Trent University
MyTrent
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Trent Online
    • Summer Courses
    • Continuing Education
    • Study Abroad
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Timetable
    • Academic Skills Centre
    • Academic Advising
    • Library
    • Centre for Teaching and Learning
  • Admissions
    • Undergraduate
    • Thinking of Applying
    • Already Applied
    • Received an Offer
    • Accepted My Offer
    • Graduate
    • International
    • Indigenous
    • Returning to Trent
    • Transfer
  • Services & Support
    • Academic Advising
    • Academic Skills Centre
    • Administrative Departments
    • Alumni Services
    • Athletics
    • Campus Security
    • Careerspace
    • Colleges
    • Communications
    • Conferences
    • Financial Aid
    • Financial Services
    • Health & Wellness
    • Indigenous Services
    • Information Technology
    • International Students
    • Learning Support
    • Parking
    • Printshop
    • Recruitment
    • Registrar's Office
    • Residence & Housing
    • Student Clubs
    • TrentU Card
  • Research
    • Research at Trent
    • Research Centres
    • Find an Expert
    • Resources
  • Give to Trent
  • About Trent
    • About Trent
    • Careers
    • Giving to Trent
    • Governance
    • How to Find Us
    • Media
    • News & Events
    • President's Office
    • Staff Directory
    • Trent Facts
    • Contact Us
  • Campus Locations
    • Peterborough
    • Durham GTA
    • Online
  • Future Students
    • Undergraduate
    • Thinking of Applying
    • Already Applied
    • Received an Offer
    • Accepted My Offer
    • Graduate
    • International
    • Indigenous
    • Returning to Trent
    • Transfer
  • Current Students
  • Alumni
  • Trent Forward: COVID-19 Info
  • Apply
  • Visit
  • Give
  • Map
  • Careers
  • Directions
  • Library
  • Site Map
  • Bookstore

Trent Forward: Learn more about our response to COVID-19.

Skip to main content Home
  • Peterborough
  • Durham GTA
  • Online
  • MyTrent
MENU
Trent University
News and Events
  • Latest News
  • Trent Experts
  • For Media
  • For Faculty and Staff
  • Publications
  • Contact Us
  1. Trentu.ca
  2. News and Events

Community Based Research Project Advises Rural Residents on how to Move On after Banks Move Out

March 11, 2021

Working with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Emmanuel Pinto and Duc Tran bring awareness to issue impacting many communities

Emmanuel Pinto and Duc Tran

When the only financial institution in a rural community leaves town, it can create social and economic upheaval. Student researchers Emmanuel Pinto and Duc Tran teamed up with Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) through the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) to figure out what it really means for those left behind.

“This affects communities across the country,” said Mr. Pinto, a third-year B.A. Honours joint major studying Business Administration and International Development Studies (IDST). “It’s a big issue that needs to be looked at more closely.” 

“I saw it as an opportunity to learn and contribute to the community,” reflects Mr. Tran, a fourth-year international student who enrolled in Political Studies with an emphasis in Global Power & Politics after travelling the world.

Impact, mitigation & solutions

Both students felt that the project assigned in the Assessment of Development Projects course within IDST aligned well with their potential academic and career goals.

The TCRC connected them with Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) who proposed the community-based research project and established some guidelines.

The students’ methodology included extensive literature reviews. They also conducted interviews with residents, business owners, community leaders, service organizations and municipal governments in the towns of Apsley and Millbrook in Peterborough County. Both communities lost their bank in recent years.

“For the most part people are adapting or have adapted but some challenges still remain,” said Mr. Pinto, a Peterborough County resident.

They found that the closures created a loss of social inclusion for seniors who often do their banking in person. Employees of high cash businesses such as grocery stores now drive considerable distances to make deposits.  

TCRC guidance

On the academic front, Mr. Pinto and Mr. Tran feel the project built on professional skills, such as interviewing and relationship-building.

“It’s been great to learn about research techniques and to become a better researcher, presenter and writer,” said Mr. Pinto. “It gets me excited about what I’m doing at Trent.”

The TCRC provided enthusiastic support for the students and guided their experience while they worked online due to the pandemic. A TCRC workshop prepared the team to present their work at its upcoming Celebration of Research event.

Kickstarting conversation about a contemporary issue

The team is currently analyzing the data to determine a path forward. Their written report will be made public by the PKED this spring. They may also present to local councils and municipal government.

“I hope it will open new pathways for the community, inspire others to look into this matter and expand knowledge,” reflects Mr. Tran.

Depositing knowledge & earning credit

The TCRC facilitates meaningful, community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, Durham Region, and Northumberland County. Students earn academic credits while giving back.

“It’s important for student researchers to take part,” said Mr. Pinto who is leaning toward a career in rural economic development or municipal government. “We want to help out. We want to be involved.”

“I learned so much doing this research,” stated Mr. Tran. “It gave me an opportunity to test myself and learn much more about the Canadian experience.”

Mr. Pinto feels his university experience wouldn’t be complete without this interactive research project.

“I loved it. I would totally do it again.”

Learn more about experiential learning opportunities at Trent.

Find other stories about: Business Administration, International Development Studies, Global Power and Politics , Trent Community Research Centre, Research, Experiential Learning

You Might Also Like

Greniqueca Mitchell collecting samples to study the diet of caribou in an environment where lichen—their favourite food—was in short supply.

Is Lichen the Linchpin of Woodland Caribou’s Diet?

Trent University Lacrosse player #88 in action

Trent University to Host 2022 CUFLA Baggataway Cup Championship Weekend

Scott House at Traill College in downtown Peterborough.

Trent University Hosts International Conference on Building Collegiate Communities in Post-Pandemic Environments

Trent University logo
Challenge the Way You Think

Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

Peterborough

1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON Canada, K9L 0G2

Toll Free: 1-855-MY-TRENT

Campus Map

Durham Greater Toronto Area

55 Thornton Road South
Oshawa, ON Canada, L1J 5Y1

Phone: 905-435-5100

Campus Map

Social Media Directory
  • Contact
  • Directions
  • Site Map
  • Accessibility
  • @ Copyright 2022 Trent University