Joshua Barrett

Profile Summary

Dr. Joshua Barrett is a rural development researcher, environmental professional, and municipal leader with extensive experience working at the intersection of economic development, environmental sustainability, natural resources, and community governance. He holds a PhD in Rural Studies from the University of Guelph, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in geography and political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has research affiliations with the University of Prince Edward Island, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Grenfell Campus, and the University of Guelph.

Joshua is a Senior Consultant with Stantec, where he leads environmental assessment and permitting work in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, working on complex projects involving governments, communities, industry, and other stakeholders. His professional experience includes work in rural and resource-based economies, socioeconomic and environmental assessment, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

He is also an elected municipal councillor in Conception Bay South and serves as Past President of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and Chair of econext. Through these roles, he has worked extensively on issues related to sustainable economic development, environmental policy, rural revitalization, and collaboration between government, industry, and communities.

Joshua’s research focuses on rural economic development, governance, resource-based economies, and place-based approaches to community development. His work brings together academic research, professional practice, and municipal experience to explore practical approaches to building resilient and sustainable communities and economies in Newfoundland and Labrador and across rural Canada.

Current Research Engagement

Rural Innovative Housing: Rural communities face significant challenges to ensure adequate, appropriate, affordable, and acceptable housing. Housing is critical for rural communities and their economic development and prosperity. This initiative investigates innovative housing approaches in Canada and abroad to address persistent challenges in rural Ontario, including availability, appropriateness, and affordability of housing. Through a comparative case study methodology, the project identifies innovative, context-sensitive practices that can inform housing strategies in Ontario’s rural communities. These housing models may include community investment corporations, cooperatives, public-private partnerships. Knowledge mobilization activities will ensure that findings are shared with municipal leaders, community organizations, and other rural partners.

Philanthropy in Atlantic Canada: Rural communities in Atlantic Canada face growing socioeconomic challenges, yet research on the role of philanthropy and innovation in building community resilience remains limited and fragmented. Building on earlier research, this initiative will bring together community leaders, businesses, governments, nonprofit organizations, and researchers to share innovative practices, strengthen networks, identify research priorities, and explore philanthropy’s current and future contributions to rural resilience. This initiative will bridge research, policy, and practice to support community-led development and inform rural policy across Atlantic Canada and beyond.