The Geography of Opportunity
United Way East Ontario works with communities in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties to improve lives.
Meet United Way East Ontario
Place matters. No matter how we define where we live—a house, a road, a neighbourhood, a town, a country—where we live is always a complex interplay of social, economic, structural, and geographic factors. That's why we titled this story map the "Geography of Opportunity".
This is important to United Way because we depend on research, consultation and spatial analysis to identify where our communities need help the most. This informs where we should invest and focus on in order to achieve the greatest results for individuals and families.
Our Region
From Munster to Merrickville, Hawkesbury to Hurds Lake, Perth to Pembroke, and many places in between, United Way East Ontario works with communities in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties.
What’s raised local, stays local. We work with teams of local experts and organizations that help fuel our knowledge, inform our data, and make recommendations on the steps we should be taking to move the needle of toughest challenges facing our unique communities.
A New Lens
In 2017, the four United Ways of Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County unified into a single organization to share resources and align our efforts. In 2019, we announced our new name: United Way East Ontario. Our new geography is broader—it includes a greater divide between urban and rural communities that presents different strengths, challenges and opportunities.
The Urban and Rural Divide
In recent years, the need to understand the role that place plays in people’s lives has become increasingly relevant to those who design public policy and to the effective delivery of community services and supports.
Many Canadian rural studies experts argue that consideration of place is absolutely essential to rural community planning. In Canada today, as in most Western countries, we’re primarily urban dwellers.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 80% of us live in cities. In the province of Ontario, that number climbs to approximately 89.7%. In this context, being rurally located is a marginalized state of being, relative to the overall population.
Population by the Numbers
What does it mean to be rural?
At United Way, we use the measure of remoteness to identify rural communities that may face vulnerability because of its population density and distance to urban centres. For example, a town that is remote and less populated may lack local programs for seniors or transportation that allows them to access services that contribute to their well-being.
This map shows the total population in 2019 of each of the municipalities we serve (represented by circle size) compared to the degree to which a given community is functionally remote (represented by colour).
With a population of 255, the township of Head, Clara and Maria is the most remote and the least populated area within our region.
Population Growth and Decline
Population is so much more than numbers. Its growth drives demand for housing, jobs, food, education, transportation, and access to social services. Its decline puts pressure on local businesses, government, housing, and people.
This map shows the growth/decline pattern and gives a sense of urban, suburban, and rural population change. Orange areas will lose population by 2024, while green areas will grow. Darker green areas will grow more than 16% between 2019 and 2024. Click on the map for details about an area.
Depopulation in rural communities
Many rural communities in our region are experiencing protracted and significant population loss. Large portions of Renfrew County, Prescott and Russell along with other areas within our region will continue to experience population loss to varying degrees between 2019 and 2024.
Population loss reduces the tax base that small municipalities and townships access to deliver services and build and maintain infrastructure. At its most extreme, depopulation negatively impacts a community’s social and cultural fabric: there is less human capital to run businesses, to volunteer, or to provide leadership. Therefore, not only does place matter—in this instance, size does too.
Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health are a group of non-biological factors that influence a person’s health. They are a major cause of health inequity within a population, making some groups of people healthier than others. The Ontario Public Health Standards list a set of determinants which include: income, education, and employment—among others.
At United Way—among many other local issues —we fight for education equity, employment opportunities, and financial stability for every person in every community we work in. In order to make informed decisions, we need to develop tools that promote understanding of the distribution of the social determinants of health across our region.
Income
Why is this important?
One of the most significant factors contributing to vulnerability is low income. Researchers have repeatedly identified income as one of the most important determinants of overall health and well-being.
Individuals with a low income may not have enough money for nutritious food or for their rent or mortgage payments. They may also live in homes that need significant repairs.
How is this measured?
United Way uses the Low Income Measure After Tax (LIM-AT) , one of a series of low income measures. According to the 2016 Census , 12.5% of our region's population (or 145,815) were considered to be living in low income based on the LIM-AT in 2015. Additionally, an alarming 15.7% (or 37,245) of children and youth 0-17 years live in low income.
How are we making a difference?
Hire Immigrants Ottawa , United Way community-wide initiative, helps employers integrate newcomers into the workplace—a win-win for businesses and for skilled immigrants.
Education
Why is this important?
Education can affect us throughout our lifetime and has been shown to increase healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes. Early education is especially important because it sets the foundation for a healthy life. Beyond early-childhood education, research shows that the more education a person gets, the longer they’ll live.
How is this measured?
United Way monitors education with the percentage of the population aged 25 to 64 years who have completed a high school diploma or equivalency certificate using the 2016 Census. According to the 2016 Census, 87.5% of the population in Lanark County, 86.2% of the population in Prescott-Russell, 86.4% of the population in Renfrew County and 92.6% of the population in Ottawa have completed a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
How are we making a difference?
Kuma was tagged as an “at-risk” kid. An Ottawa after-school program helped her crush the stereotypes and overcome her barriers.
Employment
Why is this important?
When a person has a job or business, they receive income that they can spend on daily living expenses. But for many, finding a job is much more than finding a way to make an income. It’s about finding a sense of purpose, and a place to belong. Being employed also contributes to a sense of identity and provides a daily routine—improving overall mental health.
How is this measured?
United Way monitors employment using the unemployment rate from the 2016 Census. According to the 2016 Census, 7% of our region's population (or 45,535) are unemployed.
How are we making a difference?
With support from a United Way partner, Bruce has found full-time employment and maintained sobriety.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By supporting United Way East Ontario, you are fueling a local knowledge base that has the power to get at the root of the greatest social issues facing our communities—creating long-term results instead of band-aid solutions.
Help us transform lives across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties.
Check this out for more information on the impact we’re having, together.
This story was created by United Way East Ontario. Paul Steeves took the lead on cartography and research, while while Elly Ayling and Carol Boeira assisted with graphics and writing.