The Urban Exodus: Understanding Impacts of COVID-era Migration in Rural Ontario

The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst to increased urban/suburban to rural migration on an international scale. Physical distancing measures encouraged people to stay home and/or outside, making rural areas particularly attractive for their space, outdoor amenities, and lower cost of living compared with major urban centres. In Ontario, some rural communities saw population increases for the first time since the 1996 census (Government of Ontario, 2023). This study surveyed municipal professionals (planners, economic developers, elected officials, CAOs, etc.) throughout Ontario to understand the impacts of recent population changes at the community level. It found that municipalities were working to address infrastructure capacity challenges, meet housing targets, and plan for outdoor public spaces.