Evacuated Fort Simpson makes Canada’s active communities final

Two Northwest Territories communities have been named national finalists in this year’s Participaction Community Challenge.

The annual challenge encourages communities across Canada to track participation in physical activity throughout June.

The top 50 communities are selected as national finalists, with the overall winner receiving $100,000 to support local sport and recreation initiatives. Participaction also names one winner from each province and territory.

Hay River, the 2024 national champion, is back on the list of finalists alongside Fort Simpson, which residents were forced to flee because of wildfires 10 days ago.

Fort Simpson’s Participaction entry was coordinated by the non-profit Open Doors Society, which organized events throughout June before the evacuation order was issued.

Marie Forman, executive director of the organization, said its members were “incredibly excited and proud” to hear the news, which arrived while many residents were displaced – making the achievement especially meaningful.

“Becoming a national finalist is a huge accomplishment for a small northern community like Fort Simpson. At the same time, the news came during one of the most challenging periods our community has experienced,” she told Cabin Radio.

“It reminded us that even in difficult times, our community comes together, supports one another, and continues to show incredible resilience.

“This recognition belongs to every resident who participated, every volunteer who gave their time, and every organization that worked together to make June a month filled with opportunities to get active.”

Partners in June’s activities included the Village of Fort Simpson recreation department, the local seniors’ society, Seven Spruce Golf Course, Fort Simpson Speed Skating, the Fort Simpson Run Club and dozens of volunteers.

One highlight was the Grand-Friends event, which brought children and seniors together for intergenerational recreation activities.

Forman said the spirit of partnership “was reflected throughout the entire month.”

“Every activity, every volunteer, every participant and every organization played a role in this achievement. Being named a finalist is a reflection of what can happen when an entire community works together toward a common goal,” she said.

Forman believes winning the challenge nationally would create lasting benefits for Fort Simpson. She said the funding would help community partners buy new recreation equipment, expand free and affordable programs, and create more opportunities for people of all ages to stay active year-round.

Being a finalist “reminds people that before the evacuation, our community achieved something truly remarkable together. We hope this recognition brings a sense of pride and reminds residents that Fort Simpson is more than the challenges we’re facing today,” she said.

“It’s a community built on kindness, teamwork, and supporting one another. We hope it gives people something to smile about and something to look forward to as we work toward returning home.”

‘Keep the momentum going’

Recreation coordinator Billy Jo Burrill said Fort Simpson’s place in the finals has put the village on the national stage. For a community of its size, he said, the recognition is not only a title but also a testament to local dedication.

Burrill, who has safely evacuated to Hay River, thanked volunteers and organizations that helped plan and run the events, and encouraged residents to “keep the momentum going and to look out for one another.”

He estimates that at least half the community participated in the challenge. Supporting these efforts were roughly 20 to 30 volunteers.

For him, a major highlight of the month-long challenge occurred on June 1, when the area in front of the recreation centre was closed to traffic. The campaign kickoff featured road hockey, pickleball, street dancing and lawn games followed by a community barbecue.

Burrill said the community may hold a celebration once everyone is back to recognize how far the village has come in the competition. While other ideas may surface, an outdoor skating rink is currently the top priority for Fort Simpson if it ends up winning the grand prize.

“I want to thank Fort Simpson and everyone that came to the events, kept track of their hours and everything they did to help us reach this point,” he said.