In a tale of regional pride intertwined with a popular TV show, British Columbia cities are playfully competing for recognition as the hometown of Hudson Williams, the acclaimed actor from the hit series “Heated Rivalry.” Williams, known for his role as Shane Hollander in the Crave production depicting a love story between rival hockey players, has strong ties to multiple cities in British Columbia. Born in Kelowna, raised in Kamloops, currently residing in Vancouver, and having worked in New Westminster, Williams has sparked a lighthearted rivalry among the cities.
Tourism organizations from these cities have engaged in a humorous online competition to humorously “claim” Williams as their own on social media platforms. Destination Vancouver’s consumer marketing manager, Samantha Clark, expressed enthusiasm for the spirited rivalry, emphasizing the promotional opportunities it presents. Following a move by Ottawa Tourism to declare itself the “birthplace of Shane Hollander,” Vancouver swiftly responded by asserting itself as the “home of Hudson Williams” in its Instagram bio.
Kamloops initially boasted as the “birthplace of Hudson Williams” but later retracted the claim after Williams clarified his birthplace as Kelowna during a podcast appearance. Tourism New Westminster took a different approach, positioning itself as the “proud home of Hudson Williams’ former workplace” at the Old Spaghetti Factory, where the actor had worked previously. The tourism marketing manager of New Westminster, Jasmine Crisp, humorously stated that anyone who has served spaghetti in New West is considered a “New Westie.”
Educational institutions also joined the fun, with Douglas College highlighting its proximity to Williams’ former workplace and Langara College proudly showcasing itself as Williams’ alma mater. Clark mentioned that the friendly competition among the cities has been beneficial for tourism promotion, leading Destination Vancouver to create a travel guide for fans of the show and Williams, featuring recommended stops such as the Old Spaghetti Factory.
As the playful rivalry continues, Vancouver’s claim to Williams is emphasized due to his significant connections to the city. Destination Vancouver even produced a video “investigation” presenting evidence of Williams’ ties to Vancouver, including his education at Langara College, spending New Year’s Eve in the city, and living with his mother in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Tourism Kamloops defended its territory against other claimants, showcasing the competitive yet good-natured spirit of the ongoing saga.
The international recognition of Williams and his co-star Connor Storrie has elevated the fame of “Heated Rivalry,” based on a book series by Rachel Reid from Nova Scotia. The show’s success has led to appearances on various platforms, including late-night talk shows and the Golden Globes. Additionally, Williams and Storrie were recently announced as torchbearers for the Olympic flame at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games in February, further solidifying their global impact.
Overall, the engaging rivalry among British Columbia cities over the claim to Hudson Williams exemplifies the fun and excitement generated by the success of “Heated Rivalry” and its talented cast, resonating with audiences both locally and internationally.
