Rural communities like Woodlands County are at the heart of our province. They are where our food is grown and where natural resources are harnessed. They are also home to diverse and vibrant populations that cherish a rural way of life.
However, there are challenges for rural communities like Woodlands County. A smaller population means a smaller tax base and more limited economic development opportunities. With fewer people in a larger geographic area, programs and services are more difficult to implement and sustain. That means residents are more likely to commute for work, education, recreation, healthcare, and other services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problems rural areas face by being under-resourced, and Woodlands County was no exception.
Trying to address social infrastructure challenges with urban-style approaches often won’t work for rural communities. Instead, solutions may be found in focusing on the resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community characteristics of these areas.
As the community reviews its current needs, a comprehensive social infrastructure that respects our county’s past while preparing for its future is needed. Changing demographics and the effects of transitioning to the post-COVID era require reimagining our rural social infrastructure.
The social needs assessment conducted in Woodlands County shows the complexity of social issues in the community.
Housing insecurity, homelessness, mental health concerns, economic hardships, gaps in support for seniors, and increases in youth crime must all be addressed for the community’s well-being.
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