If there was any doubt about Canada鈥檚 passion for hockey, look no further than Jasper.聽
In 2016/2017 the town expects to host 31 weekend tournaments at the Jasper Arena鈥揳 record for the municipality and more than double the number of hockey tournaments held in 2001/2002.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty much the maximum number of tournaments we can have unless we continue through June, July and August,鈥� said Yvonne McNabb, director of culture and recreation.
While hosting 31 tournaments says a lot about the sport鈥檚 popularity, the economic spin off created by tournaments is equally impressive.
According to McNabb, the estimated impact from tournaments has grown from $1.6 million in 2001/2002 to nearly $4 million this season.
鈥淲hen people come in for hockey tournaments it鈥檚 usually a family,鈥� said McNabb. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e paying for gate fees, they鈥檙e paying hotel fees, they鈥檙e paying for food for a family of four, they have incidentals, occasionally part of the family will go skiing, so they are contributing a lot through the winter.鈥�
A recent report published by Scotia Bank backs up her claim.
According to the 2015 report, $2.6 billion moves directly between communities in Canada each year as a result of hockey with 52 per cent of that money contributed to the tourism industry.
In fact, according to the report more than $1 billion flows into communities of less than 100,000 people.
It鈥檚 not just hockey tournaments that have an economic impact on towns like Jasper.
According to McNabb, bonspiels also have a significant impact.
鈥淭hey bring in a significant number of people into the community and believe me, the ladies bonspiel, they鈥檙e having a good time, they鈥檙e spending money, they鈥檙e shopping,鈥� said McNabb.
鈥淭heir economic impact is probably significantly higher than what we anticipate with hockey tournaments.鈥�
In the summer the town also reaps economic benefits by hosting getaway and sports camps for children.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e not utilizing hotel space, but they are spending their allowances,鈥� said McNabb, explaining children dorm at the Activity Centre or at the school across the road.
She also said a lot of camps take advantage of other activities offered in town such as rafting.
Beyond the economic impact for local businesses, the camps also generate revenue for the municipality.
According to last year鈥檚 budget, the camps generate $70,000 in net profit, which equates to a cost recovery of about 140 per cent.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
