Organizers have released their final economic impact report from the 2015 Canada Winter Games, and it’s even better than expected.

The host society found that total economic activity generated by the Games accounted for $123.4 million in British Columbia and $83.2 million in the Prince George area alone. Those numbers are substantially above the pre-Games estimate of between $70 million and $90 million in economic activity.

Other successes realized at the Games include ticket sales and attendance. More than 10,500 visitors came to Prince George to participate in or watch the Games, and 4,800 volunteers came together from across B.C. to support the 18-day, multi-sport event.

Why It Matters:

The 2015 Canada Winter Games hosted in Prince George were the largest multi-sport competition and first Winter Games to be held in the province. The Games were a success from both a technical and organizational standpoint, and received tremendous support from local residents and visitors. They also left behind a considerable infrastructure legacy in Prince George, with nearly $20 million of capital investments as a result of hosting the games.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink –

“Our government is developing a five-year hosting program to maximize opportunities that will draw sport and cultural events to the province and generate economic, tourism, and community development benefits. The 2015 Canada Winter Games were a prime example of a strong return on investment judging from the number of attendees on hand and the joyful atmosphere surrounding many of the events. I’m pleased to learn that this event was in fact a success for Prince George, northern British Columbia and the province. Congratulations to everyone involved on a job well done!”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“Our community did a fantastic job hosting the Canada Winter Games earlier this year. We knew that an important benefit of hosting the Games would be significant economic activity and it is great to see that the final numbers exceeded predictions. The Games provided us with a chance to show off our community and region, see some of Canada’s most outstanding athletes and generate a significant economic impact. I want to commend the host committee, sponsors and the over 4,000 volunteers for a job very well done.”

Mike Morris, MLA Prince George-Mackenzie –

“The people of Prince George and Northern B.C. should be extremely proud of the role they played in hosting the 2015 Canada Winter Games. This report acknowledges the success of those Games and the success we had in hosting a major national sporting event in our area. We can only hope to use this extraordinary experience to attract other major national and international events to our area.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of British Columbia invested $12.8 million in the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
• The Canada Games began in 1967. They are held every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.
• Previous Canada Games held in B.C. include the 1973 Summer Games (New Westminster/Burnaby) and 1993 Summer Games (Kamloops).
• The 2015 Canada Winter Games were awarded to Prince George on Sept. 17, 2010.
• Lheidli T’enneh was the Official Host First Nation – the first in the history of the Canada Games.