08/27/2026
Thanks to the Ministry of Rural Affairs for their partnership in bringing Teeny Tiny Summits to life.
There is no one more resilient and resourceful than a rural municipality, and the heart and soul of these communities really come alive at events like this. It’s a reminder that community is always the answer.
The power and importance of community in building vibrant rural places across Ontario was on full display at this year's Teeny Tiny Summits.
Leslie Fournier, founder of Orillia’s public art project StreetsAlive! spoke with summit attendees in Clifford, Burleigh Falls and Manitouwadge on how bringing people together can spark hope in uncertain times.
“No matter the question, no matter the challenge,” Fournier told Summit guests, “community is always the answer.”
This year, 670 guests from municipalities, chambers of commerce, business improvements areas, not-for-profits, other levels of government and the private sector came out to attend one virtual and three in-person Summits.
Hosted by a local municipality in collaboration with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association - ROMA and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, Teeny Tiny Summits have attracted over 3,700 attendees at over 30 virtual and in-person summits since they began in 2016.
From day one, these local summits have been an invaluable way for rural leaders to connect and learn directly from colleagues across Ontario, sharing practical examples for driving meaningful change in small, rural and northern communities.
Projects highlighted at a Teeny Tiny Summit have been tried, tested and proven in other rural areas meaning communities can adapt ideas that can be easily replicated.
This theme of building community as a driver of rural economic growth was echoed by participants at all summits. Community isn't something passive, guests noted — it's something to cultivate through active participation.
That participation includes joining other rural changemakers at a Teeny Tiny Summit.
“You being here today proves you give a damn about your community,” said Steve McCabe, ROMA representative and Councillor of Wellington North.
Showing up is often the best place to start!
But equally important to building community at the local level, attendees heard, is ensuring you recognize, share and celebrate your successes.
It’s easy to focus on what still needs to be done, guests heard; too often we forget to celebrate the great things we have accomplished that have already improved life in our communities.
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Thank you to everyone who came out to this years’ Summits! You showed up for your communities, and the knowledge and connections you gained will make a real and lasting impact in all the places you call home.
Stay tuned for updates about next year’s Teeny Tiny Summits!
