HGTV Canada's #1 Series of 2012 is Back With Big Stars and a Big New Prize

Bryan Baeumler, Scott McGillivray and Paul Lafrance Will Judge The Second Season of Canada's Handyman Challenge

Premieres Tuesday January 22 at 10pm ET/PT on HGTV Canada

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TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - HGTV Canada's top series of 2012* returns in search of Canada's best handyman. In the new season of Canada's Handyman Challenge, HGTV celebrities Bryan Baeumler (Leave It To Bryan), Scott McGillivray (Income Property) and Paul Lafrance (Decked Out) are teaming up as judges along with HGTV newcomer Jennifer Robertson (Little Mosque on the Prairie, Mr. D) as host. The competition is amplified this season as contestants battle it out for the all-new $25,000 prize. Canada's Handyman Challenge premieres on Tuesday January 22^nd at 10pm ET/PT on HGTV Canada.

"Canada's Handyman Challenge provides talented Canadians with a unique opportunity. Not only do they showcase their skills on a national platform, but they have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to receive guidance and advice from some of the top talent in the contracting and construction industries, plus a shot at a $25,000 prize," said Barb Williams, Senior Vice President of Content, Shaw Media.

The competition this season is fierce. The top five contestants from auditions in Halifax, Vancouver and Toronto will move on to the Top 15 where they'll face intense challenges, demanding expectations and tough critiques from the judges. From building freestanding patio swings in under two hours, reupholstering a chair in just 30 minutes and facing the judges for one-on-one trivia, the challenges this season will test speed, expertise and precision to determine which contestants thrive and which fail in their effort to walk away $25,000 richer.

"The caliber of contestants this season is just amazing," said Bryan Baeumler, judge on Canada's Handyman Challenge. "The $25,000 prize has certainly added a more competitive atmosphere to the series this season, highlighting the outstanding skill this country has to offer."

Canada's most trusted contractor Mike Holmes (Holmes Makes It Right) will appear as a guest judge in the final episode to weigh in on the decision to name Canada's Best Handyman and award the $25,000 prize. In a season with more contestants, more diverse challenges and a prize that takes the competition over the top, Canada's Handyman Challenge is sure to become a fan favourite on HGTV once again.

For full episodes after they air, behind the scenes photos and exclusive interviews with the judges and host of Canada's Handyman Challenge, visit www.hgtv.ca.

*Source: BBM Canada PPM data, 1/2/12-12/2/12 (all data confirmed); 4+ airings, Viewers 2+

Social Media Links:
Website: www.hgtv.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hgtv.ca
Twitter: @hgtvcanada

HGTV Canada is a Shaw Media Network

About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, NYSE - SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.

SOURCE: HGTV - Home & Garden Television

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Sarah Stevens
Publicist, HGTV and DIY Network Canada 
Shaw Media
416-324-7471
[email protected]