly with finding new ways to connect people living in isolation with the services they need.
- In Kenora, a program called Triple Play engaged 185 volunteers to provide children from disadvantaged families with access to recreational activities. These volunteers contributed almost 1,400 hours (a volunteer value of over $23,000) and helped more than 1,200 children and youth in the area. Based on this success, Triple Play was able to secure an endowment which it hopes will sustain its program for the future.
- In Goderich, Big Brothers/Big Sisters partnered with local businesses and obtained the technology they needed to enable on-line communication between “Bigs” and “Littles”. This link helped volunteers and participants to overcome the isolation that normally occurs during the winter months in this town.
Community-building processes can be accelerated with counselling, support and local workshops for leaders in small towns.
Joanne Richmond, Program Manager, DHKPR, Ontario Trillium Foundation |
In Haliburton, a community radio station and a local volunteer agency met for the first time at an OTF workshop. They subsequently partnered to produce a regular radio show that promotes volunteer opportunities in the community. The experience and partnership has enhanced the impact of both organizations.
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