Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen will discuss the growth and prosperity options for rural BC communities at next week’s Distinguished Speaker’s Series.
What: UBC Okanagan’s Distinguished Speaker’s Series—Rethinking Rural: Complexity, Innovation and the Future(s) of Rural British Columbia
Who: Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates
When: Tuesday, October 15, 7 pm
Where: Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St.
Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen is on a mission to change people’s perceptions of rural British Columbia—what it is now and what it could be in the future. As the keynote speaker at the UBC Okanagan Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Breen will share her views on how BC communities can thrive amidst a changing economic and physical climate.
Dr. Breen is the BC Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates, the applied research department of Selkirk College. In addition to her role at Selkirk Innovates, Dr. Breen is an adjunct professor at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph.
Her research interests include economic development, infrastructure, natural resource management, resilience, governance and policy with a rural focus.
Dr. Breen will discuss the complexities of sustainable development in rural British Columbia by unraveling the essence of rural life—what it means, why it is significant and the critical implications of misinterpreting rural dynamics.
She will then explore the evolving economic and physical climates in rural communities before exploring trends reshaping rural landscapes—from demographic shifts to environmental challenges—and how these factors are shaping the local socio-economic fabric.
Lastly, Dr. Breen will discuss what opportunities may lie ahead as policymakers and residents try to imagine the future of rural development in the region. How can innovation and community resilience be harnessed to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in rural areas?
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences presents the Distinguished Speaker Series, which brings compelling speakers to the Okanagan to share their unique perspectives on issues that affect the region, country and world.
This community event is free, but registration is required. For registration details, visit speakers.ok.ubc.ca
