Carbonear edges Paradise for Most Active Community title

Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was very close, but Carbonear has managed to edge out Paradise for the title of ParticipACTION Community Challenge’s most active community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

ParticipACTION is a national physical activity and sports initiative that encourages Canadians to get active during June. This year was the fifth edition of the challenge.

Carbonear was neck-and-neck with Paradise for the title, with the two towns periodically swapping first and second place. 

Carbonear’s Director of Recreation Rob Button described it as a friendly competition between the communities. 

With the first place win, Carbonear receives a prize that will go towards supporting local physical activity and sports programs. 

“We are so excited to receive this award and are working toward further increasing the recreational opportunities within our town,” said Carbonear Mayor Frank Butt. 

Button said the prize will help start initiatives in the town’s Recreation Master Plan.

Button noted that not only did Carbonear place first in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it also placed in the top 50 most active communities in Canada. The town has submitted reports that will help determine its final placement. “It’s up to us now,” said Button. “We had to fill out reports on how things went and what things we did to try to encourage people to participate so the waiting game is on to see actually how we finish.”

Button commended residents of all ages for getting involved in the challenge and helping Carbonear reach first place. 

“Winning the title of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Active Community demonstrates the true essence of community here in Carbonear,” added Mayor Butt.