Amenity-based Rural Development

Natural and cultural amenities have always drawn people to the country-side for leisure, recreation and residency. More recently, enabling factors have spawned a wave of “amenity migration” that is a significant economic driver across most of rural British Columbia.

Rural Futures was the first firm in British Columbia to recognize this trend and its implications for the economy, social life and environment of rural regions. We have teamed up with the International Amenity Migration Centre in order to assist BC’s rural communities to understand this trend and to manage it strategically.

Amenity migrants may be permanent residents, or they may be seasonal or intermittent residents. They can be beneficial to rural communities. Amenity migrants are attracted by conserved landscapes and the charm and low stress of rural regions. They create employment and diversify the economy. They bring energy and ideas.

New Economic Opportunities

Many amenity migrants bring foot-loose, small footprint businesses with them. Many of these entrepreneurs are the younger demographic many rural communities wish to attract. High speed communications and a globally accessible market mean new forms of enterprise are replacing traditional rural commerce and industry.

Economic development of emerging rural economies is in its infancy. Rural Futures is a leader in understanding this trend. We can help your community benefit from this wave of sustainable enterprise by using traditional and innovative economic development strategies.