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‘We didn't think it could get even worse': Canadian nurse returns from Gaza

‘We didn't think it could get even worse': Canadian nurse returns from Gaza

CTV News4 days ago
Canadian nurse Amy Low describes her experience working in Gaza in an interview with Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin.
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Cochrane's fitness efforts earn top Ontario community honour
Cochrane's fitness efforts earn top Ontario community honour

CTV News

timean hour ago

  • CTV News

Cochrane's fitness efforts earn top Ontario community honour

Cochrane was named Ontario's most active community in the 2025 ParticipACTION challenge, earning $7,500. The town hosted 110 events, prioritizing inclusivity. The Town of Cochrane has been named Ontario's Most Active Community in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, earning $7,500 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. Welcome to Cochrane An undated promotional photo of the welcome sign for the Town of Cochrane, Ont. (File photo/Town of Cochrane Ontario) The national competition encourages Canadians to get active throughout June. This year saw record-breaking participation, with over 846,000 people engaging in more than 10,000 events across 672 communities. Cochrane stood out in Ontario by mobilizing 18 organizations to host 110 activities, from walking groups to Indigenous games and outdoor yoga sessions. Park Pals - yoga An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in outdoor yoga during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) 'We're proud beyond words,' Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis told CTV News. He credited grassroots efforts, particularly the Park Pals, a local group that advocated for park improvements and organized community fitness initiatives. 'They took it upon themselves to be the difference,' he said. 'This is the icing on the cake of their effort.' Park Pals - scavenger hunt An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in a scavenger hunt during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Inclusivity and accessibility key to success Cochrane's recreation department expanded programming to ensure activities were accessible to residents of all ages, abilities and income levels. Partnerships with libraries, food banks and Indigenous centers helped host events like guided nature walks and sensory-friendly activities. 'We want to break down barriers,' said Diana Dampier, ParticipACTION's senior director of projects. 'Cochrane did an amazing job offering low-cost, creative ways to get people moving.' The town's focus on inclusivity aligned with the challenge's goal of supporting equity-denied groups. Since 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $7 million in grants to make physical activity more accessible nationwide. Northern community builds on active legacy Politis highlighted Cochrane's history of promoting active living, including a free bikeshare program and an 80-kilometre multi-use trail network under development. 'We've embraced being a community that sees the value in engagement,' he said, noting the town's connection to outdoor recreation through snowmobile and ATV trails. Richmond, B.C., claimed the national title and $100,000 grand prize, but Cochrane's win underscores the impact of smaller communities. 'It doesn't matter how big you are,' Politis said. 'Your passion drives outcomes.' Park Pals - Volunteers An photo of Cochrane Park Pals volunteers during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Health Minister Marjorie Michel also praised the event for fostering 'stronger, healthier communities' nationwide in a news release this week. Looking ahead Dampier encouraged other towns to register early for next year's challenge and prioritize inclusive programming. Cochrane plans to invest its prize money into local initiatives, including a $200,000 park upgrade led by the Park Pals. With files from journalist Lyndsay Aelick

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