Previous Projects

Innovative Co-operatives & Rural Economic Development

Funded by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, this project explores innovative uses of the co-operative model and their potential role in rural economic and community development.

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Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Men's Sheds in Rural Alberta

The ACSRC has partnered with Dr. Kyle Whitfield (University of Alberta) on a pilot project evaluating the mental health benefits of Men's Sheds in Rural Alberta.

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Exploring Social Service Delivery in Rural Alberta

In partnership with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, the ACSRC has completed a study exploring the challenges faced by Family and Community Support Services in rural Alberta.

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Exploring Rural Development Opportunities in Dark Sky Preserves

The ACSRC, in collaboration with Dr. Glen Hvenegaard (U of A, Augustana) is researching the economic development potential associated with Dark Sky tourism for rural Alberta Communities. Initial research findings were published in the February edition of the Journal of Ecotourism, “Visitor outcomes from dark sky tourism: A case study of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.”

Initial Findings
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Political Ethnography and Political Opinion in Rural Alberta

In partnership with Dr. Dionne Pohler (University of Saskatchewan) and funded by SSHRC, the ACSRC is utilizing "political ethnography" to better understand political opinion formation in rural Canada.

Pilot Case Study
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Mobilizing Knowledge for Co-operative Energy Success

In collaboration with Dr. John Parkins (University of Alberta) and a team of scholars from the University of Sheffield, the ACSRC is working on a project exploring avenues for success for Green Energy Co-operatives in rural communities.  This work is part of a larger project "Pathways to Energy Democracy in Canada." 

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Neoliberalism and the Populist Project in Rural Alberta

In partnership with Dr. Lars Hallstrom (University of Lethbridge) the ACSRC is working on a SSHRC-funded project that explores the evolution of distinct populisms, and their policy implications, for rural Alberta.

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Co-creating Best Practices for Implementing Work-Integrated Learning Programs Across Rural Canada

Working with The Rural Development Network, the ACSRC worked to strengthen collaboration between post-secondary institutions and employers across Canada through illustrating best practices for rural-based Work Integrated Learning (WIL).  Resources and final project information can be found on the Rural Development Network website.

Project
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