About the HEAR Initiative
Rural communities are the backbone of Ontario's prosperity, food systems, and environmental stewardship. Yet they face growing pressures: limited healthcare access, labour shortages, economic volatility, climate risk, and persistent infrastructure gaps.
The HEAR Initiative (Health, Economy, Adaptation in Rural Communities) was created by the University of Guelph to address this gap. It is a large-scale, longitudinal, community-engaged research initiative designed to generate the evidence rural communities need to plan, adapt, and thrive.
The University of Guelph's HEAR Initiative (Health, Economy, Adaptation in Rural Communities) is conducting a landmark study on rural life in Ontario, and they need your help. Over three survey waves in 2026, 2028, and 2030, researchers will reach 200,000 households across rural Ontario, collecting data on health, economic well-being, and how communities are adapting to environmental change. This research matters because rural communities are chronically underrepresented in the data that shapes policy and funding decisions. The results will be freely available through an open public dashboard, so communities like ours can use the evidence to advocate for the healthcare, infrastructure, and support we need. Taking part takes just a few minutes and the impact lasts years. We encourage all of our members, customers, and community to participate and share widely.
Learn more or sign up at https://hearinitiative.ca/ Questions? Email
To view the information poster, please click here: HEAR Initiative Poster 2026
