Invitation to a Public SSHRC Regional Event

Tackling A Wicked Problem:  Digital Development in Rural Ontario

Tuesday, March 18, 4-6PM
@ Innovation Guelph
111 Farquhar Street - 3rd Floor
Guelph, Ontario

Event Details:
The challenge of overcoming the digital divide between rural and urban areas has been the
topic of a multi-layered community-university research partnership with highly practical
interactions involving municipalities in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. Many rural
communities realize that 21st century revitalization will involve socio-economic
opportunities that are mediated by the Internet and mobile technologies. However, many
public, private and civil society stakeholders agree that rural broadband is a 'wicked problem'
defined as "the persistence of a status quo of divided interests, even in the face of the
benefits to everyone from a change and the considerable risks to everyone from a lack of
change."
This panel discusses the challenges and the opportunities of rural broadband deployment in
Ontario, with comparisons to other communities across Canada who unite to in what some
have called the "new Canadian dream" of digital inclusion and intelligent development.
A networking reception with refreshments will take place after the panel discussion.

Presentation Panel:
Helen Hambly (Project Leader), Wilson Halder (MSc Candidate, SEDRD), Laxmi Pant
(Post-Doctoral Researcher), Geoff Hogan, IT Director, Grey County (project partner),
Campbell Patterson, City of Kingston/CPC Associates (project partner)

Information and Registration:
Contact ices@uoguelph.ca for more information, or register at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tackling-a-wicked-problem-digital-development-in-ruralontario-
registration-10673509755