CBC Revenue Group

LIVE RIGHT NOW CAPITAL OF CANADA!

Apr 13, 2012

City wins $100,000 natural playground -announcement made today on
CBC-TV's STEVEN AND CHRIS

After embracing more than any other community the Live Right Now challenge to make better choices and live healthier lives, the people of Edmundston, New Brunswick have earned their city the honour of being named the 2012 Live Right Now Capital of Canada.

The announcement was made today on CBC-TV's STEVEN AND CHRIS.  Edmundston beat 12 other communities across Canada vying for the title and the grand prize of a $100,000 natural playground.

"Congratulations, Edmundston!  Your drive and dedication to the healthy choices and active lifestyles embodied by the Live Right Now challenge was second to none. The enthusiastic approach to health, education and community taken by residents of Edmundston was truly inspirational," said Jennifer Dettman, Head of Factual Entertainment, CBC.

"What's fantastic about Live Right Now is that it's more than a national title or a beautiful park. It's about a community coming together and realizing its full potential. Our citizens have worked hard and have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Edmundston deserved to win and that makes us extremely proud. Congratulations to all the volunteers, the doctors of Prescription: Action! And to each and every resident who decided to Live Right Now," said Mayor Jacques P. Martin.

Edmundston was one of 13 semifinalists, the top scoring communities from every province and territory across Canada.  Each community had to put together a final event to prove to the panel of judges that they truly are eating better and being more active.  Edmundston rallied 1,500 people and 40 organizations to take to the streets for a parade, and later offered free fitness classes.  Health and wellness booths were set up to spread a wealth of information and their regional sports complex opened its doors for free swimming, rock climbing and more.

"The final decision was very difficult given the commitment of so many to living healthy, active lives. In the end, we are delighted to celebrate the people of Edmundston, New Brunswick who have inspired us to recognize their community as the Live Right Now Capital of Canada!" said Live Right Now judges, Scott Haldane, President and CEO, YMCA Canada; Garfield Wilson, Owner Forward Fitness and expert on CBC's Village on a Diet; Catherine Paiement-Paradis, CBC/Radio-Canada representative.

In 2010, New Brunswick was deemed Canada's most overweight province, but - from day one of the quest for the Live Right Now Capital of Canada - Edmundston organized itself through a group of doctors called "Prescription: Action" to prescribe healthy living and reverse the tide. 

Community leaders in Edmundston will now work with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Parks Canada and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds to custom-design the playground that will emulate one of New Brunswick's two beautiful national parks, Fundy National Park! 

"The Canadian Wildlife Federation congratulates Edmundston on this great achievement," said Wade Luzny, CWF CEO and Executive Vice-President."We are delighted to be part of the new natural playground that will encourage people to get outdoors and connect with wildlife. This is a wonderful initiative that helps us celebrate our 50th anniversary."

CBC is proud to work with Canada's leading national health and wellness organizations on the Live Right Now Advisory Board to provide Canadians with health information, support and inspiration they can trust: Active for Life, Breakfast for Learning, Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Obesity Network, Dietitians of Canada, Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, ParticipACTION, YMCA Canada and our magazine partner, Canadian Living.

STEVEN AND CHRIS continues to attract new and larger audiences' year-over-year. Beyond a loyal and ever-growing TV audience, the popular website for the series, cbc.ca/stevenandchris also a huge hit with Canadians and enjoys approximately one million page views every month. From recipes and DIY instructions, to shopping guides and advice columns, the website has become one of the top sources in Canada for fabulous daily online contests and giveaways. STEVEN AND CHRIS airs on ABC's LiveWell Network in 56 markets nationwide (U.S.) including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas & San Francisco, currently airing in over 70% of the U.S. on broadcast television reaching over 80M HH. STEVEN AND CHRIS is filmed in front of a live studio audience at CBC Headquarters in Toronto and airs Monday through Friday at 2 p.m.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For further information, please contact:

CBC:

Erin Richards, Veritas Communications
richards@veritascanada.com
416-955-4592 / 416-627-5728

Canadian Wildlife Federation
Pamela Logan     
1.800.563.9453
pamelal@cwf-fcf.org

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
Adam Bienenstock
1.800.306.3319 x120
bienenstock@naturalplaygrounds.ca

Parks Canada
Parks Canada Media Relations
819-953-8371