Researchers from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development recently shared their work at the Fusion 2026 National Planning Conference [1] in Montréal, Quebec, hosted by the Canadian Institute of Planners and l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec. Natasha D’Souza (RST PhD Alumna), Ryan Gibson (SEDRD Professor), and Wayne Caldwell (SEDRD Professor Emeritus) presented “Attracting and Retaining Talent: Lessons on Rural Planning, Governance, and Skilled Migration from Bruce County’s Energy Cluster.”

The presentation explored how rural communities can strengthen their economies by attracting and retaining highly skilled workers. Using Bruce County’s nuclear energy cluster as a case study, the presenters showed how collaboration between governments, investment in infrastructure, and place-based planning can help build a strong workforce, support local businesses, and improve long-term community vitality.

The session highlighted the important role planners play in helping rural communities respond to changing workforce needs while creating places where people want to live and work. The research offers practical lessons for communities across Canada looking to build economic resilience and support sustainable regional growth.