X-C ski races brought in $900,000 (final = $1.2 million)
BY ROB ALEXANDER, CANMORE LEADER REPORTER
The Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships brought in 360-odd people and an estimated $900,000 to the Bow Valley last week.
The championships were held at the Nordic Centre from March 3 to 10.
Ron Remple, executive director of the Canmore Economic Development Authority, said on Monday (March 11) the amount is based on the assumption that 360 people, the number of registered racers, stayed in Canmore for eight days at $69 a night — the average for this time of year.
With that in mind, based on the model, accommodation alone brought in $198,720, accounting for 21.8 per cent of an individual’s total spending during the championships.
Meals and refreshments were $166,466 or 18.27 per cent; retail and souvenir was $105,328 or 11.56 per cent while recreation and entertainment accounted for $53,484 or 5.87 per cent. Other areas include food, vehicle maintenance and gas, car rental, registration and other purchases.
The total $910,959 does not stay completely in the community, Remple said, adding some of it leaks out of Canmore to suppliers outside the Bow Valley.
However,
even with the leakage, none of the economic benefit would have been seen if events such as
the ski championships were not held in Canmore, especially in the shoulder season, Remple
said.
Andy Harris, who organized the Championship with Ken Davies, said the model shows the benefit of attracting events such as the Championships.
Of note, this does not take into account the expenses of an estimated 100 coaches, parents, TD course participants etc.which would move the total figures well over the million $ mark. It also doesn't include airfares for approximately 200 people at an average of $500 each, adding another $100,000 of ecomomic benefit.
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