Community Development Corporations as Vehicles of Community Economic Development: The Case of Rural Manitoba

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners routinely discuss the impact of urbanization, globalization, fiscal retrenchment, and service devolution on rural livelihoods. These wide-scale transformations have prompted the search for alternative modes and mechanisms of community development. Over the past decade, interest in community economic development (CED) has grown significantly in various parts of rural Canada. CED constitutes a comprehensive, integrated approach to economic and social revitalization that calls upon local residents, leaders, and organizations to assume more active roles in all aspects of the development process. In Manitoba, government and community representatives view community development corporations (CDCs) as important vehicles of CED, particularly through the enhancement of community capacity. The present paper examines the degree of interconnectedness between core aspects of the CED framework and the emergent role(s) of CDCs. This goal is addressed through the discussion of relevant literature and questionnaire data gathered from representatives of 55 rural Manitoba CDCs. The results of the study indicate that CDC mandates and activities reflect CED principles such as multi-sectoral initiatives, community involvement, strategic planning, and inter-organizational partnerships. And, although there is growing recognition of the social development agenda. CDC functions are heavily focused on business and economic development. The CDC model offers important opportunities to integrate economic renewal with other types of community capacity building: leadership development, collective action, and inter-organizational relations.