For the first time, the Town of Petrolia will take part in the nationwide ParticipACTION Community Challenge, in an effort to encourage and promote physical activity throughout the month of June.
The challenge will begin on June 1, during National Health and Fitness Day, and will run until June 30.
Unlike previous years where people were asked to log their physical activity through an online portal, the initiative will now track the number of organizations and individuals registered, and the number of events held within the municipality.
Individuals can register online through the ParticipACTION website.
The area crowned as "Canada's Most Active Community" will win $100,000 to support local sport and activity initiatives. The challenge also offers an opportunity for one Ontario municipality to win $15,000.
If the town is successful, funds will support the multi-phase Petrolia YMCA project.
"They're putting in a new splash pad," said Town of Petrolia Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer Rick Charlebois. "We're putting in washrooms and change rooms, a concession stand, two new soccer fields, [and additional] parking. Then, there's about three or four other things we want to put there, like a multi-sport court."
In order to promote physical activity, free pop-up fitness classes will be held at the Petrolia YMCA during the following days. Registration is not required.
- June 5 - Kickboxing, 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- June 12 - Bootcamp, 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- June 19 - Parent and Child Yoga, 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
- June 26 - Dancefit, 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
While residents are encouraged to venture out on their own to enjoy local parks and trails, they could also walk with Petrolia's mayor or run with the CAO every Tuesday, until June 25, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Charlebois said the "walk with the mayor" initiative initially began prior to the pandemic.
"[Mayor Brad Loosley] knows Petrolia really well so it's actually sort of a history lesson, and he varies the route each week and talks about some of the buildings," he said. "This year, I said I'd take people who want to go out for a jog or run, and there's a local resident that's into biking and she'll take people for a casual bike ride on the same night.
Participants will meet at the Petrolia YMCA on Tank Street.
Also, a colour run or walk (using washable chalk) will be held on Saturday, June 29 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The Hard Oiler Dash will begin from the back entrance of Petrolia Discovery, located on Discovery Line. Participants can take part in a one-kilometre, 3 km, or 5 km, route.
Adult registration is $25, youth 17 and under is $15. Funds raised will support The Kiwanis Splash Pad.
Participants are encouraged to wear a white shirt and sunglasses for the colourful fundraiser.
Charlebois said while registration can be done on the day of the event, pre-registration is encouraged and can be done online.
"We're trying to encourage it as a family outing to get the whole family active," he said. "It's being put on by the local Kiwanis Club and our Petrolia Youth Advisory Committee."
Charlebois said organizers are hoping to have about 300 participants.
It's recommended that participants are at least six years of age and up. Pets will not be allowed at the event, except for service animals.
Meanwhile, the City of Sarnia will not take part in the ParticipACTION campaign this year as it has in previous years.
Last year, Sarnia placed 18th across Canada with 2.8 million activity minutes logged, and was the fifth most active community in Ontario.
