They will start with four counties and use the results as a benchmark to measure the effectiveness of various programs that aim to improve wellbeing.
“Rural Ontario communities stand to benefit from a practical, applied service that allows benchmarking,” said Ellen Sinclair, the executive director with the Rural Ontario Institute.
Benchmarking will allow communities to compare progress internally or externally with neighbouring rural communities over time. The project has been made possible through funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.”
Rural researcher Nelson Rogers said “this project offers a significant opportunity to improve the understanding of wellbeing in rural communities and provides an evidence-based approach to take action on important issues.”
