City Submits Nomination for HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada

The City of Kenora’s Economic Development and Tourism team has nominated Kenora for HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada, expanding from the popular U.S. franchise to celebrate community pride and support revitalization efforts in communities with a population of 20,000 or fewer. The selected community will be announced by HGTV in the coming months. 

Building on the success of its U.S. series, Home Town Takeover Canada will feature HGTV favourites Ben and Erin Napier alongside a skilled team of Canadian designers and builders, who will revamp homes, businesses, and public spaces. Production will begin in 2026, with the Canadian series set to premiere in Fall 2026/Winter 2027.

Nominations opened this Fall, and the City was excited to submit Kenora’s nomination.  HGTV invites communities to highlight their community pride and the hurdles they encounter, with an emphasis on areas that could “benefit from a small-town revitalization movement”. All applicants were required to submit a comprehensive package that outlines the community’s strengths, challenges, explains why the community “deserves a life-changing makeover,” and to include accompanying photography and an engaging video.

Kenora’s nomination celebrates the strengths of our community, including the arts, culture, our natural beauty and lake life, while also emphasizing Kenora’s role as a regional services hub for Northwestern Ontario. 

“Kenora is a shining example of Canadian living and small-town heart. Nominating our City for Home Town Takeover Canada is a step forward in celebrating our community pride while also addressing real challenges we face together,” expresses Mayor Poirier. “This is a chance to showcase what makes our community special.”

Megan Dokuchie, Economic Development Officer, shares “A successful nomination could attract investment, tourism and new opportunities while preserving Kenora’s character, and strengthening our sense of community spirit.”

A special thank you to local community members who participated in the nomination video, including a fun cameo from Mayor Poirier. We also wish to express our appreciation to Matt Kennedy of Upriver Media for his creativity and talent in video production.  

The City is excited to share what makes Kenora special, from our people to our beautiful natural surroundings. 

We invite every resident, business and community organization to get involved. Watch the nomination video and share it with your friends, families, and colleagues. Spread the word by using #HGTVVisitKenora and #HomeTownTakeoverCanada on social media to amplify Kenora’s story. Your engagement can showcase Kenora’s pride and help promote Kenora’s nomination.

Media contact

Mya Horley, Senior Communications Advisor, City of Kenora
mhorley@kenora.ca  
807-467-2006