Humber Valley Thriving Regions Partnership Process

In November 2021, the Harris Centre completed the first workshop in Cormac for the Thriving Regions Partnership Process.

Workshop participants developed nine broader themes and then selected three as their top priorities:

• Regional supports for social, mental and physical well-being: This theme recognizes that thriving communities are also healthy communities. Participants adopted a broader conception of health that included topics such as access to healthcare, independent living options, strong social networks, opportunities for intergenerational relationships and mental health training and awareness. There is also interest in the influence of transient workforce on the wellbeing of family and community structures.

• Sustainable Population and Labour: Recognizing regional demographic challenges, the participants are interested in exploring and engaging innovative or non-traditional workforce models and improving life-work balance in the region. There is strong interest in identifying strategies for attracting new people and families and for retaining those already in the region.

• Training, Education and Innovation: Programs focused on innovative training approaches and skills development for rural entrepreneurs and social enterprises are of particular interest to the region, including how to better educate and support youth in pursuing entrepreneurial business opportunities.

Workshop participants expressed their desire that proposed projects for any of the above themes:

a.) show how they are relevant and can be applied to one or both of the following key sectors in the region: (i.) tourism, (ii.) agriculture and food security.

b.) account for their contribution to healthy natural environments (e.g., climate change mitigation or adaptation) in the region. 

A call for Expressions of Interest from the university community to do research in the region based on the above priorities and themes was then opened. Three research teams were selected to present their project ideas to community members in a 2^nd workshop held online on February 23, 2022. Following feedback from community members and reviewing the researchers’ full proposals, the fund evaluation committee recommended funding for two applied research projects:

• Carlos Bazan & Jennifer Dyer, "Developing a Business Model for Accessible Entrepreneurship Training Programs in Rural Newfoundland & Labrador"
• Dale Jarvis & Diane Tye, "Humber Valley Traditional Skills: A Needs and Opportunities Assessment" - the final report is now available at this link: Humber Valley Traditional Skills - assessment

The two research teams presented their findings at a final workshop on January 31, 2024.  The final report on the workshop itself is available at this link: Humber Valley workshop final report

Contact The Harris Centre, harriscentre@mun.ca with any questions.