It may be a small village, but its mayor has really big dreams for its future!
Berwyn Mayor Nicole Johnson heard about the opportunity to apply for HGTV’s Hometown Takeover Canada, a U.S.-based series recently introduced to Canada. The purpose of the show is to help revitalize a small Canadian community, aiming to highlight the resilience of small towns across the country.
“I believe Berwyn’s families deserve more space to gather, play, and connect,” says Johnson.
“Winning this Hometown Takeover would be a way of saying thank you to our community, and a bold step towards renewal. We would love to show Canada what small villages can do.”
The Village recently submitted its online application that required a series of questions answered about the community. HGTV contacted Johnson afterwards to request a follow-up video to display what Berwyn is about and why it should be on the show.
“I think a few of the things that would make this successful for Berwyn is transforming key public spaces, boost Berwyn’s local pride, and attract new families to find their home here,” says Johnson of what winning the Takeover could mean.
“A makeover would be more than cosmetic, it is about creating lasting impacts for families, youth and future generations who live here.”
Johnson says the show is expected to air in 2026 or 2027. She says one small Canadian town under 20,000 people will be selected to undergo a revitalization based on the needs of the community.
“We have faced challenges head on and never stopped believing in our future,” says Johnson.
“Being on council you see things from all sides of the table. Shutting the arena down was a hard decision, with it being the last recreational building we had around, and a lot of people were upset, understandably,” she adds.
“I knew from that moment we needed something that was easily maintained and outdoors for everyone to enjoy. My focus for this application was exactly that; recreation to bring people together again.”
Berwyn’s video submission can be viewed on its YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/9q3hZLTRsOQ. The video shows what Berwyn is all about and advocates for the importance of recreational opportunities in the village. The video includes interviews with many residents and also Johnson.
“We are a tight-knit, family focused community with deep roots,” Johnson says.
“Kids ride their bikes all over the village and you know there are people looking out for them, neighbour’s wave, you know most people by their name, and we help each other out when someone is in need.”
Johnson says there has not been a clear date given as to when decisions will be made by HGTV, however; she anticipates based on what she’s seen that they will know early in the year. HGTV will select the winning town based on applications, photos and videos that have been submitted by qualifying communities.
“The makeover will be tailored to the town’s needs and that could be revitalizing a park, building, or public spaces,” Johnson explains.
“I think it would energize our youth, give families more activities to enjoy while visiting or living here, and give us a physical space that reflects Berwyn’s spirit.”
Johnson says she hopes communities in the area help to support Berwyn’s bid for HGTV’s Hometown Takeover.
“. . .This is our way of saying we believe in our village and we’re ready for whatever comes our way,” she concludes.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter