The Department of Geography and Planning congratulates graduate student Rachel Barber on being named a finalist in the .
This national contest invites students to showcase—in up to three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in Canadians’ lives. Rachel’s submission, “,” explores how population decline and aging demographics are reshaping communities, and highlights the need for planning strategies that respond to these changes.
Her video showcases Dr. Maxwell Hartt’s SSHRC-funded project, “Age-friendly Shrinking Cities: Planning for a New Era of Global Urbanism.” Finalists will present their stories live at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Montréal, Quebec.
The Department congratulates Rachel on this outstanding national recognition!