Rural Geography

Paige D - GEOG*4390

[kvgeog4390]

Say Cheese and pick a filter

In lu of our class excursion to Millbank and St Jacobs on Friday to present on various components of rural life in two close but quite different towns, I noticed something interesting – why was cheese priced so differently? In the Millbank cheese factory a literal brick of cheese, and I mean a brick this guy was hefty, could be purchased for a few dollars - $3.48 is the price that sticks out in my mind. Comparatively in a St Jacobs, a much smaller piece, maybe a quarter of the size was priced three times as much! What’s with that?

Though cheese is my no means an indicator of a town at large, these price differences for the same product show that one town was created to promote a certain mentality of what rural areas are – or in the very least what the visitor idealized. Though lovely and walkable with cute shops St Jacobs aims to promote the message that they are a cute little rural place that people visit because it is St Jacobs and a nice little drive to the country before taking your $9 dollar cheese slices and artisan sausage home. I would be very surprised if those living in St Jacobs would ever go into the shops for shopping anything other than a single gift here or there – they most defiantly would go down the street to the actual grocery store for their cheese purchases. Alternatively in Milbank the grocery store there was certainly gentrified to a point with a cute barn like exterior and the cheese store was one of two businesses to have websites of their own. The stores in Millbank were directly firstly to the residents of the town with a consideration to the occasional tourist brought in for Anne Mae’s pies the next street over.

Cheese aside, the underlying question is how rural spaces and ‘the country’ are shaped by how we desire these spaces to look? Further, what does this do to those who call the areas home if their home is drastically changed and gentrified for the consumption of weekend tourists who zoom in for a few hours and zoom out with some cheese and a meticulously carved wooden chair or two? In our discussions we learned that St Jacobs is facing a rising exodus in the last few years of Mennonite families in particular who say that the area is getting too busy. Mennonite families are by no means an attraction, they are people first, a people who are commonly associated with the St Jacobs and Waterloo area and are facing increased pressures to move away as the area becomes busier. If ‘the country’ no longer feels like home to those who grew up there – how much rural is left in the area? And how much staging and cost goes into maintaining rural idylls?

[pdgeog4390-19]

Good afternoon Kaleigh, 

I too was puzzled by such contrasting prices of cheese that occurred in communities less than 30 kilometers away from one another. After visiting both Millbank and St. Jacobs, it is clear to see that Millbank targets their products toward local residents while St Jacobs caters their products to tourists. St Jacobs has maintained a certain aesthetic that reflects the stereotypical rural idyll in which urban dwellers expect to see when travelling outside of the city. An example of this, as discussed in class was the creation of a “St. Jacobs Country” marketing campaign for the sole purpose of attracting tourists to the area. The establishment of services such as hotels, chain restaurants and souvenir shops are largely in response to the one million tourists drawn in by the St Jacobs Farmers’ Market. It is upsetting that this increase in recognition of St Jacobs as an economically prosperous town has resulted at the expense of the Mennonite community. The Mennonites are leaving St Jacobs to settle in more remote areas in order to practice their lifestyles in peace, away from the gawking eyes of tourists. 

I especially liked when you said, “If ‘the country’ no longer feels like home to those who grew up there – how much rural is left in the area?“. Rural and urban areas are often distinguished from one another by population and degree of development; as rural towns such as St Jacobs begin receiving influxes of both people and industry, at what threshold does it lose its rural designation? I fear that St Jacobs has fallen victim to creative destruction whereby new industries have brought about the demise of what existed previously, including Mennonite people and culture. Hopefully the Mennonite families and residents of St Jacobs can continue coexisting for generations to come.

[pdgeog4390-19]

Future of Rural Canada

Immigration

A surge in Canadian urbanization has left the rural on the decline. Currently, 35 percent of Canada’s population lives in one of the three largest cities of Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. The population growth in urban centres is driven by a combination of immigration from abroad and the migration from rural areas. However, immigration rates of newcomers to the countryside has grown in recent years, largely in the form of secondary migration. A trend is emerging whereby immigrants are transitioning to rural areas after previously settling into major cities. Immigrants initially seek a life in big cities due to the wealth of services and programs they offer. As more immigrants make the switch, it increases the likelihood that new immigrants will choose rural areas as their initial settling places. An influx of immigrants to the countryside will increase ethnic diversities and serve to extinguish fears regarding barriers to acceptance in these regions. Realizing the benefit of increasing their immigrant populations, many small cities have been making efforts to attract newcomers to the area. For example, Simcoe County has recently published an informational website to attract immigrants, which can be translated into fifteen different languages. If immigrant settlement patterns continue to change, rural Canada could see major demographic and economic transformations.

https://immigration.simcoe.ca/ - For more information

Agricultural Productivity

As climate change continues to threaten the landscape, Canada will serve to benefit in terms of agricultural productivity through longer growing seasons. This will give Canada the capacity to grow crops where not previously possible.

As conditions in vulnerable areas (such as the majority of Africa) worsen, Canada has the opportunity to become of the world’s next leaders in sustainable food production. Global populations are expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050; in order to keep up, 70% more food needs to be produced within the next generation. As the environment deteriorates, resource conflicts will be inevitable. Thanks to social media and communications, we are already witnessing citizens protesting over access to food in places all over the world. Most notably in 2011, when powerful images of a riot in Tunis went viral that showed a man wielding a baguette as a weapon.

Having access to affordable food and water is a privilege that many of us take for granted. Current technological advancements have allowed rates of food production to surpass that of population growth but at great social and environmental costs. Although we are producing enough food, it is poorly distributed, and the price fluctuates depending on current prices of oil. According to the new Canadian Food Guide, fruits and vegetables should make up 50 percent of our diet, yet we are underproducing these nutritional foods at only 4 servings per person per day. A significant portion of our diets now include oily, fatty and sugary foods – a reliance on which can lead to many health issues such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol/blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Current estimates predict that we will run out of oil within the next 50 years, this will have drastic implications on food pricing and availability, especially concerning distribution to remote rural communities. The scarcity of oil will hopefully spur a transition towards renewable, green energy sources that are safer and cheaper alternatives in the long term.

Technology

There have been many technological advancements in the agricultural industry that have allowed us to increase yields using smaller plots of land and minimal human intervention. Driverless tractors, GPS precision farming, field mapping via drones and the robotic milker are only some of the examples being implemented within farming operations today.

Robotic milkers are becoming more common worldwide and are known to improve qualities of life by reducing labour demands. Robotic milkers also have health and safety implications as they can be programmed to measure temperatures, bacteria levels and for immediate disease detection.

Perhaps one of the hottest topics in farm-tech debates remains the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) in consumer products. GMO’s are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered. This is typically done through the insertion of one specie’s gene into another specie’s genome via a gene gun. Despite scientist claims that GMO’s are perfectly safe to eat, reduce soil-damaging tillage, reduce carbon emission and reduce the need for the most toxic herbicides in favor of milder ones, consumers remain reluctant. There have been numerous success stories associated with GMO’s, most notably the Rainbow Papaya which is accredited for single-handedly saving Hawaii’s $17 million papaya industry. In the 1960’s, the papaya industry began incurring severe economic losses due to the spreading of a papaya ringspot virus by aphids. By 1997, Hawaii’s papaya industry was collapsing. The Rainbow papaya variety was developed in the U.S. by scientists at Cornell University which featured a gene that made papaya plants resistant to the ringspot virus – similar to the way a vaccine works on humans. The Rainbow Papaya produced immediate results and had stopped industry decline within four years of its implementation. Papaya is native to Central America and has become the first genetically modified fruit to be grown as a commercial product.

Resources

https://www.canadianimmigration.net/news-articles/is-immigration-to-rural-areas-in-canada-s-future/

https://grist.org/food/why-gmos-do-matter-and-even-more-to-the-developing-world/

http://fortune.com/2016/11/19/hawaii-gmo-pesticide-regulation/

https://www2.hawaii.edu/~doisteph/Papaya/rainbow.html

As always, thanks for reading.

Paige

[esgeog4390-19-blog]

The Future of Rural Canada

Canada has been reliant on rural landscapes and communities for many centuries.  Rural Canada is responsible for the primary industries such as agriculture, forestry, and mining which have been and continue to be the backbone of the nation’s economy. In recent decades there has been a shift towards the manufacturing and technological industries, and Canada has been rapidly developing in order to adapt to the economic shifts. As a result, rural communities are struggling to survive because there is less national reliance on primary industries. Canada is outsourcing to other countries because its is often cheaper and more convenient.  This is very detrimental to the rural communities who rely on natural resources for their livelihood. 

This is occurring more and more frequently which is very concerning for rural Canada. In southern Ontario, urbanization is taking over prime agriculture land and important natural features to accommodate their growing population. Overall, I am scared to think about what rural Canada will look like in the future.

In the past 10 years alone, I have witnessed farmlands and forests be turned into subdivisions and plazas across southern Ontario. Fields that I used to play in are now covered by apartment buildings. All of this seemed to happen so quickly, and I know that this urban sprawl will not stop any time soon. 

Source 

All of this development is putting serious strain on the ecosystems that are present on this landscape. Species are becoming endangered because their habitats are being demolished and the reduction in vegetation is worsening the effects of climate change. If this continues, the natural landscapes of southern Ontario will be lost to the urban influence. 

In the media it seems as though many people are aware of the issues that face rural Canada. If that is the case, why isn’t it being properly protected? 

Governments are supposed to be responsible for ensuring the protection of rural Canada. Unfortunately, government officials are not implementing management plans and policies committed to preserving rural land including farmland, forests, and wetlands. Instead it is more common for them to create management plans that encourage population growth and development. 

An example of this is the Ontario “Open for Business” Act (Bill 66) proposed by Premier Doug Ford. The goal of this act was to allow large-scale commercial, industrial, and residential development in various areas across Southern Ontario. In doing so, it would bypass several environmental protection acts and policies including the Greenbelt Act, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, the Great Lakes Protection Act, the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, and the Clean Water Act. These plans were created to preserve sensitive natural landscapes, and Bill 66 would have destroyed these environments. It also would have put millions of people at risk of contaminated drinking water. 

Source

Thankfully, many citizens of Ontario strongly opposed this act, and voiced their concerns by signing petitions, protesting, and informing others of the negative impacts of the act. Many environmental groups and local organizations also joined together to stop Bill 66. In the end, they were successful. 

Source 

Bill 66 was stopped thanks to the actions of passionate Ontarians, and now farmlands, forests, wetlands, and communities are safe. This was a very significant victory for environmental protection, however it is likely that bills similar to Bill 66 will be created in the future, and there is no guarantee that those will be stopped. Therefore, it is important to elect government officials who are committed to preserving the natural landscapes of Ontario and preventing excessive development. I believe that this is the most effective way of spreading information on the importance of environmental protection to communities all over the province. Hopefully this would motivate people to care more about the environment and be more sustainable. 

If proper actions are carried out by our government, there is a chance rural Canada can be revitalized and protected. Environmental concerns are being voiced a lot more regularly in public discussions and political meetings which gives some hope for the future of rurality. If this continues, hopefully more plans and policies will be established which promote the preservation of natural landscapes and encourage sustainable development.  

Canada is still heavily reliant on rural areas as sources of food, raw resources, and energy. If these were taken away, Canada would not be able to economically thrive. Rural communities are also a huge part of the Canadian identity. This country is graced with having so many unique landscapes such as rivers, mountains, farmland, forests, and wetlands and all of these have a deep connection to our history. Therefore these need to be protected to preserve our heritage, and they also offer incredible tourism opportunities to Canadians and non-Canadians. Ecotourism is an amazing way to generate income while also protecting significant natural features across the country. 

Conserving rural Canada will definitely be a lengthy and challenging process. However if Canadians are committed to protecting these landscapes, it is something that is definitely possible. My hope is that within the next few years the proper steps are taken to establish the necessary acts to protect our environment for present and future Canadians. 

[pdgeog4390-19]

Hey Emma!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and I fear that I also do not like what I see when I think about the potential future of rural Canada. I believe government policy and legislative actions are one of the most important tools for modern land management and conservation efforts. However, governments are often prioritizing economic growth, development and politics over environmental protection. I am thankful for Canada’s educated populace and democratic freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in which allows citizens to come together and oppose crimes against the environment and humanity without fear of unlawful prosecution. In this instance, the public was able to sway the decision regarding Bill 66, but we may not be so lucky in the future. In order to ensure that environmentally sustainable policy decisions are made, we must elect officials who prioritize the protection of natural landscapes over economic and political goals that favour rapid development and and resource monetization. One way to secure equitable decision-making is to increase the involvement of the public in environmental debates. Public participation platforms allow the voices of affected residents to be heard and can benefit policy-makers by giving them a better understanding of how to address the concerns of citizens. Acceptance of the public as a valued partner can inspire cooperative actions and trust between residents, governments and industries. Meaningful public participation involves consultations with a representative sample of the affected public and encourages diverse opinions and viewpoints to be shared. This provides an opportunity for officials to examine perspectives previously not considered. Early involvement of the public can reduce the potential for conflict and public protests and helps citizens to restore faith in the government knowing that their voices matter. 

Rural Canada’s dwindling populations mean that it is increasingly important for urbanites to be aware of issues facing the countryside and to use their large societal presence to call out injustices and demand sustainable alternatives. The further away the political debate occurs from the rural, the more detached it becomes from the realities of life in the countryside. The people of Canada have more power than we often realize, the challenge is getting enough people in cities to care about rural affairs. Looking into the future, I am optimistic about the addition of young generations into the current workforce. Technological advancements in communications have allowed today’s youth to be the most globally aware generation in existence. Increasing funding for environment-based programs and curricula will inspire youth to think of innovative ways in which to protect the natural landscape while maintaining desired levels of economic activity. In summary, I believe things will get worse in rural Canada before they can get better - awareness is a prerequisite for healing. 

Cheers, 

Paige

[pdgeog4390-19]

The early bird gets the worm, but the second rat gets the cheese.

Happy World Rat Day everyone!

To celebrate, I have decided to focus this week’s post on urban perceptions of rats and their importance to the natural world. Rats are a common problem worldwide and exist almost everywhere that there are humans (and trash). As global populations continue to rise, cities will become denser with more waste generated. Impoverished inner-city neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by rat “infestations” and therefore suffer from increased occurrences of rat-human contact. Public health research has traditionally focused on disease transmission associated with rat infestations, but little is known about the psychological affects of this environmental exposure. The current rates of rat-borne illnesses in humans within urban centres are relatively low and without immediate and obvious public health threats, governments can become apathetic to rat-related issues. In urban settings, rat infestations can have significant impacts on mental health; even being cognizant of an infestation in their dwelling without any direct contact can be a source of anxiety for residents. Rat exposure can trigger symptoms associated with mental illness such as headaches, dizziness, stomach aches, insomnia, feelings of depression and hostility. These instances did not vary among demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, or education). Rat infestations are only one part of the constellation of stressors experienced in inner-city neighborhoods. However, studies have also shown that some residents may develop passive acceptances of rats as part of their environment.

The top 5 rattiest cities in Ontario (2017): Taken from Orkin Canada

1.    Toronto

2.    Ottawa

3.    Mississauga

4.    Scarborough

5.    Hamilton

Homeowners are encouraged to cover any cracks or holes in their foundations with a weather-resistant sealer; an adult rat is capable of squeezing through a gap the size of a quarter.

Through generations of negative experiences, rats are ingrained in our psyches as bad, scary animals, comparable to that of snakes or spiders. Humans have long acknowledged rodent problems but are reluctant to deal with the underlying issues that make them problematic. We continue to be horrified and disgusted yet often lack the power to do anything about it. Despite their negative reputations, rodents are a source of joy, entertainment and companionship. Rodents have played the main protagonist in hundreds of novels and films, perhaps one of the most well-known examples is Disney’s Mickey Mouse.

Our tendency to focus on rats as pests negates their importance in ecosystems and food webs. In rural areas, the majority of rat species receive little human interaction. It may come as surprise to know that some plants have co-evolved with rats to fulfill their reproductive needs. Pollination by rodents, shrews and marsupials are collectively known as therophilly. Rats have excellent sense of smells and have been trained to detect odors specific to landmines and tuberculosis. This strong olfactory sense helps them to hone in on food supplies, including nectar. While feeding on flowering plants, their heads become completely covered in pollen, fertilizing the stigmata of nearby vegetation as they travel from plant to plant.

A small mouse pollinating Protea nana

With at least 2000 species, rodents are the largest group of mammals in the world. They have adapted to life in almost any habitat from swamps, to rainforests, to deserts, to remote islands. Some spend their entire lives underground, seldom venturing above the surface while others prefer a life in the treetops. Rodents are important sources of food for birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and even fish. In addition, they play host to a number of parasites including mites and ticks. In Africa, larger rodent species have also served as food sources for humans when larger game has been exhausted. Rats are superb diggers often creating extensive and intricate tunnel routes which not only create habitats for other species but also improve soil health through aeration, allowing water and air to flow deeper into the ground. Their excrement helps to return nutrients that are often lost through runoff and leaching. As a rat owner, I am committed to breaking the various negative stereotypes associated with rats in order to show people how vital they are to the natural world

My two boys Caesar (left) & Xerxes (right)

As you can see, I could talk about rats all day. Here are some more cool facts (well, at least I think they are cool):

- over 50 known species (Rattus)

- originated in Asia (Northern China and Mongolia to be exact)

- live in colonies with strict social hierarchies, a group of rats is called a “mischief”

- contain 92% of our DNA

- live a fast-paced lifestyle, every human year equates to 30 rat years

- excellent memories, once they navigate a route, they won’t forget it

- unable to vomit

- can reproduce every 3 weeks

- known to succumb to peer-pressures, will even eat unpalatable foods if they are in the company of rats who are eating it

- extremely social creatures who get lonely and depressed without companionship

- 1st of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, people born in this year (incl. me) are associated with creativity, intelligence, honesty, ambition and generosity

- great swimmers; can tread water for 3 days without drowning, have even been known to survive being flushed down the toilet

- Hector (1961) was the first rat in space

Hector, the French astronaut

Resources

http://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2018/9/24/rodents-as-pollinators

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/25/rats-disgusting-people-world-thrive-mutually-dependent

http://www.ncceh.ca/sites/default/files/Full%20Document%20EN%20-%20R%20Lam.pdf

https://animals.mom.me/rodents-ecosystem-7390.html

Have a splendid day,

Paige

[bcgeog4390-19-blog]

Technology Shaping Rural Landscapes

Hi everyone,

After attending Wednesday’s rural symposium, I was very inspired by the various speakers and their presentation on their field of studies. For me, I really find the presentation on digital agriculture by Abdul-Rahim was most impactful to me. His presentation was during one of the afternoon slots under the agriculture broad category titled “The social disruptiveness of Digital Agriculture Technologies: Asking Questions in the Context(s) that Matter”. Although for much of the presentation discussion was with regards to the social implications of emerging farming technologies and social reactions, I feel it has encouraged me to compose a continuation of my previous post.

With the recent developments in agriculture technologies and its high penetration rates in many countries around the world, I think it is inevitable that Canada’s agriculture landscape will be shaped as well in the coming years. I think it would be ignorant to think that in the increasingly globalising world today we can still fall back and resist technologies’ “invasion” on the agriculture industry. In fact, I would argue that change is already happening all around us. The way commodities and foodstuffs are produced more efficiently and transported at a faster pace to reach the consumer markets. For this post, I would like to further elaborate on some of the innovative methods in which technologies can drastically improve the efficiency of agriculture production workflow.

Vertical Farming

Although the concept of vertical farming is largely applicable to urban development and planning and not much so for rural, I think it is still relevant for farms fringing/located at edges of urban centres. If you are unsure what is vertical farming, I urge you to read this interesting article that briefly explains the advantages of this method. Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to the production of agriculture products. Food yield from this type of farming method is better in terms of quantities and quality at lower labour cost, lower water usage and is not affected by the changing seasons. Especially in countries with growing population size coupled with limited space for growth, vertical farming is gaining popularity as “modern” farms can be integrated with urban structures. Personally, I really like this concept because, in the midst of urban development, the characteristics and productivity of the rural are not lost (although it is not the same can not be said for cultural changes but that would be another blog post, maybe). I find comfort knowing that harmony can be achieved between the two entities.

Source

Drones and Bees

At this point in time, I think it is no secret that the effects of climate change are taking a toll on the bee population.  As the Time magazine stated, more than 700 species of North American Bees are headed toward extinction. The disappearance of the bee population could be detrimental for the agriculture industry as the bees played an important role as pollinators that help sustain crop production. With improvements in drone technologies, drones are not being experimented to supplement the pollination. While writing this post, I cannot help but think of how this phenomenon is similar to the Netflix series – Black Mirror (ep. Name: “Hated in the Nation”).

Source

If you want to find out more about how drones can help with pollination, I suggest you can check the video below which I find applicable to this section.

Of course, there are more innovative ways that are already changing the agriculture of the rural environment and what was discussed is merely two points. Besides the aforementioned two points, there are also: Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and Automation. These buzzwords are also some of the hot topics in our world today that are slowly changing lands and our way of life.

Cheers,

BC

[pdgeog4390-19]

Good afternoon Beacher!

After reading everyone’s posts about the Rural Symposium, I am disappointed I missed such an informative experience. However, you bring up some very good points regarding urban green infrastructure and technologies, a topic of particular interest to me. I especially liked your point about how these agricultural additions serve as a bridge between the urban and the rural. In busy, face-paced city environments, it is easy for one to lose their sense of connection with nature and its benefits on human health. Biophilic design is an innovative way of creating spaces that seek to incorporate aspects of the natural world into architecture and city landscapes. The concept of biophilic design is an extension of Edward O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis in which states that humans have an inherited need to connect to nature and other forms of life due to our evolutionary dependence on it for survival and personal fulfillment. Evidence of biophilic design can be seen as early as in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built between 605 and 562 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife Queen Amytis because she missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland.

The need for humans to experience nature is evident in the tourism and outdoor recreation market which provided over 7.6 trillion U.S. dollars to the global economy in 2016. Institutions such as the University of Waterloo have already begun to employ biophilic development strategies with the installation of four living wall bio-filters between 2005-2015. Further, Simon Fraser University’s Blusson Hall features a variety of plant-friendly features including a green roof, green walls, storm-water collection for irrigation, radiant floor heating, natural lighting and was built using sustainably harvested wood products. 

Example of one of the green walls located at Simon Fraser University. 

In order to begin incorporating natural design elements throughout major cities, local governments and municipalities need get on-board by supporting green infrastructure initiatives through legislative actions. Toronto is the first city in North America to enact a bylaw that requires buildings exceeding 2 000 metres squared to construct a green roof. Green roofs help by absorbing precipitative runoff which lessen the burden on local drainage systems. Additionally, green roofs aid with air purification, food sovereignty and providing habitats for pollinator species. Visual and physical contact with natural vegetation provides many health benefits including stress reduction, decreased feelings of anxiety, depression, and improvements in a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. A post-surgery study conducted in Texas found that recovery was quicker with less chance of relapse if patients could look out onto green spaces. The benefits of interacting with nature are well-documented yet remain in the background of urban development projects. Hopefully one day biophilic design will become the architectural standard and we will wonder how we ever survived without it.

Cheers,

Paige

[pdgeog4390-19]

My Experience in Rural Peru

My trip to Peru began on a Sunday in Cusco. The first few days were spent acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the city sights with lots of coca tea (a natural remedy for altitude sickness). On Tuesday, we had our meeting with representatives from Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras (DHSF). With the help of a translator, they described their mission and the contemporary issues facing rural Peru. In Latin America, Peru is the top producer of gold, silver, zinc, lead, tin, and tellurium and the second ranked producer of copper, molybdenum, and bismuth. Peru’s extractionist style of government is ravaging the landscape and criminalizing protestors who dare to speak out, all in the name of economic growth and “development”. Mineral mining can have drastic effects on surface and groundwater if not maintained properly. Operations produce copious amounts of waste water that contain lethal chemicals such as arsenic, mercury and sulfuric acid. Runoff from these sites can have devastating effects on nearby vegetation, wildlife as well as humans who live off of the land. In rural Peru, the individuals effected are largely native communities who have nearly no access to the internet and are often uninformed about their rights. Communication is a critical component to DHSF’s mission; through the use of a monthly newspaper and radio broadcasting, they are able to reach increasing amounts of families. Volunteer programs deliver portable water testing kits to communities to allow them to be able to recognize when they are consuming contaminated water. DHSF also provides legal representation against the prosecution of protestors. The mining companies responsible for the destruction are foreign-owned – namely Xstrata from Switzerland but also organizations from the United States and Canada – who send virtually all of the raw materials directly to the coast in preparation for export. These companies have alliances with both the regional governments and the military who together enforce this abusive culture towards nature. As a Canadian, the largest role I can play is through the spreading of awareness and making ethical purchase decisions.

After our time in Cusco we headed out for Kausay Punku, an organic farm in the village of Maska. Life on the farm was humbling despite no electricity or hot water. It was interesting to see how a family can live so simply with such a strong appreciation for Mother Nature (known as Pachamama). We spent the day harvesting eucalyptus leaves by hand before observing a demonstration on the natural distillation process used to create essential oils.

The eucalyptus leaves were first dumped into the largest vessel (left) while the right container is filled with water. The thin, long container on the far left contains cold water and is referred to as the condenser. Powered by a wood fire, the heat boils the water above it, turning it to steam which travels to the leaves to begin the extraction. The vapour from the leaves moves up and meets the cold water in the condenser, effectively turning it back into a liquid before dripping down into the measuring cup seen underneath

The oil must then be separated from the remaining water before being bottled and sold. Eucalyptus oil helps to stimulate the immune system and improves respiratory circulation by opening your sinuses. Eucalyptus oil can be rubbed onto the skin to soothe pain and inflammation, the scent has also traditionally been used as a natural pest repellent against spiders and even rats. After separation, the remaining eucalyptus water, although less concentrated, can be used as a natural alternative to scented body sprays.

Another part of our immersion into Peruvian culture included witnessing the sacrifice of the cuy (guinea pig). Although it was unsettling to watch, it gave perspective on the meat industry today and how easy it is to alienate yourself from a process that is purposefully hidden from consumers.

The natives are predominantly vegetarian with the exception of cuy. Traditionally, the guinea pigs would cohabitate with the humans which included sharing the same living quarters. Llamas and alpacas were also important but not as a food source – llamas are better used for transportation and alpacas for wool for clothing. The sacrificing of the cuy helps communities to survive the dry season when perhaps their fields were not as productive. Every part of the guinea pig is used, even the fur which is added into adobe mud brick construction (along with vegetative fibres). These fibres within the structure’s wall help to absorb heat during the day while slowly distributing it throughout the night.

Overall, the focus of my trip was ethical travel and sustainable consumerism. Although we may not be directly contributing to the environmental devastation in Peru, our purchase decisions can work to perpetuate the cycle of oppression. People are being stripped away of their rights by a government who is supposed to protect them. It really makes you step back and think about how grateful we truly are to live in a country with cleaning drinking water, free health care and rights guaranteed to us via the 1982 Canadian Constitution. As part of our de-orientation, they had us read the script of a TedTalk aloud that was originally presented by Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The talk

The Danger of a Single Story,

discusses how stereotypes and prejudices can shape our ways of perceiving the world, often resulting in the reduction of complex human beings into a single narrative. We were asked to stray away from previous representations of natives as being savages who are oblivious to modern technologies because that simply isn’t true. I have linked the TedTalk below and strongly suggest that you take a listen if you haven’t already.

*All pictures were taken by me with consent

[pdgeog4390-19]

Rural Population Struggles

Leaning on my course theme this semester, I believe the issue that most troubles rural Canada today is population, demographics and migration. Another issue involves confusion around the definition for the term “rural”. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines a rural community as having a population density of less than 150 persons per square kilometer while Statistics Canada considers a rural settlement to be fewer than 1 000 people or with a population density of below 400 residents per square kilometer. Although the population of a settlement relies on political boundaries not landscape characteristics, the definition of rural often implies many spatial characteristics. Population density, size and distance from major urban centres are often key variables in defining what is a rural space today. These attributes simplify the rural and negate the thoughts and practices of people living and interacting within the space. There has been concern surrounding the loss of young people in the countryside who seek to pursue higher education and employment opportunities. Only 25 percent of individuals who move out of their rural communities, move back within the next ten years. This effectively creates a “brain drain” which robs rural areas of their intellectual capital. Rural jobs offer low wages and/or intense physical labour which can seem unattractive to today’s youth. As a result, many companies such as Anna-Mae’s Restaurant in Millbank must rely on visitors from neighboring cities who come to experience a home-cooked meal within a quaint and rustic environment. The average age of Canadian farmers is over 50 years, as this cohort begins to retire questions will arise as to who will take over these farms and continue production.

Adolescents are currently witnessing their parents struggle to make a living in an increasing globalized system that seeks to squeeze profit margins from the bottom lines of honest farmers. Along with the financial barriers are the negatives perceptions associated with farming and rural living. In a telephone survey conducted by the Rural Ontario Institute, 85% percent of rural youth identified the countryside as a good place to raise a family, and a clean environment (83%). In contrast, only 23% thought that their rural community provided opportunities to make a good living or to pursue post-secondary education (19%). Overall, one of the biggest factors pushing residents out of the rural is the lack access to vital services and amenities including education, healthcare and recreation. Urban Canada relies on the rural for its role in the economy, food sovereignty and resource management and therefore its people should be treated accordingly with equal opportunities.

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“Fake Nature”  Artist- Humans.

I want to talk about a topic we recently started to discuss in class the other day; which is unpacking the values we determine of rural areas. It’s evident that humans have an undeniable appreciation for nature, some willing to spend millions of dollars to reside on land for it’s wilderness aesthetics, whether that be the wide open country, or in a lush forest. Perhaps this is why undeveloped areas in Ontario are very sot-after locations. It becomes worrisome that we have less amounts true nature today, which is addressed in the paper, “Canada’s Rural Problem”, by W.C. Good (1923), and also that people are encouraging this ‘lesser version’ because they have forgotten, or don’t know what it’s like to appreciate real rural. Some of the spaces that people consider to be “green” and lush are facilities like golf courses, which require mass amounts of inputs and design to look a certain way. For instance, the first image below of Ironwood Golf Club in Exeter is a classic example of a pristine golf facility found in Ontario. 

https://www.golfnorth.ca/welcome-ironwood-golf-club/

People tend to purchase property or homes around such course because there is a high chance that other residential housing will not be developed around them, and that they will be near this ‘natural’ beautiful golf course. We discussed in class that this can be problematic when courses look to sell years after. I think It’s very ironic how people seek to live in, or nearby, a rural look-a-like area. I bet if they could really see how much destruction and contamination is required for the upkeep of these so-called green, lush and natural spaces, their perceptions would change. Now, compare the above image to this second photo of Tara Iti, which is and all natural golf course design in New Zealand. 

https://www.linksmagazine.com/can-golf-course-natural/

Sure it may not deliver that same “wow factor” as Ironwood, but its ecosystem value is much higher. The value of rural spaces should be determined by these true ecosystem properties as well as being measured by their creation of recreational activities like hunting, bird watching, or hiking, and spiritual enhancement and physiological growth they provide, especially for early developmental stages of childhood. It can be hard to communicate to people the urgency to conserve their land when large corporations offer large amounts of money. Therefore it becomes even more important to express and communicate the value of rural land. I also think that it’s important to realize the urgency for using place-based strategies to save rural communities from these forms of destruction, as highlighted in the reading “Strengthening Rural Canada” (2016).

In theme with the faulty appreciation of fake nature, I have included some ridiculous examples of projects that attempt nature:

Olafur Eliasson’s Waterfalls. In 2008, artist Olafur Eliasson installed four artificial waterfalls around the waterfront in New York. 

Robotic flowers to attract bees. Using a synthetic pollinizer to further the pollination by bees and believed to keep them safe from pesticides.

Replacing Fireflies with Lasers. 

While all these technologies are great in that some may help to ‘push’ ecosystem services, do they inhibit people from striving for the real goal? Or will we just become dependant on these fake systems? Perhaps we should stop spending so much time on how to make spaces appear rural or ‘natural’, and actually look into protecting the real thing.

http://artdaily.com/news/24905/Olafur-Eliasson-s-The-New-York-City-Waterfalls-Opens-at-Four-Waterfront-Locations#.XHsS9eJKhQI

https://www.nextnature.net/2018/03/synthetic-pollinizer/.

https://www.nextnature.net/2017/08/replacing-fireflies-with-lasers/

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Hey Taylor, 

I really enjoyed your post this week as it is something that has also crossed my mind. I too fear that society tends to over-value nature for its aesthetic purpose, diminishing its role as a provider of invaluable ecosystem services. The environmental destruction brought on by rapid urbanization has created a market for companies who charge customers to provide services that nature would have otherwise provided for free. The Honeybee Centre is a Canadian company with its head office located in Surrey, British Columbia. Each year, the organization rents out its hives to farmers to pollinate a variety of fruit crops at a rate of $50-135 per colony (with a minimum of 24 colonies per installation). Farmers typically require 1-6 colonies per acre depending on the target crop species. Customers can expect up to a 50% yield increase as a result of purchasing this service. 

Photo taken from Honeybee Centre Website

Humans have managed to commodify every aspect of the agriculture industry. Unfortunately, this is just one example where a business has managed to take economic advantage of a natural phenomenon. As environmental conditions worsen, the demand for such services will rise, further increasing costs for farmers looking to remain competitive. 

The United States now contains over 16 000 golf courses, by far the most of any country worldwide (the U.K. holds a distant second place at 2 741 courses). These landscapes hold carefully crafted imitations of nature yet there is nothing “natural” about them. Golf courses require vast amounts of time and resources to maintain. A typical golf course requires 100,000 to 1,000,000 gallons of water per week in summer to maintain healthy vegetation. These environments are not native to the landscape yet are uniformly constructed on a countrywide basis in the name of sport recreation. We are systematically paving over fertile land in order to build these suburbial monstrosities. When are we going to learn that we can’t eat money?

Have a great night,

Paige

http://www.honeybeecentre.com/pollination-services#.XHyYUohKjIU

http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/golf_course.aspx

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Peru? Alpaca my bags!

During my week away from class I spent much time preparing for my upcoming trip abroad. On March 8th, I will be travelling to Peru as a sustainable agriculture intern with the company Operation Groundswell. I feel that this relates to the course theme of rural geography because I will be staying in the city of Cuzco, living and working on an organic eucalyptus farm, stationed at over 11 000 feet above sea level.

This region in Peru is known as the Sacred Valley because of its natural beauty. However, gold mining has continued to threaten the landscape. Peru is the largest producer of gold within the Latin American states. The toxins associated with modern mining processes pollute the air, water, soil and affect biodiversity. During my stay, I will be meeting with partners at Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras, a local NGO to discuss the impacts of international mining companies on the environment and human rights. Whilst on the farm, we will learn about traditional agricultural methods used by the Incas. Accommodations include sleeping in environmentally sustainable adobe mud huts, common farm infrastructure found within the region.

The program includes a $100USD contribution fee to economically benefit local communities and ensure that we leave a positive impact as ecotourists. I am excited for this new cultural experience, I am already learning things about Peru that I hadn’t known before, such as:

-   The local language is not Spanish, but Quechua – traditionally spoken throughout the Incan Empire, currently the most widely spoken native language in the Americas

-    The national culinary dish is cuy or roasted guinea pig, served with the head and feet intact

-     Peru accounts for 87% of the world’s population of alpacas

-    The Amazon River begins in Peru at Montaro River, near Machu Picchu

I believe this internship will be a great way to round off my University of Guelph career. I have traveled before but never to South America, so I am anxious to see what this new adventure brings. The concept of ethical travel will be emphasized and our footprints as tourists will be examined with discussions centered around how to maximize benefits to host communities. Being a socially-conscious traveler includes things such as consuming locally-sourced products, supporting fair trade initiatives and booking through small family-owned tour operators. By doing your research, you can avoid succumbing to the mass tourism model in which offers affordable vacation packages at the expense of the natural environment.

Huq p'unchaykama,

Paige 

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Why Not Make It a Square Table Discussion?

My first thoughts about this question quickly have me coming up with a list for who should be at decision making round tables in terms of transportation development in the North. A federal representative as projects on crown land development are under federal jurisdiction, Indigenous representation as crown land is actually stolen Indigenous land, a federal EIA practitioner, a representative from the proponent and someone from the public.

At first glance, I feel that this list is diverse and represents many of the different stakeholders involved in such projects. However, that does not mean that it is representative.

While I think it is an important consideration I do not think it is enough. Representation at the table is important but I don’t think it is the most productive conversation to be having in terms of decision making. Just because someone is included at the table does not mean that that is the ideal negotiation/decision-making means for them. Just because someone is included in the conversation does not mean that they will be granted any kind of decision making power.  

Let’s use the example from my post last week as ironically enough, I discussed the development of a proposed all season road in Northern Ontario and how that may impact Eabametoong First Nation. As I outlined in my post, these things are not a priority for everyone. As was stated in my previous post, most community members cannot concern themselves with anything involving the Ring of Fire (such as the proposed road to access it) as they are dealing with inhumane living situations that of course, take priority. For example, not having clean drinking water, adequate infrastructure and social issues in the community that stem from centuries of assimilation, displacement and genocide.

So while, yes, I do believe that Indigenous peoples need to be sitting at that table, I think there are other factors to consider in these situations and not just check a box or give a pat on the back for Indigenous folks being included in the conversation. Because just because they’re sitting there doesn’t mean it’s the most conducive situation for them. Maybe instead of inviting them to the table it is consulted how that sovereign Indigenous nation would like to handle the situation.

I believe consideration for who sits at such table is pretty representative of what happens today. Folks recognize a need to include multiple stakeholders voices and therefore engrain that in the process by including them in some bureaucratic way that is made visible but when it boils down to it, does not provide space to consider and value those differing opinions. It becomes a box-checking exercise. For example, calling a band council and explaining what development on their land is about to ensue…. duty to consult: check!

This is not enough and this is not critical enough. Let’s consider more then who is involved but the way that they are involved and the way that these processes are inherently colonial and therefore are Western legal, thought and worldview system affirming.

Simply including Indigenous folks into processes that are intrinsically colonial is not doing our due diligence. This does not recognize Indigenous nations as sovereign nations made up of their own legal, thought, and worldview practices.

Perhaps it is time to flip that table and start anew. While engaging in a similar group dialogue I had a professor who suggested to flip the table, burn it, and then recycle the legs. Those words have definitely stuck with me and I feel are relevant here as well.

As always, in warmth,

Maddy

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Hey Maddy,

You bring up some interesting points. I definitely agree with you that there is a need for a reform in the environmental assessment system regarding project approval. Excessive number of projects are being exempted from the EA process including the Greenbelt Plan, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and many Far North land-use policies. The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), CPAWS Wildlands League, MiningWatch Canada and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada all agree that is it time to fix Ontario’s broken EA process. A a potential solution is to expand the scope of projects that are subject to EA’s and to include activities on private lands. EA reform is especially important in the mining sector as there are currently over 4 400 abandoned mine sites in Ontario. 

With increased streamlining of the EA process, opportunities for public engagement have been diminished. The Canadian EA Act allows any person in Ontario to request that the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change refer a matter to the Environmental Review Tribunal, yet there have only been two hearings since its enactment in 1996. Land-use planning frequently converges with Indigenous interests and treaty rights. Current consultation protocols and decision processes are inadequate, resulting in potential conflict. I agree with you that just because Indigenous community members have a seat at the table, doesn’t mean that their contribution will be meaningful to the outcome of the project. We mustn’t force Indigenous people to conform to our bureaucratic processes but rather communicate in a way that is respectful to their culture. The current system is oppressive and needs to stop treating the consultation process as a box on a checklist. The five people listed above is not enough for an equitable decision-making process, but it is a start. 

References

http://www.cela.ca/newsevents/media-release/Ontario-AG-slams-outdated-EA-Act-Groups-Urge-Action - Canadian Environmental Law Association

https://www.wcscanada.org/Portals/96/Documents/EABriefing.pdf?ver=2016-12-01-124453-427 - Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, 2016 Report

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5 Seats: A Timmins-James Bay Case Study

Public development projects – especially in Northern Canada, involve discussions between both governmental and non-governmental parties. It is important to include representatives from various backgrounds to ensure a fair decision is made and that all possible effects are taken into consideration. For the sake of my post, I chose the Timmins-James Bay area as a case study for the proposed construction of a transportation route. Here’s who I believe should have a seat at the decision table:

Firstly, a representative from the company leading the project should be present; perhaps a representative from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation or another affiliated organization. This individual will explain the details of the project and clarify any questions the community may have.

Secondly, public consultation is important for an equitable decision; I believe that the mayor of Timmins, George Pirie (below) should have a seat to speak on behalf of its citizens. Pirie won the 2018 election with almost twice as many votes as his closest contender, Steve Black. He will have the city’s best interests in mind and is familiar with the challenges that the city currently faces. He will best understand how the proposed project will serve to benefit or hinder the societal needs of Timmins.

Photo of George Pirie following his victorious election in 2018 - taken from an article by Len Gillis in The Timmins Times

Thirdly, an appropriate governmental representative should be consulted regarding development in the region. NDP leader Charlie Angus (below) has been the elected Member of Parliament for the Timmins-James Bay riding since 2004. He will have relevant local knowledge having been born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. Two years after being elected, the Toronto Star named him as one of the top-ten most effective opposition MP’s. Further, Angus is a known activist for First Nations rights, he was previously appointed as NDP critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs and also served as a member of the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development committee until 2016. With the motivation to be re-elected, Angus will seek the most beneficial outcome for his riding.

Charlie Angus, taken from Wikipedia

Fourthly, the consultation should include an Indigenous community member/leader of whose traditional territory the proposed development encroaches on. The Timmins area lies in Treaty 9 territory, on land traditionally belonging to Ojibway/Chippewa, Oji-Cree, Mushkegowuk (Cree) and Algonquin peoples. It is imperative that these communities are included in the decision-making process including the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), as of 2016, over 11% of Timmins’ population identifies as Aboriginal, which is more than double the national average. Not only is the consultation of Indigenous Peoples mandated by federal law, it is also a positive step toward mending the post-colonial relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada.

Timmins Native Friendship Centre, established 1974

Lastly, the fifth spot at the table should be reserved for the environmentalist tasked with conducting the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA). An EIA is required before any major development project is approved - in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012). The results of EIA’s are made available online and are then subjected to a public review period of 30 days. The goal of this process is efficiency and transparency. An expert in this field will bring experience and scientific data to the discussion. Their report will contain suggested alternatives and mitigation plans for the proposed impacts of the transportation route. The individual will also help by answering any questions that the other stakeholders may have regarding the environmental risks of the project.

Current environmental impact assessments associated with northern development lack adequate consultation processes with both the public and Indigenous communities. People contain different opinions and biases and given the opportunity, can bring up concerns that were perhaps missed in the initial evaluation. Including stakeholders from multiple backgrounds ensures the final decision is made as fairly as possible and considers all parties and ecosystems affected.

References

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/timmins-must-come-grips-indigenous-relations - Ontario Human Rights Commission

https://www.timminstimes.com/news/local-news/george-pirie-wins-timmins-mayoralty-with-huge-vote - Article by Len Gillis, The Timmins Times

https://ofl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017.05.31-Traditional-Territory-Acknowledgement-in-Ont.pdf - Traditional Territory Acknowledgements in Ontario

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-15.21/index.html - Government of Canada, CEAA 2012

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Population problems in St-Jean-de-Matha

Since 1941, there has been stronger growth in census urban areas but only modest growth in census rural areas. However, not all provinces experience a similar growth rate, notably Quebec which has strong growth in rural population at an overall growth rate of 5.3% from 2001 to 2006. This healthy population growth rate can be exemplified by the rural community of Saint-Jean-de-Matha. Saint-Jean-de-Matha is a municipality located within the Matawinie Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada, in the Lanaudière region.

Keep reading

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Hey Beacher,

I really enjoyed your analysis of St-Jean-de-Matha with respect to its population growth rate. Thankfully, Canadian tourism is on the rise, especially in Quebec where it is the fifth largest economic sector and involves over 29 000 businesses. Foreigners flock to experience Quebec’s 21 tourist areas with its Francophone culture and European feel. Quebec’s several mountain ranges make both winter and summer tourism viable. As the working populations in rural Quebec dwindle, I believe immigration will be our best solution. Providing incentives for both newcomers as well as recent post-secondary graduates will serve to revitalize rural Quebec. The countryside will see an influx of younger individuals who leave the cities in search for cheaper real estate and lower costs of living. Innovations in technological communications has drastically reduced the friction of distance between the city and its outskirts. Targeted provincial legislature will serve to benefit these small towns the most since Quebecers represented over three quarters of all Quebec tourists in 2016. Quebec is Canada’s largest province, but its population is disproportionately distributed around its major urban centres. Further investments that focus on the availability of social and health services in remote communities need to be made if small towns such as St-Jean-de-Matha are to be successfully resettled. Opening the employment market to senior citizens is a good idea but I question its long-term feasibility as well as its scalability. As climate change in the future is expected to warm parts of Northern Canada, people will be able to visit and reside in these regions more comfortably, seeking escape from the congested cities.

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A Better Future for Cities

As discussed in class, urbanization is not accidental, it involves conscious efforts and planning in order to portray a desired aesthetic. There are various consequences to rapid development such as increased pollution, habitat loss and greater susceptibility to natural disasters such as landslides and flooding. Social issues also arise when governments are unable to provide services under growing population stresses. The Greater-Toronto area has seen development at an unprecedented rate within the last generation alone. The image below, taken from the Square One mall archives, shows Mississauga’s downtown core as it was in the year 1973. 

Unfortunately, its proximity to the province’s capital has made Mississauga a major suburb and commuting city and has since undergone exponential industrial growth. Below is another picture of Square One Mall, but in 2014 (photo by Keith Williams). As you can see, there has been drastic reductions to the surrounding farmland. The careless development on agricultural lands lead to the 2005 Greenbelt Act in which the Canadian government vowed to preserve over two million acres of farmland including the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Although Mississauga has succumbed to globalization pressures, there are still ways in which to reduce environmental risks such as through the creation of urban green spaces (rooftop gardens, parks, arboretums). Pervious concrete decreases runoff and relieves pressure on municipal drainage systems. Cities can reduce air pollution by upgrading to renewable sources of energy and alternative transport systems. However, solid urban planning remains the most effective land management tool. Urban planning focuses on sustainable growth and allows leaders to better prepare for future problems. This is especially important with the unpredictability brought on by climate change. The loss of ecosystem services within urban environments is unsustainable and unproductive. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, the Greenbelt provides $2.7 billion worth of non-economic services to Ontario every year. These services include water and air filtration, climate control, carbon storage, flood control and wildlife habitat. It is up to elected politicians to produce legislation that will serve to work towards a sustainable future, rather than in the pursuit of economic prosperity at the environment’s expense.

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Canada, eh?

With respect to the media and popular culture, rural Canada is largely portrayed through country and folk music. Canada has a long history with country music and has bred legends such as Neil Young, Shania Twain and Bryan Adams. In film, Canada and Canadian culture be seen in works such as Gunless (2010), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Les Boys (1997) and Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006). Canadians are stereotypically polite and friendly people who are always willing to lend a stranger a hand. However, life in Canada is more than hockey, maple syrup and weak beer. Canada is the second largest country in the world, yet its population is disproportionally distributed – over 80 percent of its citizens reside in urban environments. This discrepancy causes rural municipalities to be overlooked in political debates as they simply lack voting power. Agricultural workers are at the mercy of decisions made several hundreds of kilometers away by individuals who have likely never lived outside of a large metropolitan centre. Canada relies on the countryside for food and natural resource production including forestry, mining and energy, yet these regions often have the least amount of say regarding allocation or price. Canada’s reputation for multiculturalism has broadened the terms of acceptance as policy-makers are tasked with appeasing citizens from an increasingly range of cultural backgrounds. Canada proves it is possible to have an incredibly diverse, yet distinct national identity.

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Two Peas in a Pod?

In today’s dynamic, fluid, and ever-changing society cities may seem like the centre of our Canadian world, functioning independently on their own, but this is nothing more than a misconception. Urban spaces need rural areas. Rural spaces need urban areas. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that urban and rural rural places are like two peas in a pod. 

In my mind rural and urban centres are interconnected. These spaces are a continuum of change, neither one better than the other - both relying on each other in order to exist.

Sure, in the past this may have not been the case; rural and urban areas played distinct roles within society prior to the 21st century. Cities were hubs for business, trade, finances, emerging technologies, communications, manufacturing, and the sharing of knowledge via large educational facilities. Small rural communities were closely tied to resource extraction, activities such as mining, forestry, and farming. Although connected distantly, these two areas were seen as vastly different in the public eye. 

Let’s take a look at Anne of the Island, the third book in the series and my current reading project for the week, to illustrate my point - that rural and urban areas were seen as profoundly different. 

The Anne we all know and love is from Prince Edward Island, a decidedly rural province in the east coast of Canada. Rolling hills, stretches of farmland so far-reaching and wide, big blue skies, and a local culture teeming with familiarity and intimacy - overall Anne’s home is painted as an incredibility rural landscape, one that’s primarily focused on farming in the early 1900′s.

Very recently I stumbled across a section of the novel where Anne’s friend Philippa, being from a well-populated settlement in Nova Scotia, cannot understand Anne’s determination to return to Avonlea - her wild, rural home - rather than experience the hustle and bustle of the city. 

“You won’t have much of a time. There’ll be one or two quilting parties, I suppose; and all the old gossips will talk you over to your face and behind your back. You’ll die of lonesomeness, child (Montgomery, 51).”

It is clear from this quote that ‘Phil’ does not think too highly of the countryside. She finds it boring and monotonous, a negative view set that is only mirrored by Anne in regards to the city. In the book there is more than one occasion where Anne complains about the city, wishing that she could return to Avonlea and remain far away from the “howling wilderness of strangers (Montgomery, 20)” .  

People’s opinions regarding rural and urban during this time were rather unfavourable on occasion, creating the stigma that these areas were two very distinct places, those with fairly weak linkages. Perhaps this still plays a role today, but I still remain firm in believing that rural and urban areas are connected, especially in our changing economy. 

 How?

Globalization, my friends. 

As a result of shared wealth, knowledge, business, and trade, both rural and urban areas are more connected than ever before. As a result it’s not possible for such areas to remain distinct - resources are no longer shared or organized at a small scale. London, England for example, is now one of the major financial hubs of the world. New Zealand has a booming wine industry, one that competes with Ontario’s precious Niagara Falls wine region. Even Canada’s agricultural industry weighs heavily on that of the United States. 

Wealth and success are no longer easy to access in random little cities right down the road or in Anne’s experience - remote P.E.I. If Canadian rural and urban communities are to survive, lines must be blurred. New industries must be created, those of which are not resource dependent or have a reliance on other countries. 

Luckily enough, this is being done. As discussed in the Woods textbook, chapter twelve, rural has become synonymous with tourism. Whether it’s hiking, checking out farms or farmer’s markets, buying in on rural ‘crafts’, visiting historic sites, or taking a boatload of pictures just like our friend Donald Duck here, cities help keep rural places alive.

Don’t be mistaken however - rural areas benefit urban spaces too! The Canadian Mental Health Association and various government bodies recognize that green spaces are integral to human health, especially for those individuals “trapped” in urban environments. 

Pulled directly from an article released from Natural England, “Taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.”

By visiting farms, taking part in conservation strategies, and participating in programs that promote connectivity to the rural environment, people are able to touch base with their rural roots or even better - take aspects of the rural back with them to the city. This may take the form of green architecture, the creation of community gardens, protected spaces, vegetated swales, stream buffers, and porous pavements. 

The Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville - and I really mean IN Orangeville - is a great example of this. (If anyone is in the mood to go for a nice little walk in the afternoon, I’d recommend this place). 

This snazzy photo is from the Credit Valley Conservation website. 

Overall, I’d say that it’s pretty clear that cities need rural spaces -  they really are two peas in a pod. Trying to separate each area from one another is pointless. In this day and age, these spaces are integral to the successful functioning of the economy and health of communities as a whole.

[pdgeog4390-19]

Hello Vanessa!

I agree that urban and rural spaces are both integral to each other and I love how you were able to connect it to a novel you are reading. Trends in globalization have allowed remote municipalities to be in constant communication with urban centres. As the big cities such as Toronto are typically seen as the land of opportunity, there is much to gain from a visit to rural Ontario. The countryside provides safe habitats for hundreds of animal and plant species. Living near green spaces encourages physical activity and socializing, while spending time outdoors has been known to help with depression, anxiety, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The benefits of nature are numerous and well-documented, making it desirable for tourists looking to escape. Rural towns such as Matakana, New Zealand are making conscious efforts to appeal to the needs of urban-dwellers. Cities provide the countryside with a market to sell their goods and in exchange they bear the brunt of the environmental damage from a consumer-based society. Climate change is a global issue and therefore we must work together and encourage education and innovation. Cities need rural spaces and rural spaces need cities. The health of local economy is a product of the interactions between these two environments and the demise of one would cause severe repercussions on the system as a whole. 

[pdgeog4390-19]

Rural-Urban Linkages

Urban and rural Canada require strong connections in order for the state to run efficiently as a whole. According to the International Institute for Environment and Development, rural-urban interactions consist of linkages across space as well as between sectors. The spatial linkages involve the movement of people, money, goods and ideas. These areas also interact through industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and services. These linkages drive economic and sociocultural change in a rapidly urbanizing nation. Such quick transformations often bring increases in inequalities and in environmental damages, so effective and accountable local governance systems are more necessary than ever. Urban and rural Canada must work together to ensure adequate resource availability for its citizens. There simply isn’t enough greenspace in major cities to satisfy their ever-growing demands for farmed produce and livestock. Rural growth is often focused within methods of primary production (mining, forestry, farming) which provides a solid foundation for Canada’s economy. Strengthening these sectors decreases our reliance on imports and contributes to the overall security of the nation, if external conflicts were to arise.

      The countryside continues to be marketed as a getaway from the busy, overcrowded cities. These towns appeal to visitors for their small, quiet and rustic aesthetic that offer services from wine tours to bridal ceremonies. The marketability of the rural idyll has become more lucrative than ever before. Rural areas rely on cities for market access and distribution. In cities, there is currently a high demand for products grown locally, for which they must look to the countryside. This continuous exchange of resources could not be possible without strong economic and social linkages between parties.

https://www.iied.org/rural-urban-linkages

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My Rural Canada

This is what I grew up with. 

My whole life as both a child and teen was defined by the colour green. Endless rows of potatoes, corn, wheat, soybeans, and canola. Long tracks of open sky and space - dirt, mud, dust, and layer upon layer of grime after mucking about for an afternoon. Traffic, chaos, commotion, and people, those characteristics that defined the term ‘city’, were far flung out of my mind as a kid. 

With my background it’s really no surprise that I commonly associate rural Canada with row upon row of some sort of green and growing thing. With a father deeply tied to the agricultural industry, it’s only natural for me to know how to identify blight, potato beetles, ring worm, and a whole slew of bugs and superficial diseases.

I’ve spent hours walking around in fields just picking weeds or ‘volunteers’. I’ve done the dirty and mindless chore of picking rocks - for those who know what this entails you’re sure to sympathize with me. I’ve been burnt to a crisp scouting through potato fields and picking strawberries as a summer job, which I can say are some of the most physically demanding and monotonous activities I’ve ever completed in my life. It can be said that the term ‘rural’ is apart of my identity - my nature.  

For the longest time rural was simply the equivalent to agriculture. The end. 

Or so I thought.

Upon ‘unpacking’ my rural conceptions of Canada however, I realize that this is not entirely the case. My country-bumpkin upbringing is merely the tip of the iceberg. 

Who’s really to say that agriculture is the embodiment of what it is to be rural?

Sure, as a teen growing up in Southern Ontario I had every right to believe that this was the case. I didn’t know any different - I had no context as to what else was out there in the big blue world. Yes, I’d taken a few vacations with my family and seen a few sights, but did my worldview change? Of course not! I was young and naive!

Now however? 

I know that rural does not equal agriculture. Agriculture is only a small part of the big picture. As discussed today in class, rural is a concept that is very difficult to define; in Ontario alone there are different landscapes that exist, all of which can be considered as rural. Each of these spaces are unique in appearance and boast particular cultures, identities, and quirks, creating an uneven patchwork that is uneasy to describe. 

Still, Ontario is only one side of the equation - what about Canada as a whole? Does this statement still stand outside of Ontario, my home province?

My answer is yes. 

After travelling outside of my own personal childhood bubble, working in different areas and seeing different places, I have come to the understanding that my past ideologies surrounding rurality, those of which weighed heavily on my childhood, must remain in the past. I must look beyond my front door, beyond Ontario, and look at my country as a whole. Canada, with its unique landscapes nationwide, is the epitome of different conceptualizations of what it is to be rural. 

Look at this photo. Does the picturesque scenery of Indian Brook, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia constitute as rural?

And this one? The view of the Gaspé region in Québec from atop Sugarloaf Mountain?

What of the mountain tops in Alberta or British Columbia? Cirque Peak? Is this to be considered as rural as well?

YES.

Rural can be wild. 

Rural can be empty. 

Rural can be a small, laid-back town in the middle of nowhere.

Rural can rugged and untouched. 

Rural can beautiful. 

And you know what? Rural can be agricultural too.

All of these photos, no matter their depictions, are rural in some sort of way. The Canada we all know and love is a combination of so many different things and as a result, the rurality we see is varied. 

Perhaps I’ll always be a tad biased to the agricultural hub that is Ontario, but I know and understand that rural Canada is so much more. It’s undefinable, diverse, and ever-changing. It’s the part of Canada that I love the most. 

Side-note: All of the photos in this blog were taken by my father or me!

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Hi Vanessa!

I appreciate your view of rural Ontario and your acknowledgment of your biases and misconceptions growing up. I too feel that the importance of agricultural production in terms of capital accumulation are often prioritized within rural landscapes. Yes, farming does largely happen in these regions but as we have discussed in class, there is so much more to these environments than that. It is hard to pinpoint any one example of rurality because it means different things to each individual. People move through rural spaces all the time, it is only those who have special connections to the land who can share its story. There is no authority to determine if a space can be considered “rural”. You have posted good photo examples to highlight this - does an area lose its rural designation if there is a highway built through it, who is to say for sure? With increasing global pressures to develop and expand our cities, vacant rural land can often be seen as empty, wasted space. However, this vast openness serves its aesthetic purpose in the commodification of the rural idyll. “Rural” simply implies the absence of urban. What is rural and/or urban often relies on the attitudes and behaviours of the individuals who interact within the space, giving it its meaning. Only by physically travelling to these spaces can we begin to understand its diversity.