News & Updates

TO ALL OF OUR RDN FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES:  Following an extensive search process, the Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Melissa Fougere as RDN’s Chief Executive Officer as of July 28th, 2025.  Melissa brings over 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including senior roles with the Canadian Red Cross, where she led initiatives in […]

When we think about homelessness, we often picture what we see in urban centres, people sleeping rough in parks, shelters, or on busy city streets. This “urban lens” has dominated the national conversation, leading many to believe that homelessness is primarily an urban issue. But that’s only part of the story. In rural, remote, and […]

When it comes to housing, one of the most important questions any community can ask is: Are we meeting the needs of our people? A Housing Needs & Demands Assessment (HNA) helps answer that question with clarity and confidence. It’s a powerful planning tool that offers a clear, evidence-based picture of both current housing realities […]

After many years with the Rural Development Network, our CEO, Lisa Bélanger, has announced that she will be moving on from her role. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly grateful for everything Lisa has poured into RDN over the years. Her leadership, passion, and deep care for rural communities have left a […]

For Immediate Release- Feb 19, 2025 ALBERTA — On behalf of the Rural Development Network (RDN), the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) has partnered with Big Lakes County to collaboratively explore locally-informed solutions that will enable diverse housing development in their community.  SHI is working to support diverse, sustainable, and equitable housing development in northern Alberta […]

For Immediate Release- Feb 11,2025 ALBERTA — On behalf of the Rural Development Network (RDN), the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) has partnered with Lac Cardinal Country to collaboratively explore locally-informed solutions that will enable diverse housing development in their community.  SHI is working to support diverse, sustainable, and equitable housing development in northern Alberta communities […]