Three Rivers named PEI’s most active community in national ParticipACTION challenge

The Town of Three Rivers has given Islanders a great example of healthy active lifestyles by being named PEI’s most active community in the national ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge that took place June 1-30, 2021.  

The Town of Three Rivers earned the provincial title by tracking over 365,000 minutes of physical activity as part of the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge - a national physical activity initiative encouraging Canadians to get active and searching for Canada's Most Active Community. 

“Active living can be a great boost to anyone’s mental and physical health. By taking part in sports, using active transport or pursuing fitness, the people of Three Rivers are showing Islanders how to get healthy by getting active."

 - Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson

Participants tracked their activity minutes on an app and website throughout the month of June to count toward a community’s total score. The top 50 communities in the country were invited to submit applications explaining why they deserved to be Canada's Most Active Community. Charlottetown, Miltonvale Park, Murray River and the Town of Three Rivers were among the country’s most active communities.  

"It’s really heartening to see so many people from all over Three Rivers coming together for this initiative," said Town of Three Rivers Mayor Ed MacAulay. "The premise of the challenge was to encourage people to take control of their physical and mental health by adding more physical activity into their daily routine. Thank you to our partners and everyone who took part in the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge.” 

“This was a collaborative effort by many different community groups, organizations, and individuals within Three Rivers,” said Recreation and Events Coordinator of the Town of Three Rivers, Cathleen Mackinnon. “This accomplishment sets a wonderful example for our community and demonstrates that when we work together, great things can happen.” 

More than 2,000 Islanders participated in the Community Better Challenge, representing over 27 communities in the province. Together, Islanders tracked over 1,700,000 physical activity minutes, with the Town of Three Rivers taking home the prize of $15,000 toward local physical activity and sport initiatives. 

The Government of Prince Edward Island partners with Recreation PEI to provide programs and services across the province through go!PEI that focus on helping Islanders stay active and make healthier lifestyle choices. The majority of the programs offered are free or low-cost. Programs are available through the Eastern, Western, and Central Sport & Recreation Councils, the City of Charlottetown, the City of Summerside, the Town of Cornwall, and the Town of Stratford.

Media contact:
Lexi Drummond
Department of Health and Wellness
902-213-4098