Northern BC Winter Games Economic Impact

Economic Impact Assessments of the Northern B.C. Winter Games were conducted in Dawson Creek (1998), Prince Rupert (1999), and Kitimat (2004). These assessments identified:

the economic impact of the Games (planning, preparation and staging) ranged from $556,000 (Kitimat) to $850,000 (Prince Rupert)
over two-thirds of the impact was created by spending of the participants, volunteers and spectators
one-third of total spending was the result of spending by the Games organizers

Ways the impacts are realized:

the Host Community Board of Directors begin to plan for the Games two years in advance with a budget of approximately $200,000. The Board will make printing, internet, telephone, computer, sport equipment and other purchases, primarily through local businesses
the Northern B.C. Winter Games Society Board members and the BC Games Society staff attending meetings on a regular basis in the community using local hotels, restaurants and other businesses
the Games' many guests purchasing items at local retailers and visit local establishments throughout the days of the Games
the special events of the Games (such as a banquet for 200 people) supporting local businesses
family members and friends also travelling to the Games to cheer on their children or teams…. most of these people stay in local hotels and utilize the services of local businesses
approximately 30 buses bringing Games participants into the community, services required for these buses and their drivers are purchased in the community

Economic Impact Studies