Rural Ontario Week takes place September 20–26, 2026, celebrating the economic, cultural, and community contributions of rural regions across the province. This year’s theme, “Big things happen in rural places!”, recognizes the people, ideas, and partnerships shaping a strong and vibrant rural Ontario.
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is delighted to celebrate Lorena Barker, recipient of the Ontario Agricultural College’s 2026 Award for Outstanding Staff. The award recognizes Lorena’s exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to the University of Guelph community.
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is proud to celebrate UofG MLA alumna Allison Fleury, who is serving as the new President of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Elected and appointed CLARB members play a pivotal role in shaping the future of landscape architecture regulation and brings dedicated vision, expertise and strategic leadership.
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is proud to celebrate Dr. Pam Duesling, MCIP, RPP, recipient of the PlanON RPP Leadership Award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. A graduate of SEDRD’s Rural Studies PhD program and a sessional instructor in the School, Pam exemplifies the leadership, collaboration and professionalism this award recognizes.
Dr. Hosna Miladi has joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph as a Visiting Researcher, where she is working with Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury.
Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, a Nigerian Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technologies at Arizona State University, recently completed a three-month Visiting Research Student placement in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph. Working under the supervision of Associate Professor Ataharul Chowdhury, Lucy explored how agricultural research, changing workforce needs, and farmers’ experiences can be translated into practical learning opportunities.
A new article in The Conversation examines what recent federal funding approaches for rural transit says about Canada's commitment to rural communities. Sarah Breen (SEDRD adjunct faculty member), Ela Mastej (Rural Studies PhD candidate), and Ryan Gibson (SEDRD faculty member) focus on the design of the Rural Transit Solutions fund and the difference the design made to the impacts.
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) was well represented at the 2026 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) and North Atlantic Forum Conference, where faculty, students, and alumni shared research that is helping shape the future of rural communities in Canada and beyond. Their presentations explored topics ranging from economic development and environmental stewardship to housing, philanthropy, belonging, and public policy.
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) proudly announces the faculty promotions of Nadia Amoroso, Afshin Ashari, and Ryan Gibson effective July 1, 2026.