Hay River is in the top runnings for a national competition.
Communities across the country currently have the opportunity to take part in the ParticipAction Community Challenge, which will be awarding $100,000 to “Canada’s Most Active Community.”
Hay River has been eagerly taking part in the competition, and at the time of writing, is currently in second place, just behind Red Deer!
Courtney Fraser, the Recreation Programming Supervisor for Hay River, explained that their standing goes back and forth multiple times a day, which has kept the community very engaged!
“The community seems really excited about it. I actually get messages and emails, almost daily, from people saying things like ‘Oh, did you see we’re in first place again?’ People are really excited, and I think it’s partly because we’ve done a really good job pushing this challenge this year and making it known to the public, and then explaining to the public what that could mean for recreation in our community.”
Fraser added that she feels excitement and pride to see Hay River so eager to take part in the challenge, so much so that it regularly puts them ahead of places like Toronto and Montreal.
Some of the ways that Hay River has been taking part in the challenge have sometimes been as simple as their regular swimming and fitness opportunities, all of which have been made completely free for the month to encourage participation. School children have been encouraged to for bike trains on their way to and from school, which has so far seen a gathering of up to 35 students. “Pop-up Playgrounds” have been introduced for younger children with stay-at-home parents and daycares to spend time with. The end of the month will also see a large party in the park, as well as a community-wide water fight.
When asked what Hay River would spend the $100,000 on in the event that they won, Fraser said that the idea is still up in the air.
“I have no idea, to be honest. I have so many different ideas, but I think it would probably go to the town council, the mayor, and town staff that would come up with some ideas, and then it would probably be put out to the community to see what they thought our top five ideas and let them vote on what they think the money should be used for.”
A full schedule of Hay River’s coming events for the Challenge can be found on their community website.
