Still Standing

When Nova Scotia Textiles Ltd closed its doors after 106 years in operation, Windsor, NS embraced its reputation as the home of massive pumpkins and its claim as “the birthplace of hockey.”

After the closure of Smiths Falls’ iconic Hershey factory, Ontario’s “Chocolate Capital” reinvented itself as place where new recreational and service sector businesses can thrive.

After the town's cannery shut down, Prince Rupert reinvented itself as a global shipping hub.

This Indigenous community beat out 25 others to build the largest First Nations’ casino in Canada.

Home to the world's largest stands of old-growth red and white pine forest, it's no surprise that Temagami, Ontario is synonymous with old-growth and the struggle to balance economics and conservation.

Dawson City's claim to fame is the brief Klondike Gold Rush at the turn of the 20th century. Every year tens of thousands of tourists flock to town to soak in the community's unique culture and history. COVID-19 put a stop to this thriving industry which is still dealing with the repercussions of the pandemic.

Five years before the catastrophic fires in Fort McMurray, wildfires ripped through the community of Slave Lake, Alberta. Now 13 years later, it's clear to see that Slave Lake's diverse community has bonded over a common goal — rising from the ashes, stronger, smarter and more resilient than ever.

For 50 years, this tiny town was an air force base where thousands of pilots learned to fly; when the base closed, Southport transformed into a new kind of community.

For over 100 years, small-scale farming and logging fueled Gracefield's economy, but it hit a slump in the 1990s; things are turning around thanks to newcomers and new interests.

For 100 years, Amherstburg was famous for its amusement park. When the park closed, locals turned to a new attraction that will never go out of style: Amherstburg’s remarkable heritage.

Perched on the most westerly edge of Canada and despite its incredible beauty, Ucluelet is having to work hard to attract tourists from its well-known neighbor, Tofino.

Goderich is well-known as Canada's prettiest town; it was also devastated by an F3 tornado in 2011 that destroyed its downtown; it's now rebuilding toward a bold new future.

After the 2015 downturn in oil and gas, Lac La Biche, Alberta, is looking to reinvent itself with luxury teepees, 3D archery and a gas station bathroom.

One of the top five fastest-growing communities in Manitoba; Morden, Manitoba, has an immigration program, a booming industrial economy and a collection of aquatic fossils to entice tourists.

Oneida Nation of the Thames is hard at work reclaiming the economic, cultural and spiritual practices that were banned by government policies over the past 100 years.

The seafaring town of Gibsons, BC once made famous for The Beachcombers, is reinventing itself as a regional hub for Filipino culture, a tourist destination, and a paradise for beer lovers.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Locals like to say that ‘all roads lead to Hope’. It’s 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 — it’s a place to be.

In five years, Pinawa’s nuclear research facility and main employer will be completely decommisioned, which has Pinawanians working hard to make sure it isn’t the end of the road for their unique town.

When a highway bypass connecting Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula to the rest of the province was paved, Woody Point became a dead end with a grounded ferry. Since then, they’ve reinvented themselves as a world-class destination.

When the bottom fell out of the Southwestern Ontario’s tobacco industry, Vittoria’s farmers were forced to reinvent themselves and farm new crops in order to survive.

Lillooet, BC’s forestry-based economy is heading downhill - permanently. But its rugged residents are committed to fighting the fight in order to find a way to stay in beautiful Lillooet.

Without any industry or formal government, ‘making it’ in Bear River requires a sense of enterprise, a communal spirit, and a touch of the outlaw.

The future is uncertain for environmentally sensitive Pelee Island, ON, but those who call the island home are committed to ensuring that their unique jewel is around for generations to come.

Like many rural communities in Canada, Gravelbourg is facing an uphill economic battle that has led to outmigration, and along with it a significant decline in 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.

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.

Canadians might 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.

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.

In May 2017, the Polar Bear Capital of the World unexpectedly became a fly-in community. A 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 Preston, NS is one of Canada’s oldest indigenous black communities, with a history that begins more than a hundred years before Canada itself. Stigma and stereoytypes have lead to waves of encroachment from neighbouring suburbs that literally threatens to wipe this community’s story off the map. In response, 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.

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 (outside of the resort) and hopes that their other claim to fame, the elusive Sasquatch, will be the ticket.

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; their Mom-and-Pop shops, strong family ties, and unique southern-Italian heritage are a big part of what’s keeping this unique but struggling community alive.

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.

Louise winning a car during a taping of Oprah puts a rift between her and Judy. Meanwhile, Brian and his meteorology club friends decide how to spend a club surplus.

Bill takes Brian out to a gentlemen's club for his 18th birthday, but worries when Brian starts spending all his time there. Meanwhile, Linda regrets giving Lauren a poem for her homework when it may end up winning an award.

Bill tries to become more involved in Lauren's life, but his constant digging into her life only serves to drive her further away.

Wells is a former gold rush town turned arts community. A new mining project is underway that could spell a boom for the town. If it pans out, the town’s miners and artists will have to work together to share the wealth.

Minto is the last town standing on an old railway line in rural, southwest Manitoba. Threatened by population decline, business shutdowns, and a school closure, a recent unexpected inheritance has created a new hope for the struggling town.

Canso has struggled since the collapse of its offshore fisheries, but now that it’s been selected as Canada’s first commercial satellite launch site, residents hope that things will soon be looking up.

Radisson is experiencing a resurgence of its downtown core, led by a 13-year-old entrepreneur and his rock museum.

It’s been 11 years since Huntingdon’s main employers delivered their staff pink slips and shut their doors. The economic earthquake that followed was devastating. Though the community continues to struggle, there’s hope that this old textile town can reinvent itself.

Like all of Canada’s First Nations territories, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are focused on building a better tomorrow while keeping the traditions of their past.

The struggling hamlet of Wilberforce is rebranding itself as a go-to outdoor destination and the geocaching capital of Canada.

When Canada was in its infancy, a small but fierce group of Danish immigrants settled in northwestern New Brunswick. Today, their descendants struggle to hold on to their Danish roots and traditions with every passing generation.

Cobalt was founded during one of the greatest silver mining booms in history. Now, after a decades-long slump, Cobalt is hopeful they can make good on their namesake and strike it rich mining cobalt. Mining made the town, and Cobalters, believe that mining will save it.

The people of Fraser Lake recently took a one-two punch: they lost both their largest employer and their only grocery store. But the people in this hidden gem of a town have grit for days and they are going above and beyond to take care of their own.

In Rogersville, once known as the Brussels sprout capital of Canada, a new generation is using the seeds of their Acadian history to grow a new economy.

Carcross has landed on the world stage in an unexpected way. From the outside, the future looks bright, but only if the local community can figure out how to welcome the outside world while protecting their land and traditional way of life.

Residents of Tignish are banking on new initiatives to get by, like harvesting sea plants for cattle, and the opening of an interpretive venue that celebrates one of Canada’s greatest country singers, Stompin’ Tom Connors.

The guys down at the toilet store get a new boss "a young, brash, Harvard graduate" who develops a friendship with Brian. Bill shamelessly benefits from the situation until Judy steps in and leaves no question that she's still the boss. Meanwhile, Tina and her mysterious new friend frustrate Lauren.

Brian is excited and filled with confidence when he receives instant messages from Lauren's hot tutor, Sarah, a smart college student. Bill encourages Brian to pursue her and ask her to the upcoming high school dance. However, just as Brian is about to make his move, his family once again manages to suck the joy out of the moment.

Brian helps a woman in need as part of his outreach project and Bill willingly lends a hand when he discovers that ""old"" Mrs. Grundy is a hottie. When Judy catches Brian and Bill staring at the beautiful Mrs. Grundy, Judy demands that Bill have a serious talk with Brian about not leering at women. Bill teaches his son a lesson, but it is not exactly the lesson Judy had in mind. Meanwhile, Linda contemplates Perry's request to spice up their sex life outside of the bedroom.

Bill and Judy are so ecstatic to hear that Bill's mother, Louise, is going to marry her boyfriend that Judy agrees to be her maid of honor. However, the nuptials are put in jeopardy when Louise's ex-husband, Al, wants to stop the wedding and win Louise back. Meanwhile, Linda is disheartened when Perry continues to postpone their wedding due to his music career.

Bill and Judy come to Fitz's rescue by helping him adjust to his new life as a single man by joining him in his new bachelor pad and helping him pick up women at a bar by pretending that they are all swinging singles. Meanwhile, Linda agrees to watch their kids until she figures out that Bill and Judy's efforts to help Fitz may not be as altruistic as they appear.

After Bill and Judy catch Brian, Lauren and their friends drinking in the basement, they decide to set an example and abstain from drinking for an entire month. Unfortunately, Bill and Judy's infamously wild Super Bowl party takes place during that time. Brian and Lauren are impressed that their parents have gone alcohol-free for a solid three weeks. However, when Super Bowl Sunday dawns, the "holiday" may be too much for Bill and Judy to handle sober.

Jonny plays with magic, makes friends with the crossing guard, and indulges in a big Indian feast.

Jonny discovers the power of hemp, makes some pierogies with the mamas and the babas, and picks up the beautiful art of Veselka dancing.

Welcome to Vulcan. This small Alberta town is Canada’s Star Trek capital.

Jonny tastes some crunchy crickets, feeds a crowd of hungry gators, and gets an almost TOO-relaxing Thai massage.

Jonny meets a palaeontology power couple who exemplify carbon dating at its finest.

Happy hour at Alice's = a gathering of seniors with surprisingly dirty minds.

Lake Cowichan, B.C., has been dying a slow death. But they're about to host a massive country music festival that could save — and overwhelm — their small town.

Jonny goes for a white-knuckle spin in a race car at Avondale's Eastbound International Speedway.

"It's elegant and dangerous all at the same time." These talented women from Edgerton, Alta., aren't horsing around when it comes to trick riding.

"It's not about just building a canoe to put it on the lake. It's about sharing my culture." Jonny learns the art of birchwood canoe building.

Jonny visits Manitou's "water park", delivers a monologue at the theatre, and tries to stay on target at the archery club.

Jonny goes for a dive to explore some WWII wreck sites, gets some step dancing lessons, and has a kitchen party at Dicks' Fish and Chips.

“Sometimes tragedy brings out the best in people.” Jonny Harris says Fort McMurray has a lot to be proud of.

When Tina comes running to Judy to do the ""manly job"" of killing a spider, Bill realizes that does not wear the pants in the Miller household, but in fact, Judy does since she does all the jobs he should stereotypically do. With that in mind, Bill decides to prove that he is indeed the manlier Miller by repairing Tina's broken dollhouse all by himself. Meanwhile, Lauren gets conflicting advice about dealing with her new boyfriend from Bill, Judy and Linda.

In order to pay for a tutor to help him study for the PSAT, a stressed-out Brian takes a job with Bill and runs circles around Bill and his slothful co-workers. Meanwhile, Linda uses Lauren to nab a divorcee with a son.

Jealous of his friend's relationship with his athletic son, Bill tries to bond with Brian by helping him build a St. Patrick's Day parade float. Meanwhile, Lauren dreads the humiliation she's going to suffer when the uncoordinated Judy performs her Irish river dance at the parade.

When Bill's mother, Louise, introduces the family to her new boyfriend, Johnny, Bill is ecstatic that she has someone to occupy her time. But the happiness is short-lived as Bill and Judy become suspicious that Johnny, an investment counselor to senior citizens, is bilking Louise out of her life savings. So, the Miller twosome arrange to have dinner with the guy, during which they start to put aside their worries about him – until he squeezes Judy's rear end.

Judy discovers that ""boys night out"" consists of flirting with a waitress at the local restaurant. However, when Judy informs Bill that the pretty, young waitress is really an overworked, single mother, Bill accuses Judy of being jealous – until he learns of her flirtation with the mailman.

While visiting from Florida, Bill's macho father, Al Miller, decides he wants to spend some quality time with his son so he makes plans to re-create a past bowhunting trip he took Bill on as a child to toughen the boy up. Brian, meanwhile, sharpens his math skills as he prepares to compete in the Math Olympics.

Jonny meets a trio of new Canadians who helped their small Saskatchewan town recover from a devastating flood by restoring its beloved 19th-century hotel.

Jonny tears up the trails with a member of The Rankin Family, picks up some conversational Gaelic, and helps welcome a Syrian refugee family to the Maritimes.

This small Manitoba town got its hockey rink thanks to a ballsy fundraising idea: a calendar of men 55 and over, in the buff.

Jonny puts on a "hard rock" show, straddles the Canada-US border, and picks up a game of shinny.

Jonny meets Neil Young's childhood friend, takes rifle shooting lessons from the town doctor, and goes adventure diving in a swimming pool.

Jonny visits an oil town excited for the completion of a new highway that will complete Canada’s road network from coast to coast to coast.

Jonny visits a floundering community that is looking to its historic railway to get back on track.

Jonny goes spelunking, takes on a paper route, and gets his squares in order for bingo night.

Jonny discovers the art of sausage stuffing, gets his boots dirty on some rugged terrain, and learns about a horticulturist's plans to grow medical marijuana.

Jonny pampers the town's furry friends, samples a taste of maple heaven, and ziplines through the trees to catch a breathtaking view.

Jonny does some heavy 'mussel' lifting, goes back to grade school, and gets acquainted with the town ghost.

Jonny loads boxes of 'nipples' (pipeline fittings), gets up-close and personal with a swarm of chickens, and tries his hand at a game of curling.

Jonny fries up a big batch of fresh donuts, busts out the chainsaw to carve his very own totem pole, and picks up a fierce game of hoops.

After Linda meets a nice man and goes out with him hours after being dumped by another guy, Judy advises her not to go so fast. Linda and Judy have a fight, where Judy is blamed to always be nosing on her sister's life. Judy then decides to let her sister live her own life, and as a result she starts overcontrolling her children's lives with all the extra time she has in her hands. When they can't take it anymore, Bill decides to get the two back together and establish peace in the family.

Bill and Linda decide to help Lauren with her science project to show her that they care about what she's doing and end up making the science project for her. After they get an A, Lauren's teacher decides to move her to the advanced science class and Lauren is desperate. Linda and Bill promise to help, but Lauren ends up using them to do all her work while she goes to mall to date a boy. When her parents discover her lies, Lauren says she only got interested in science because the boy she's dating is a science geek.

Bill has to crawl back into Judy's favor by apologizing to her hairdresser for calling him a rip-off artist.

The humorous Valentine's Day card that Judy receives from Bill leaves her feeling as if the romance in their marriage is dead. To reignite the old spark, Judy shows up at Bill's job wearing nothing but a trench coat and high heels, but her surprising visit doesn't go exactly as planned. Elsewhere, Brian seeks his parents' advice when trying to impress a girl at school.

Bill feels inadequate in the company of Linda's physically fit boyfriend, so he attempts to prove his own athleticism by joining a beginner hockey league, but overexerts himself just trying to keep up with the other players. Meanwhile, Judy is pressured into joining a health club and taking spinning classes.

Jonny takes the ferry to the edge of the earth, rugged Fogo Island, Newfoundland

Jonny rings the liberty bell where freedom reigns in Buxton, Ontario.

Jonny gets marooned in the old western ghost town of Rowley, Alberta.

Jonny takes a joy ride to “tractor town” Teeswater, Ontario.

Jonny thumbs his way all the way up to wawawonderful Wawa, Ontario.

In Manitou, Manitoba, Jonny learns you don’t get to be a town of champions without fighting for your place.

Jonny pans for gold and learns that the true currency in Lytton, B.C. isn’t dollars, it’s trust in the future.

Jonny visits historic Oil Springs, Ontario – the birthplace of the modern oil industry.

As the residents of Berwick, Nova Scotia demonstrate, if you shake the barrel, the big apples will rise to the top.

Jonny meets the larger than life characters of Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan.

Jonny sails into the seaside town of Souris, P.E.I. to fish with the friendliest folks around.

Jonny digs up the dirt on the Rocky Mountain mining town of Coleman, Alberta.

Jonny befriends a local socialite with a cannon, narrowly survives a fake Tsunami and discovers the true meaning of hard-core community.