NRRM applies to feature Fort Nelson in upcoming HGTV production

FORT NELSON, B.C. — A showcase of Fort Nelson that includes some community revitalization efforts could hit residents’ TV screens late next year.

During the October 14th council meeting, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) staff members gauged interest in submitting an application to be featured in an upcoming TV show on Home and Garden Television (HGTV).

The channel — owned by Rogers and airing mainly reality shows about home improvement and real estate — is expanding a popular American show called Home Town Takeover into Canada.

A press release from Rogers issued in September says the new version of the show, Home Town Takeover Canada, will “shine a light on a Canadian small town facing real challenges and give it the boost it needs to get back on its feet.”

Rogers is accepting applications from communities with 20,000 residents or less to be featured in the first season of the show.

During the council meeting, concerns were raised about whether the NRRM had the capacity to make the application and support the show if successful.

Lisa Thompson, the NRRM’s director of regional development and planning, reassured councillors that, between her department and the municipality’s corporate services team, submitting an application wouldn’t be an issue.

“If we were successful, I think then that would be another conversation with [chief administrative officer Scott Barry] and potentially yourselves about where it sits on the priorities,” Thompson added.

“If it highlights our community and creates a benefit for homeowners, or for our parks or whatever that we end up being successful with, then I think it’s a fairly important project. That’s my two cents.”

Toni Pike, the municipality’s director of finance, argued that being featured in a show like Home Town Takeover Canada would be an “economic driver” for the community.

“Staff and services that are required to wrap around the production, that in itself can contribute to a local economy,” she said, adding that the American version of the show is “grounded in community values.”

Mayor Rob Fraser called the show a “great opportunity” for the community to attract new residents. Council ultimately voted unanimously to submit an application.

The show is set to begin production some time in 2026 after a community is chosen, and is expected to air some time between fall 2026 and winter 2027.