Walkers in the Tri-Cities are being encouraged to share their favourite pedestrian paths as part of a contest that could bring in a $50,000 cash prize for their hometown.
The Walk to Win contest was launched as part of the province's Healthy Families B.C. program and asks individuals to submit their experiences and maps of their favourite areas. Submissions can be made online in a variety of creative formats, including film, photo and written entries.
"It is a challenge to encourage people to start walking," said Steve Roberts, Port Coquitlam's recreation program assistant. "This is one of those activities that everyone can do."
Roberts said a route doesn't have to be located in the city where the nominator resides; if, for example, a PoCo resident knows a good route in Burnaby, the person can still make an online submission and pick PoCo as their host community.
Winning cities will be chosen under five population categories for a $10,000 prize. Out of the five finalists, a grand prize winner will be selected for the $50,000 award. The winning community is expected to use the funds to enhance walking opportunities.
"It would go toward creating new programs, new trails and different initiatives that are going on," Roberts said. "There are lots of prizes."
Individuals who participate could also be eligible to win getaway trips in B.C., bike, fitness pass and footwear gift certificates.
The contest was launched Aug. 8 and will wrap up Sept. 19. To make a submission, go to www.healthyfamiliesbcwalkingchallenge.ca and follow the links to the selected city.
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