Rural Development Professors Launch Books

BRANDON, MB — Two new tomes have been added this fall to the Rural Development Institute’s publishing arm. Dr. Doug Ramsey was one of the editors of Geographical Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change, while Dr. Kenneth Beesley edited The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict & Controversy.

“As publisher of these two publications, the Rural Development Institute helps to illustrate the important role of research in deepening our understanding of rural place and rural development. By examining examples, practices and challenges not just across Canada, but also in North America, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, practitioners, decision-makers, politicians, policy analysts, along with seasoned and new scholars, all gain new (insights) and confirmation of existing initiatives,” said Dr. William Ashton, the director of RDI. “These two volumes are examples of the Institute’s on-going commitment to transfer timely and essential knowledge in Manitoba, across Canada, and around the world.”

Farms and farming, the remaking of rural communities and rural spaces, and policy and action in rural development in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Australia were examined in Geographical Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change. Also on the editorial team with Dr. Ramsey were Dr. Dick Winchell of Eastern Washington University, Dr. Rhonda Koster of Lakehead University, and Dr. Guy Robinson of the University of South Australia.

“I was very pleased to be a part of this project. Since 1991, and based upon invitation, rural geographers from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom have met every four years. The purpose is to share research on the latest theory and practice in the field of rural
studies. Brandon University was asked to take over the publication of this volume due to cutbacks at Eastern Washington University that included the closure of their press,” said Dr. Ramsey. “The book includes preeminent rural geographers from each region as well as emerging scholars and graduate students. Our sharing of ideas has been central to the new paradigms adopted in our field.”

With a focus on Canada, The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict & Controversy brings together the findings and ideas of established and young scholars from across the country. There are contributions from various disciplines — sociology, geography, planning, recreation, tourism and rural development — each offering a different perspective on the rural-urban fringe zones in Canada.

“I am thrilled to see this collection of research papers in print. Over many years I have had extraordinary opportunities to work with, and become friends with, some of the finest scholars in Canada. Most of these people have a special interest in rural spaces and places, and many have contributed to this volume on the rural-urban fringe,” said Dr. Beesley. “I am very grateful for the support I have received from the Rural Development Institute, the Department of Rural Development and Brandon University generally for helping me see this project through to fruition.”

The two books will be officially launched at 7 p.m., on December 9, at Pennywise Books, a shop owned and operated by a former student of both professors. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following the presentation. Pennywise Books is located at 1031 Rosser Avenue.

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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communication Officer
Brandon University
P: (204) 727-9762
communications@brandonu.ca

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