Partnering for progress: How we best serve rural municipal clients

At Wilton Consulting Group, we regularly work with rural and agricultural communities, allowing us to bring a unique perspective to projects with rural municipal clients. We understand that municipalities are at the front lines in providing a range of key services, including clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, parks, recreation programs, roads, bridges, and land use planning.

The decisions made at the municipal level can have very tangible impacts on the community in both the short and long term. For example, deciding to postpone repairs on critical infrastructure such as bridges can result in more rapid deterioration leading to potential closures, increased repair/replacement costs, loss of economic activity, and frustrations for residents! However, balancing services like maintaining infrastructure with things like parks and recreation programs can be a tricky proposition.

This is where strategic planning comes into play. By understanding the unique strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats in a community, our team can help chart a roadmap to guide decision-making to meet the municipality’s vision and goals.

After completing her Master of Science degree in Rural Planning/Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph, Bronwynne Wilton wanted to further her understanding of rural communities. As she pursued her PhD in Rural Studies (also at U of G), Bronwynne learned about the foundational elements of sustainable rural communities, which are grounded in the seven ‘capitals’ of a successful community. By consistently looking at your community through this framework, you can work towards balancing the often-competing needs and challenges your municipality faces.

Our interdisciplinary team is ideally suited to bring this holistic perspective to the municipal strategic planning process. We understand the unique nature of rural communities and the importance of developing roadmaps that balance the seven core capitals of a sustainable rural community.

Read on to learn more about what our team brings to the municipal table!

Rural Economic Development

Krista Kapitan holds a Master of Economic Development and Innovation degree from the University of Waterloo. She brings a creative energy and knowledge of economic development trends with her to all projects. Krista’s passion for rural economic development and agriculture has led her to work with several municipalities across Ontario on sector-specific and community strategic planning projects. When Krista is not researching for clients, you can find her participating in local learning events like the Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Community of Practice, and Teeny Tiny Summits.

Grounded Understanding of Agriculture & Agri-Business

Andrea Gal manages her family farm operation, which includes seed and fertilizer dealerships, in Oxford County. She understands the opportunities and risks farmers and agri-businesses face. Andrea also serves in leadership positions with provincial and national agricultural organizations, including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Policy Advisory Council and Farm Management Canada’s Board of Directors. Through this leadership, Andrea has gained a broad perspective of the agricultural industry’s needs.

Sustainability in Rural Municipalities

Jessica Deveau holds a bachelor's degree in Environment, Resources, and Sustainability from the University of Waterloo where she studied socially and ecologically significant issues that range from local communities to global scales. As rural communities often have a unique connection to nature and the environment, it is vital for rural municipalities to promote sustainable practices for long-term economic, environmental, and social resiliency.

Bronwynne participated in a citizens group studying ‘green infrastructure’ in Centre Wellington and she also served on the Steering Committee for the Latornell Conservation Symposium, the largest conservation conference in Canada.

Our team has supported several municipalities in the development of agri-food strategies, including the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming’s Action Plan and the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Agriculture and Food Action Plan. We also worked with the Town of Caledon to prepare and facilitate a half-day workshop with Town staff and community stakeholders to inform the implementation of the Resilient Caledon Community Climate Change Action Plan (the Resilient Caledon Plan).

Active Volunteers in Our Local Communities

As active volunteers ourselves, we understand that volunteers are the heart of our communities, helping to improve lives, protect the environment, and foster a sense of connectedness between residents. Andrea, for example, serves on the Client Council of the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners and is helping to relaunch the Family Council at Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock. Bronwynne has served on the boards of the Centre Wellington Community Foundation and Fergus-Elora District Soccer.

We draw on the insights of local volunteers to inform our work for municipal clients. We seek to leverage the power of community leaders’ networks to ensure strong engagement in our projects.

Experience with Municipal Politics

As an added bonus, Bronwynne serves as a Councillor in the Township of Centre Wellington, located in the heart of Wellington County and home to the communities of Fergus and Elora. As an elected official, she has a hands-on understanding of the challenges and pressures rural municipalities can face.

Together, we provide exceptional service to our municipal clients.

We help our municipal clients identify sustainable pathways that are targeted to the unique needs of their local economy, environment, and community.