Mississippi Mills is in the running to be named Canada’s Most Active Community, a title that comes with up to $100,000 for local recreation. The 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge runs all June, and the municipality is calling on residents to log their active minutes to climb the national leaderboard. Mayor Christa Lowry says every bit counts, whether it’s joining a downtown walk or playing fetch with the family dog.
Residents and local groups have until June 30 to register on the ParticipACTION website. Each time a registered organization, school, or informal group logs participant numbers from a June activity, they’re entered into weekly draws for $500 prizes. Already on board are Almonte Fitness Centre, Carebridge Community Support, and the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, along with other local clubs and studios. Carebridge supports seniors across Lanark County with social and wellness programming, while the Youth Centre offers free after-school drop-ins for kids aged 10 to 18.
The community’s June calendar is packed with free events to help residents get moving. A Mayor and Council Walk kicked things off in Almonte on June 2, and another is set for Pakenham on June 18 at the Stewart Community Centre, joined by students from Pakenham Public School. Other offerings have included Tai Chi in the Park, Learn to Play Pickleball, Yoga in the Park, Restoring Natural Movement, and HIIT Fitness in the Park. Organizers stress that activities don’t need to be formal events: walking, gardening, and playing at the park all help the community’s tally.
Mississippi Mills, with an estimated 17,665 residents, is part of a nationwide movement that grew to more than 670 communities last year. Since the challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has handed out over $1.5 million in prizes to 49 communities and $7.2 million in grants to organizations. A nearby neighbour, North Grenville, won the title in 2021 and used its $100,000 prize to upgrade playgrounds and recreation spots in rural hamlets.
The challenge is funded in part by the Government of Canada and presented by Novo Nordisk. Communities earn points based on total active minutes and the number of registered individuals and groups, so signing up even a small walking group can boost the local score. Registration details and the full event lineup are posted on the Mississippi Mills website.
