Williams Lake vying to be named Canada’s most active community

Citizens of Williams Lake are being encouraged to get active this month.

The City and Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex are once again taking part in the National ParticipACTION Community Challenge happening now through the end of the month.

“Communities across the Country compete for the opportunity to be named Canada’s Most Active Community and win $100,000 to support local sport and recreation initiatives,” Maria McKee, Adult Recreation Coordinator said, “So residents of all ages and abilities can help Williams Lake by registering online through the ParticipACTION website.”

McKee noted that registration is really quick and easy requiring only an Email address and every registration helps demonstrate how many people in our community are getting active and supporting the challenge.

“I would say interest in the Community Challenge is building, more people are getting to know about it and it’s not just through our Rec Centre. There are different groups all through Williams Lake competing in this challenge. But through the Rec Centre we’ve competed in this event since 2023.”

McKee said in previous years they offered free drop-in fitness opportunities and the last couple of years introduced their popular “ParticipACTION Community Challenge bingo card.

“The card includes two free drop-in passes and is available at the front desk at the Rec Centre. It’s a free card so anyone can pick one up and it encourages participants to try a variety of recreational activities throughout June. Our goal is to inspire people to discover fun and enjoyable ways to stay active while exploring some of the many recreational opportunities available in Williams Lake.”

This year’s challenge continues to focus on participation and community engagement rather than tracking activity minutes.

Communities across the Country will be evaluated based on the number of participants registered, organizations involved and local activities offered during the month.

McKee said the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is a great place to be active this month and every month of the year.

“We have the pool. The fitness Centre where we’re offering lots of fitness programs and we also have the dry rinks now so there’s opportunities to do lots of sports Pickle Ball, Badminton, even youth drop-in activities. The Community Challenge is a great opportunity to showcase the active lifestyle opportunities available in Williams Lake. It’s also a reminder that physical activity can look different for everyone, and every activity counts to try and be named Canada’s Most Active Community.”