Registration Opens for the 2026 Urban Portage Challenge

MNO citizens, families, communities, clients, and staff in regions 2 – 9 are invited to get moving together during the 5th Annual Urban Portage Challenge.

Running from September 1 to October 23, 2026, the Urban Portage Challenge is a walking initiative that encourages healthy living, strengthens community connections, and brings participants together around a shared goal.

Hosted by the MNO Healing and Wellness Branch, this year’s challenge will include a soft launch from August 17–31, giving Community Champions time to promote the challenge and register participants before the official start date.

The PawVoyage initiative is also returning! Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs — or any furry or feathered friends — along for the challenge, with monthly prizes awarded for top pet photos.

The challenge is open to MNO citizens, people who self-identify as Métis, MNO clients, and MNO staff in regions were the Métis Family Wellbeing Programs (MFWBs) are available (Regions 2 – 9).

Each hub will be led by a local Métis Family Wellbeing Coordinator serving as a Community Champion. To participate, individuals must register with their Champion and have access to a device that can track daily steps. Those who are unsure who to contact can reach out to the OneMNO team, who will connect them with their coordinator.

Twenty-five competition hubs representing communities across Ontario will take part in this year’s challenge. Throughout September and October, Champions will organize local walking activities and events to help keep participants motivated.

Participants will have the opportunity to win monthly prizes, including grocery gift cards and PawVoyage pet prizes. Communities will also compete for top honours, with the winning community receiving $1,000 to host a celebration event. Second- and third-place communities will receive $750 and $500 respectively.

Registration opens during the soft launch on August 17, and the challenge officially begins on September 1.

Whether you’re aiming for more daily steps, looking to improve your health, or simply want to connect with others in your community, the Urban Portage Challenge is a fun and rewarding way to stay active together.

Contact your local Community Champion or the OneMNO team to learn more and register.