Around 150 people gathered at Helen Hunley Memorial Park on Nov. 23 to show off community spirit as part of the region’s ongoing bid to appear on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada.
It was the “perfect opportunity”, says town communications coordinator, Laura Button, as the annual Christmas Light Up was already in full swing.
“[Rocky] has been really well received by the casting agency,” she says. “They asked us for one additional piece of footage which was a community cheer — putting the community energy behind this pitch.”
The bid is a collaboration between the Rocky Chamber, Discovery Rocky, and town of Rocky Mountain House to have the area featured as the first community on the new Canadian version of the popular U.S. series, Home Town Takeover.
Show producers say they’re looking for a town with heart, history and a drive to revitalize its main street, local homes and gathering spaces.
Discover Rocky co-chair Matt Lambert says the project could lead to national visibility and recognition for the community.
Rocky Chamber president Tim Hoven said if the town is featured on the show, it could bring more entrepreneurs and investment across the region—leading to more jobs, increased business and new opportunities.
Production on Home Town Takeover Canada is expected to begin in 2026, with a premiere slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
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Rocky Mountain House residents gather at Helen Hunley Memorial Park to “cheer” for the town’s bid to appear on HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover Canada’ (Laura Button/Town of Rocky Mountain House)
Community Events Committee Chair Tina Hutchinson says the whole event on Sunday overall was a huge success and credits the hard work of committee members.
Along with the tree lighting, Christmas treats, and an appearance from Santa, Hutchinson says the Rocky Filipino Association led the gathered crowd in a carol singalong.
Going forward, Hutchinson says the next event is a family day skating event and chili cookoff on Feb. 16.
The 2025 Christmas Light Up follows the inaugural event held in 2024.
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