P2P: OMAFA Update – Resident Retention & Attraction

Serena Viola is an Economic & Business Advisor serving clients across southwestern Ontario.

She has experience working with rural communities on a variety of topics including food security, community health, affordability, and attraction and retention of newcomers. She is passionate about aiding economic development by creating welcoming and inclusive communities.

Serena holds a bachelors degree from the University of Toronto, and a masters degree in Capacity Development and Extension from the University of Guelph.

Sara Epp is an Assistant Professor of Rural Planning and Development and Latornell Chair in Conservation and Stewardship at the University of Guelph. She received her BA and MA in Geography from Brock University and completed her PhD in Rural Studies at the University of Guelph. Sara has worked extensively with rural communities in southern and northern Ontario, examining issues related to farmland loss, agricultural viability, land use conflicts and social aspects of rural life. Sara has previously worked in municipal land use planning and as a private consultant for a variety of rural and agricultural planning projects. Her current research interests are related to rural land use planning for agri-food systems, migration, and food security.