CHAPLEAU WINS 2011 WFN: WORLD FISHING NETWORK'S ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN CANADA

Bill Groves

After casting more than 500,000 online votes at www.wfnfishingtown.com, Canadian anglers have selected Chapleau, Ontario as the 2011 WFN: World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing Town Canada. 

The small village of nearly 2,500 residents succeeds Port Alberni, BC which earned the title last year. The announcement was made by Mark Rubinstein, President and CEO of World Fishing Network, North America's only 24/7 fishing channel.

This post is based on a news release from WFN posted on its web site. Photos reflect some of the many great Chapleauites who helped me with posts on the contest. Thanks to all of you and congrats to Chapleau.

Representatives of Chapleau, ON will receive a $25,000 community donation to be used towards a fishing-related cause(s) and 10 WaveSpin Reels at a local ceremony emceed by Mariko Izumi, host of WFN's popular fishing and travel show Hookin' Up. The town will also receive national recognition from the honour and have a feature produced about fishing in Chapleau to air on WFN.

George Theriault

"The drive and determination of the community and its supporters across the country won the fishing crown for Chapleau. I am overwhelmed with excitement and pride that our community has been named WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town Canada," said Charley Plourde of the Chapleau Fishing Advisory Committee. "Chapleau has been hard hit by the downturn in the forestry industry and is working hard to rebuild itself through economic diversification. Being named WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town puts Chapleau on the map as a fishing destination for anglers around the world and creates an opportunity for Chapleau's tourism industry to thrive."

Chapleau, ON, is home to the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve one of the world's largest wildlife preserves. Located in central northeastern Ontario, Chapleau is geographically isolated with the nearest cities, Sault Ste Marie, Timmins and Sudbury several hours away. It is best known for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike fishing.

After more than 240 towns throughout Canada were nominated in March, a preliminary round of voting in April narrowed the field to 20 finalists. The competition quickly became a two-town race between a pair of Ontario towns more than 11 hours apart. Chapleau and Port Colborne traded places atop the leader board on a daily basis, but in the end Chapleau earned the title by the slimmest of margins.

Henry Byce

"We commend all of the towns for their enthusiasm, passion and pride and wanting to invite anglers all across Canada to experience everything their town has to offer," said Mr. Rubinstein. "WFN's search for Ultimate Fishing Town was not just about finding the place to catch the most fish. As any angler will tell you and as Chapleau proved, the people are just as important a factor. Chapleau's passionate angling community stepped-up to prove that their pride and passion is second to none."

Jay-John Bradley Corston

As the runner-up, Port Colborne, ON will be awarded $5,000 while the third place finisher, Port Hardy, BC will receive $2,500. WFN also partnered with four cable affiliates to award a cash prize to the town receiving the most votes in the areas they service. These include: Miramachi, NB receiving $2500 from Rogers Cable; Campbell River, BC being awarded $2,000 from Shaw Cable; Hastings, ON earning $1,000 from EastLink; and St. Catharine's receiving $1,000 from Cogeco Cable. WFN also awarded $1,000 to Port Renfrew, ON, who is serviced by Bell, as the town receiving the most votes that is not serviced by any of these affiliates.

The Top 20 finalists in order of finish are:

1. Chapleau, ON
2. Port Colborne, ON
3. Port Hardy, BC
4. Hastings, ON
5. Port Renfrew, BC
6. Campbell River, BC
7. Miramichi, NB
8. Barrie, ON
9. Athabasca, AB
10. Temagami, ON
11. Haliburton, ON
12. Juniper, NB
13. Lutsel K'e, NT
14. Burnt Church, NB
15. Honey Harbour, ON
16. Nain, NL
17. Nipawin, SK
18. Terrace, BC
19. Deline, NT
20. Yellowknife, NT

John Theriault

The 2011 WFN Ultimate Fishing Town Canada contest was supported by a trio of sponsors including: Oak Bay Marine Group, owners and operators of several world-class BC fishing resorts; Spectacular Northwest Territories, offering vacation ideas in magnificent wilderness surroundings in the Northwest Territories; and Prizing Sponsor WaveSpin Reels, the only reel with a tangle-free guarantee.

About WFN: World Fishing Network

WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel.

Hugh McGoldrick

Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the Network also delivers a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including; Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi, Reel Fishy Jobs with Mark Melnyk, Lost Lake and Getting School'd with JP DeRose. The beauty of WFN's programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN's multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.