Hay River, Northwest Territories, has captured the top prize in the national ParticipACTION Community Challenge, earning $100,000 to boost local recreation. The town of about 3,000 people topped more than 1,200 other communities across Canada to be named the country’s most active community.
More than 40 local organizations banded together throughout June 2024, running almost 200 free or low-cost fitness programs and events. Hundreds of residents logged thousands of activity hours, which helped Hay River become the first northern community to ever win the national title.
“With over forty organizations tracking events, hundreds of participants and thousands of hours of activity, a significant portion of the community came together with a common fitness goal that they knocked out of the park,” said Mayor Kandis Jameson.
The $100,000 cheque was formally handed over on October 19, 2024 at the Aurora Ford Arena. The Town has chosen to invest 80 per cent of the money, or $80,000, into the Inukshuk Park Revitalization Project. That work includes replacing boards at the Ray Benoit Rink and resurfacing the asphalt pad, with the broader park renewal pegged at about $400,000. The remaining $20,000 will go toward enhancing sports and recreation programming.
Recreation Programming Supervisor Courtney Fraser, who co-coordinated the challenge entry alongside staff member Jordan Froese, said the win reflects years of growing momentum. Hay River had previously won territorial prizes in 2021 and 2023 before claiming the national crown.
Across Canada, more than 591,000 people took part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge during the month-long event. The national non-profit, supported by the Government of Canada and presenting partner Novo Nordisk, has awarded over $1.5 million in prizes since the challenge began in 2019.
The 2026 challenge is already underway, with a new winner to be named after the June 30 deadline. More details on Hay River’s plans are available at the Town of Hay River website.
