The Kindest Community is a title that Arcola hopes to win
February 2, 2026, 11:03 am
Stephanie Zoer
2025 was the inaugural year of the Coca Cola program that recognizes and rewards communities that stand out for their brightness and kindness. Last year Jarvis, Ontario, won the $50,000 prize. This contest is Canada wide from coast to coast.
A few months ago, Scott Tessier, the Mayor of Arcola was drinking a Coca Cola and noticed the contest on the side of the can. He looked up the information and thought to himself, “I think Arcola can have a chance to win this, if these other small communities have a chance.”
Tessier said that the communities coming up in the contest were all small towns, either the same size or smaller than Arcola. All Tessier had to do was write a 100-word essay on a person from the town that has done a kind act. He said that this was an easy task for him as one person stood out.
He had one volunteer in mind who has taken the time with his extraordinary dedication to the Disc Golf Course. This person is Eugene Brown. Tessier said that Brown spends endless hours at the course watering hundreds of young, planted trees, making sure they have not tipped over and are protected. “His kindness shows in every sapling he saves after a windstorm and every hour he spends helping our club build something lasting for this community,” Tessier said.
“He goes out several times a week and sometimes daily, walking the fairways with a water tank, hand tools, and a calm determination,” said Tessier.
The Disc Golf Course is a major gathering place for families, kids and players of all ages, and Brown’s efforts are shaping its future.
“Many of these trees will not reach full size for decades, and he knows that he may never see them to maturity, but he keeps going,” said Tessier.
“Brown wants the next generation to have a beautiful, shaded, welcoming place to play,” said Tessier. “Eugene’s work is more than maintenance; it is a gift. His selfless care is the definition of quiet, lasting kindness.”
Tessier created a page on Facebook titled “Life In Arcola” with the help of his wife and sister. It was here that he posted about the contest, so other people could write their own essays about the town and get Arcola on the list.
Going about his daily business, Tessier forgot about the contest until he was contacted by the Evan Bray Show. He was asked if he knew who the winner was, as Arcola had reached the top ten.
Tessier was surprised to hear that his town had reached the top ten. Although they have been told that it was to be announced on January 18 which town had won, when Tessier checked a decision had not been made or it was not posted.
In the final ten, there are three towns from British Columbia, one from Quebec, two from Alberta, one from Newfoundland and Labrador, two from Ontario and one from Saskatchewan. The wait is on to see whether Arcola will be picked as number one and the winner of the $100,000 prize.
