Esquimalt has walked its way to big winnings, and more of the same may be on the way.
The township learned Thursday it had won $10,000 in the Healthy Families B.C. Walking Challenge, after residents posted 141 walking-related stories, photos and videos on the challenge website.
The municipality, which has about 17,000 residents, clinched the award in the 10,001 to 25,000 population category. The winnings will be used to improve a walking trail in Esquimalt.
"I think, one, it says we're a very walkable community and two, that's what we do," said Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins.
More good news for Esquimalt may be on the way this week when the $50,000 grand-prize winner of the challenge is announced at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Vancouver.
"There's so many things that we could do with that," said Desjardins. "One of the things I would love to see at some point is a widening of the West Bay Walkway because it's quite narrow."
The Healthy Families B.C. Walking Challenge is a B.C. Ministry of Health initiative that promotes physical activity and healthy eating.
