Still Standing

Jonny visits a new set of towns across Canada in the wake of the pandemic, including: Minden, ON; Port Stanley, ON; Warkworth, ON; Hope, B.C.; Chemainus, B.C.; Wakefield, Quebec; Oxford, N.S.; Middleton, N.S; and St. Laurent, MB.

Locals like to say that all roads lead to Hope. Its a place to gas up and a place to go, but locals want it to be known that the town is more than just a place to pee - its a place to be.

When Port Stanleys prosperous commercial fishing industry collapsed, the beach town was left with an identity crisis and an uncertain future.

While its tourist train dollars are long gone, the proudly-weird town of Wakefield is reimagining itself as a place known for culture and outdoor fun.

Things looked bad for Chemainus when its sawmill closed in 1983. Then, the town used gorgeous murals to draw in tourists. Now its looking for the next generation of visionaries to keep it on the map

After nearly 40 flood-free years, the township of Minden Hills has developed a flooding problem. But as the community digs out, they also deepen their commitment to one another.

Middleton - halfway between Halifax and Yarmouth - was a busy hub known for its two railway lines. But when the trains left and the exports stopped, Middleton found itself in the middle of nowhere.

From its roots as a farming community, to its unlikely transformation into an artists hub known for its thriving LGBTQ community, the village of Warkworth has become a beacon of resilience.

In 2018, Oxford got famous for a 40-metre-wide sinkhole that shut down much of the town. But they have a sense of humour about it and have made shirts, cakes, even Twitter accounts for the sinkhole.

The largest Mtis community in North America, St. Laurent has struggled with a flood and rural decline. But after much rebuilding, the spotlight is finally shining on this town in a whole new way.

For decades Fenelon Falls made wood products from lumber to Tinker Toys - until the industry moved on. Now the town is becoming a vibrant destination for newcomers, cottagers, and day-trippers alike.