CBC's Still Standing visits Inuvik, N.W.T.

Actor and comedian Jonny Harris and a TV crew are in Inuvik to film an episode of the CBC show Still Standing — a TV series which finds humour in towns that are struggling economically.

"It's more of a toast than a roast," Harris said. "It's supposed to be fun, but at the end of the day you want to be endearing.

"You want to flatter the town, rather than upset people."

Harris, the show's host, is well-known for his role as Constable George Crabtree in the CBC drama series Murdoch Mysteries. He also regularly performs at comedy festivals across the country.

Harris says Inuvik, with its boom and bust economic cycles and vibrant community life, suited the show.

• Inuvik economy struggling, says new report commissioned by town

"Inuvik has been through a lot of ups and downs, I've heard from the people that I talked to," said Harris. "Petroleum exploration has had a lot to do with that and that's sort of on the downswing now.

"But we look for survival stories. We are interested in towns that stick it out."

Harris has only been in Inuvik four days but he says he's impressed with how much people volunteer in the community.

While visiting Inuvik's Arctic Food Bank, run by the town's Midnight Sun Mosque, Harris said he loves that the town is so racially and religiously diverse, and yet, all these different groups seem to get along.

• Inuvik mosque to stock new food bank with country food

"When you're in a little town that's struggling to get by, all this petty bigotry and racism just goes out the window," he said. "There's just no time for it." 

In addition to filming his show, Harris and his 13-person crew will be hosting a couple of events for the community.

On Friday, they're inviting the community to a winter solstice party at Inuvik's Midnight Sun Complex from 12 to 2 p.m.

Harris will also host a night of comedy on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Inuvik's Ingamo Hall.

The episode of Still Standing featuring Inuvik will likely air next summer.