Canadian comedian Jonny Harris sets off across the country once more, veering off the main highway to discover the hidden comedy in Canada's far-flung small towns.
Canadians know Nipigon as the home of the ill-fated $106 million dollar bridge that closed shortly after its opening and stalled traffic on the Trans Canada Highway for weeks. But, Nipigon's image had already taken a beating after its plywood mill, the economic hub of the town, burned to the ground ten years ago. Today, the former mill town says it has "a natural edge" and it's trumpeting the world-class hiking, climbing, and fishing it has to offer.
Tucked away in Northern Ontario is a slice of… southern Italy. A century ago, immigrants from Siderno, Italy, left for a better life in Schreiber. And, though the town's big three employers, the mines, mills, and railway, have since declined, the descendants of these founding famiglias are still there and a big part of what's keeping this unique but struggling community alive.
In May 2017, the Polar Bear Capital of the World unexpectedly became a fly- in community. A year of year of skyrocketing costs and unemployment are taking their toll but the community continues to hang on by its Northern grit, ingenuity and community spirit.
East Prestonians are doubling down on education, community support and empowerment of both young and old, ensuring that their community and its history will thrive for generations to come.
New Brunswick's Campobello Island is Canadian more by chance than by geography. The only year round and direct access to the mainland is a bridge to the US, which makes for a Unique Canadian/American cultural blend and many challenges.
If all goes well, Canadians will soon be able to drive from Fortune, NL to a little-known corner of France. With that will come a boost in tourism and employment opportunities - a welcome change from a decade of decline.
Harbour Grace has been the homeport of pirates, the launch pad of Amelia Earhart and one of the most prosperous towns in NL (2nd only to St John's). But now, after a string of bad luck, Harbour Grace is a shadow of what it once was. The town is littered with impressive, yet crumbling monuments to its past greatness, landmarks that are now being recognized as the key to the town's economic future.
The infamous Alberta flood of June 2013 left parts of the Siksika Nation reserve under 10 feet of water and a third of its population homeless. It's been five and a half years and they are is still dealing with the effects of the disaster, but they hope the end is in sight. Until then, Siksikaquans are using creativity, guidance from their knowledge keepers and plain old guts to build a future of good news they can celebrate.
Gravelbourg, SK is facing an uphill economic battle that has led to out migration, and a significant decline in its French culture. But in recent years, more than 16 different nationalities have settled in the town including German, Korean, African, Lao, and Spanish people, and, it's this growing International population in Gravelbourg, that is helping maintain the local economy and keeping the town on the map.
Harrison Hot Springs is famous for its namesake resort and healing waters. Tourists flock to town from May to September but, come the winter months, there's no one but locals and a few business owners to tough it out. The town is doubling down on creating a year round economy and hopes that their other claim to fame, the elusive Sasquatch, will be one of the draws.
