The District of West Vancouver has sweated its way to being able to say it’s "British Columbia’s Most Active Community" and the second most active in Canada.
The district, along with more than 280 communities in B.C. and hundreds across Canada, took part in the nationwide ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge to earn the title. The initiative is focused on encouraging Canadians to get active and to prioritize physical activity and sport participation to help everyone “stay healthy in mind, body, and community spirit.”
The competition is open to all who want to get moving for the chance at the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and to win $100,000 to put toward physical activity opportunities in their community.
During June, everyone taking part tracks all minutes of their movement on the ParticipACTION app and website to count toward their community’s total score.
After logging more than 20 million minutes of physical activity, West Vancouver strolled into the finals and was among 50 groups across Canada, and five in B.C., that were invited to submit an application explaining why they deserved to be officially crowned Canada’s Most Active Community.
While first place went to North Grenville, a small community in Ontario, West Vancouver came in second, and first in B.C.
At the district’s July 26 general council meeting, Mayor Mary-Ann Booth congratulated the community on the achievement.
“We had over 350 individuals participate along with more than 25 organizations who logged over 20 million minutes and encouraged their respective groups to get moving,” she said.
“I'm happy to announce that West Vancouver placed first in B.C and was awarded $15,000.”
She said the money will go toward the rebuild of the running track at West Vancouver Secondary, to be renamed the Harry Jerome Oval.
“I just want to congratulate West Vancouver and to thank you again, to all the groups who helped to get our community moving, including the schools, the community centres, the Heritage Club Games, Ocean Ambassadors Canada, the sailing clubs, and sports organizations.”
Elisia Seeber is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
