NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – Earlier today, ParticipACTION announced that North Grenville has been crowned Ontario’s Most Active Community as part of the 2022 Community Better Challenge.
“We are thrilled that North Grenville has been crowned Ontario’s most active community,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “After securing the title of Canada’s Most Active Community in 2021, North Grenville launched a fierce campaign to defend our title. Owing to the community’s efforts, we ranked in the top two communities in the country throughout the month of June,” noted Mayor Nancy Peckford.
“We knew the competition would be tough this year, however, we have an incredibly active community and to have ranked first in Ontario for the entire month is a fantastic achievement,” added Mayor Peckford. “We are particularly proud of how North Grenville’s youngest and oldest residents rose to the occasion and logged tens of thousands of minutes!”
The Community Better Challenge encourages all ages and abilities to get active for the month of June. Participants were encouraged to track their minutes on the Participaction App or website. All physical activity minutes count – including gardening, golfing, chasing the kids/grandkids around the house, fitness classes, general activity throughout the workday and, of course, walking the dog.
During the Challenge, the Municipality hosted an outdoor Healthy Living Expo at Riverside Park, a Screen Free Day as well as a series of free weekly meet-up activities for paddling, hiking, and disc golf.
According to the ParticipACTION Community Impact Report, North Grenville tracked over 13 million minutes during the month of June. Over 1,300 residents participated along with more than 30 organizations who inspired residents to get moving, including elementary schools, daycares, fitness studios, long term care homes, as well as a myriad of community groups.
The Municipality of North Grenville ranked number one nationally for much of the Challenge, competing largely with Red Deer, Alberta and the City of Edmonton for the top spot.
Being named Ontario’s most active community comes with $7,500 in prize money. The prize money will help to build on the significant funding received last year to establish more outdoor recreational opportunities in North Grenville. The Municipality is exploring the establishment of a recreation lending library to lower barriers to trying out new sports and activities. Public consultation will occur in the Fall.
Initiated by the North Grenville Health, Fitness and Wellness Advisory Committee, comprised of teachers, nurses, doctors and fitness enthusiasts, “the Community Better Challenge would not have happened without them,” highlighted Mayor Peckford. “Their community spirit and determination were again key to this year’s very strong performance.”
The ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge is an annual event that gets Canadians across the country moving together.
For more information on the challenge visit: www.participaction.com/en-ca/programs/community-challenge.
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For more Information Contact:
Jill Sturdy, Corporate Media Relations Officer
613-258-9569 ext. 168
