Still Standing (2015)
← Back to main
Jonny Harris — Writer
Episodes 95
Bamfield, B.C.
Jonny befriends a local socialite with a cannon, narrowly survives a fake Tsunami and discovers the true meaning of hard-core community.
Read MoreColeman, Alta.
Jonny digs up the dirt on the Rocky Mountain mining town of Coleman, Alberta.
Read MoreSouris, P.E.I.
Jonny sails into the seaside town of Souris, P.E.I. to fish with the friendliest folks around.
Read MoreWillow Bunch, Sask.
Jonny meets the larger than life characters of Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan.
Read MoreBerwick, N.S.
As the residents of Berwick, Nova Scotia demonstrate, if you shake the barrel, the big apples will rise to the top.
Read MoreOil Springs, Ont.
Jonny visits historic Oil Springs, Ontario – the birthplace of the modern oil industry.
Read MoreLytton, BC
Jonny pans for gold and learns that the true currency in Lytton, B.C. isn’t dollars, it’s trust in the future.
Read MoreManitou, Man.
In Manitou, Manitoba, Jonny learns you don’t get to be a town of champions without fighting for your place.
Read MoreWawa, Ont.
Jonny thumbs his way all the way up to wawawonderful Wawa, Ontario.
Read MoreTeeswater, ON
Jonny takes a joy ride to “tractor town” Teeswater, Ontario.
Read MoreRowley, Alta.
Jonny gets marooned in the old western ghost town of Rowley, Alberta.
Read MoreBuxton, ON
Jonny rings the liberty bell where freedom reigns in Buxton, Ontario.
Read MoreFogo Island, N.L.
Jonny takes the ferry to the edge of the earth, rugged Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Read MoreSkidegate, BC
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.
Read MoreVanastra, ON
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.
Read MoreGeorgetown, P.E.I.
Jonny does some heavy 'mussel' lifting, goes back to grade school, and gets acquainted with the town ghost.
Read MoreFort Coulonge, Que.
Jonny pampers the town's furry friends, samples a taste of maple heaven, and ziplines through the trees to catch a breathtaking view.
Read MoreTelkwa, BC
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.
Read MoreEganville, Ont.
Jonny goes spelunking, takes on a paper route, and gets his squares in order for bingo night.
Read MoreMcAdam, N.B.
Jonny visits a floundering community that is looking to its historic railway to get back on track.
Read MoreInuvik, N.W.T.
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.
Read MoreOmemee, Ont.
Jonny meets Neil Young's childhood friend, takes rifle shooting lessons from the town doctor, and goes adventure diving in a swimming pool.
Read MoreStanstead, Que.
Jonny puts on a "hard rock" show, straddles the Canada-US border, and picks up a game of shinny.
Read MorePilot Mound, Man.
This small Manitoba town got its hockey rink thanks to a ballsy fundraising idea: a calendar of men 55 and over, in the buff.
Read MoreMabou, N.S.
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.
Read MoreMaple Creek, Sask.
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.
Read MoreFort McMurray, Alta.
“Sometimes tragedy brings out the best in people.” Jonny Harris says Fort McMurray has a lot to be proud of.
Read MoreBell Island, N.L.
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.
Read MoreManitou Beach, Sask.
Jonny visits Manitou's "water park", delivers a monologue at the theatre, and tries to stay on target at the archery club.
Read MoreMattawa, Ont.
"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.
Read MoreEdgerton, Alta.
"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.
Read MoreAvondale, N.L.
Jonny goes for a white-knuckle spin in a race car at Avondale's Eastbound International Speedway.
Read MoreLake Cowichan, B.C.
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.
Read MoreReston, Man.
Happy hour at Alice's = a gathering of seniors with surprisingly dirty minds.
Read MoreTumbler Ridge, B.C.
Jonny meets a palaeontology power couple who exemplify carbon dating at its finest.
Read MoreNorwood, Ont.
Jonny tastes some crunchy crickets, feeds a crowd of hungry gators, and gets an almost TOO-relaxing Thai massage.
Read MoreVulcan, Alta.
Welcome to Vulcan. This small Alberta town is Canada’s Star Trek capital.
Read MoreGilbert Plains, Man.
Jonny discovers the power of hemp, makes some pierogies with the mamas and the babas, and picks up the beautiful art of Veselka dancing.
Read MoreSouth River, Ont.
Jonny plays with magic, makes friends with the crossing guard, and indulges in a big Indian feast.
Read MoreTignish, PEI
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.
Read MoreCarcross, Yukon
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.
Read MoreRogersville, NB
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.
Read MoreFraser Lake, BC
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.
Read MoreCobalt, ON
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.
Read MoreNew Denmark, NB
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.
Read MoreWilberforce, ON
The struggling hamlet of Wilberforce is rebranding itself as a go-to outdoor destination and the geocaching capital of Canada.
Read MoreTyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON
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.
Read MoreHuntingdon, QC
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.
Read MoreRadisson, SK
Radisson is experiencing a resurgence of its downtown core, led by a 13-year-old entrepreneur and his rock museum.
Read MoreCampobello Island, NB
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.
Read MoreSchreiber, ON
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.
Read MoreHarrison Hot Springs, BC
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.
Read MoreEast Preston, NS
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.
Read MoreChurchill, MB
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.
Read MoreFortune, NL
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.
Read MoreNipigon, ON
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.
Read MoreHarbour Grace, NL
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.
Read MoreGravelbourg, SK
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.
Read MoreBristol, QC
For years, Bristol had a reputation as a vacation destination, boasting a growing cottage community, a number of hotels and a legendary dancehall scene. But changing tastes and a shifting economy brought about by the disappearance of its logging and mining industries have left Bristol looking to get its mojo back. Now, a new group of entrepreneurs is using the land in new and interesting ways in order to make Bristol a destination once more!
Read MoreLumby, BC
After the closure of all three of its major lumber mills, Lumby lost not only hundreds of jobs and local businesses, but also its sense of identity. Now the town is emerging, hopeful with a diverse economy that includes arts, culture, and a 40-acre grow-op that’s hoping to make pot for pets.
Read MoreCalabogie, ON
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to Calabogie to have a good time on the ski slopes, raceway, winding roads, and golf courses. But those who call Calabogie home year-round, have gone without a backbone industry since its days as a resource town in the 60’s. That means if you want to stay after you play, it’s the rule of C - Cobble together a series of jobs, create a new business, or commute.
Read MoreSiksika Nation, AB
The infamous Alberta flood of June 2013 left parts of the Siksika Nation reserve under 10 feet of water and a third of its population homeless. It’s been five and a half years and they are is still dealing with the effects of the disaster, but they hope the end is in sight. Until then, Siksikaquans are using creativity, guidance from their knowledge and good news they can celebrate.
Read MorePelee Island, ON
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.
Read MoreBear River, NS
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.
Read MoreLillooet, BC
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.
Read MoreVittoria, ON
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.
Read MoreWoody Point, NL
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.
Read MorePinawa, MB
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.
Read MoreCap-Pelé, NB
Ingenuity and resilience are hallmark traits of Cap-Pelé, a small, Acadian fishing village in New Brunswick that has seen its fair share of struggles.
Read MoreBotwood, NL
Botwood has been working to revive industry and lure former residents back home ever since the closure of a nearby mill shut down their busy port.
Read MoreTurner Valley, AB
When oil and gas was struck elsewhere, Turner Valley, AB, was left with not much more than abandoned wells and an out-of-date processing plant. But, from the ashes, a fresh new crop of entrepreneurs is emerging and redefining this former boom-town.
Read MoreRankin Inlet, NU
The economy of Rankin Inlet has seen its ups and downs but the struggles that come with living in this remote and unforgiving landscape remain constant.
Read MorePort Stanley, Ont
When Port Stanley's prosperous commercial fishing industry collapsed, the beach town was left with an identity crisis and an uncertain future.
Read MoreWakefield, Que
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.
Read MoreChemainus, BC
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.
Read MoreMinden, Ont
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.
Read MoreMiddleton, NS
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.
Read MoreWarkworth, Ont
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.
Read MoreOxford, NS
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.
Read MoreSt. Laurent, Man
The largest Métis 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.
Read MoreFenelon Falls, Ont
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.
Read MoreGibsons, BC
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.
Read MoreOneida Nation of the Thames, ON
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.
Read MoreMorden, MB
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.
Read MoreLac La Biche, AB
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.
Read MoreGoderich, ON
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.
Read MoreUcluelet, BC
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.
Read MoreMarkdale, ON
With a complete rebuild after Markdale's all-important ice cream factory burned down and the influx of COVID-era newcomers from the city, the community is becoming more vibrant than it was before.
Read MoreOkanagan Falls, BC
Comedian Jonny Harris explores small towns on the ropes, performs stand-up shows for the locals who’ve stuck it out, and proves that Canadians know how to laugh at themselves.
Read MoreWabush, NL
Cain's Quest, one of the longest snowmobile races in the world, has turned Wabush from "the middle of nowhere" to the centre of it all.
Read MoreNew Richmond, QC
When New Richmond's town mill closed, it reinvented itself as a hub of rally car racing, Mi'kmaq culture, and world-class fly fishing.
Read More